Welcome to Conversations with Women Leaders, brought to you by DePauw University.
Join us as we sit down with accomplished women leaders from various fields, who share their personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Discover how these trailblazers have overcome barriers and shattered glass ceilings, while making a positive impact on their communities and industries.
Through these enlightening conversations, we explore the importance of a liberal arts education in shaping well-rounded, intellectually agile leaders.
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Ep #01: Breaking Barriers with Dianna Boyce
Stevie Baker-Watson and Dianna Boyce
Welcome to the inaugural episode of Conversations with Women Leaders, where we delve into the dynamic journey of Dianna Boyce, Vice President of 2024 NBA All-Star, Inc. In this episode, we explore the resilience and adaptability required to navigate a fast-paced career, alongside invaluable lessons and insights garnered along the way.
Listen in to learn the art of strategic pivoting, the importance of personal fulfillment beyond career pursuits, and the power of celebrating victories, both individual and collective. You’ll learn about Dianna's unique leadership style and the transformative power of embracing change in pursuit of excellence.
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Ep #02: Leadership, Resilience, and Authenticity with Angie Torain
Stevie Baker-Watson and Angie Torian
Today we are joined by Angie Torain, Director of Athletics and Recreation at the University of Chicago. Angie offers a glimpse of her journey in college athletics, from serendipitous beginnings to fostering a culture of inclusion. She also opens up about the lessons she learned through her extensive experience.
Listen in as Angie shares candid reflections on resilience, embracing mistakes, and asking the right questions before committing to a job. You’ll learn about the importance of authenticity and alignment in career choices, as well as the transformative power of leadership rooted in trust and vulnerability.
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Ep #03: NBA All-Star 2024: Behind the Scenes with Dianna Boyce
Dianna Boyce and Stevie Baker-Watson
Today we welcome back Dianna Boyce, Vice President of 2021 NBA All-Star, Inc., to uncover the intricacies behind the NBA All-Star 2024 event held in Indianapolis. In this episode, Dianna provides an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into the meticulous planning that went into orchestrating this grand event. From the selection of venues to the decision-making process behind hosting numerous outdoor events, she sheds light on the strategic choices made to ensure a memorable experience for attendees.
Listen in as Dianna delves into the importance of community involvement and collective effort, as well as the power of partnerships and collaboration in executing large-scale events. You’ll learn about leveraging online technology for enhanced fan engagement, the significance of building a strong bench to sustain future endeavors, and more.
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Ep #04: Empowering Women in Higher Education with Dana Cummings
Dana Cummings and Stevie Baker-Watson
Today we dive into the inspiring journey of Dana Cummings, a Fundraising and Advancement Leader, who shares her insights on navigating career challenges as a woman. Dana emphasizes the significance of lifting each other up and modeling positive behavior, highlighting impactful mentors who shaped her professional trajectory. She also opens up about her unique management style, prioritizing collaboration and empowerment over authority.
From balancing career ambitions with family responsibilities to overcoming obstacles, Dana's story offers valuable lessons on perseverance and resilience. Listen in as she delves into the importance of female representation in leadership roles and the need for continued support and mentorship for women in higher education. You will learn about the evolving nature of leadership, the power of embracing change, and more.
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Ep #05: Tenacious, Creative, and Passionate Leadership in the Cannabis Industry with Sarah O’Leary '86
Sarah O’Leary '86 and Sarah Ryan
Sarah O’Leary, CEO of Jelly Brands and DePauw Class of 1986, returns to campus for the first time in 37 years to join the show today. Sarah shares her favorite memories from her time at DePauw, including her fun experience as the school mascot. She discusses her excitement about the future direction of DePauw and the crucial role of marketing in her journey.
Listen in as Sarah opens up about a key lesson she learned at DePauw and how it has shaped her into a tenacious, creative, and passionate leader. She also describes her journey into the cannabis industry, including what gave her the confidence to enter this field and how she is empowering women to experiment with cannabis through her brand, Gal Pals Minis. You will learn about her marketing strategies, targeting unique markets, and the importance of never quitting on your dreams.
