Sarah-Mae Amde on Building a Business That Grows and Lasts

Cindy Trice never expected cancer to become part of her business story. The veterinarian, entrepreneur, and cancer survivor shares how her own experience helped shape KickIt Pajamas, what she learned while moving from patient to advocate, and why comfort, dignity, and a little humor can matter during difficult moments.—Cindy Trice Links:Websites: https://kickitrecoverywear.com/LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-trice-9464566—PODCAST INFO:Podcast website: https://www.womelle.com/podcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2GkmpVInAQR7Fgco0pUa1BYouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYDpQX16k5Uh7G7PFjMjZ8KimqoOpFF-t—CONNECT:- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/WomELLE- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/womelle- Twitter: https://twitter.com/womelle- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womelle- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearewomelle/

Sarah-Mae Amde, CEO and Founder of Paragon, joins us to talk about business growth, leadership, and building success that lasts. She shares lessons from more than 20 years in business, her experience advising leaders and companies, and her passion for helping women strengthen their businesses, careers, and leadership while building meaningful connections.—Sarah-Mae Amde Links: Websites: https://www.paragondigitalconsulting.com/LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/sarahmae-mba —PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://www.womelle.com/podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2GkmpVInAQR7Fgco0pUa1B YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYDpQX16k5Uh7G7PFjMjZ8KimqoOpFF-t —CONNECT: - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/WomELLE - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/womelle - Twitter: https://twitter.com/womelle- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womelle - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearewomelle/

Peggy Sullivan shares how burnout, loss, and a few surprising wake up calls changed the way she lived and worked. In this conversation, she talks about breaking free from constant busyness, reclaiming time for what matters most, and creating space for joy, health, and success through her simple three step framework. — Peggy Sullivan Links: Websites: https://www.peggysullivanspeaker.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggyasullivan — PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://www.womleadmag.com/podcast/ Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3YJHMoy  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2GkmpVInAQR7Fgco0pUa1B  RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/409442/rss  YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYDpQX16k5Uh7G7PFjMjZ8KimqoOpFF-t — CONNECT: - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/WomELLE - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/womelle - Twitter: https://twitter.com/womelle - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womelle - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realwomelle/ — OUTLINE: 00:59 - Peggy Sullivan's Journey: From Corporate to Consulting 06:41 - The Framework: Performance by Design 18:49 - Micro Moments: The Key to Well-Being 28:48 - Overcoming Overwhelm: Practical Advice for Women 35:53 - Future Endeavors and Closing Thoughts

Ashley Poklar shares how her journey from teaching to psychology shaped her mission to support misunderstood kids, overwhelmed parents, and broken systems. From her work with trafficking survivors to launching her self-care workbook, Ashley offers tools, truth, and encouragement for those navigating tough paths in family and care work. — Ashley E. Poklar Links: Websites: www.foundationsentinel.org www.apoklarponders.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-e-poklar-phd/ — PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://www.womleadmag.com/podcast/ Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3YJHMoy  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2GkmpVInAQR7Fgco0pUa1B  RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/409442/rss  YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYDpQX16k5Uh7G7PFjMjZ8KimqoOpFF-t — CONNECT: - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/WomELLE - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/womelle - Twitter: https://twitter.com/womelle - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womelle - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realwomelle/ — OUTLINE: 00:55 - Dr. Ashley Pokla's Journey into Psychology 04:59 - Understanding Trauma in Education 10:32 - The Broken Systems of Support for Youth 15:32 - Navigating Child Welfare and Support Systems 20:20 - The Balance of Parenting Styles 23:48 - Involvement with Sentinel Foundation 28:19 - The Importance of Psychological Assessments 29:51 - Launching Parkla Ponders 33:13 - Coping with the Emotional Toll of Psychology 36:43 - Publishing 'My Inner Compass' 42:00 - Overcoming Self-Doubt as a Woman 48:07 - Advice for Women Forging Their Own Paths    

Jill Hardy Heath shares how Heart of America renovates learning spaces across the country, helping students feel inspired, supported, and seen. From tech labs to libraries, her work creates more than just beautiful spaces—it opens doors for kids to dream, learn, and grow. — Jill Hardy Heath Links: Website: https://www.heartofamerica.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillheath/ — PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://www.womleadmag.com/podcast/ Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3YJHMoy  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2GkmpVInAQR7Fgco0pUa1B  RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/409442/rss  YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYDpQX16k5Uh7G7PFjMjZ8KimqoOpFF-t — CONNECT: - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/WomELLE - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/womelle - Twitter: https://twitter.com/womelle - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womelle - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realwomelle/ — OUTLINE: 03:07 - Jill's Journey to Heart of America 06:00 - Transforming Education Spaces 09:03 - The Role of Heart of America in Education Equity 11:39 - Creating Vibrant Learning Environments 15:02 - Innovative Learning Labs and Community Impact 17:49 - Building Ecosystems of Support for Students 20:49 - Vision and Goals for Heart of America 24:04 - Selecting Schools and Community Hubs 26:43 - Proud Moments and Community Engagement 29:51 - Advice for Women in Leadership 32:44 - Future Plans for Heart of America

Alison Lines shares her journey from healing through fashion to launching L&A Luxury Dating Society, a new space for real connection and conscious love. Hear how her personal story, sense of purpose, and bold ideas are reshaping modern dating and emotional empowerment. — Alison Lines Links: Websites: https://alisonssoulimage.com/ https://laluxurydatingsociety.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-lines-mba — PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://www.womleadmag.com/podcast/ Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3YJHMoy  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2GkmpVInAQR7Fgco0pUa1B  RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/409442/rss  YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYDpQX16k5Uh7G7PFjMjZ8KimqoOpFF-t — CONNECT: - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/WomELLE - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/womelle - Twitter: https://twitter.com/womelle - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womelle - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realwomelle/ — OUTLINE: 01:01 - Alison's Journey and the Birth of Alison's Soul Image 03:29 - The Concept of Luxury Dating Society 08:45 - Creating a Legacy of Love 12:31 - The Importance of In-Person Connections 22:43 - Emotional Healing and Conscious Love 29:45 - Freedom and Leadership for Women 41:24 - Advice for Women Leading with Purpose

Sarah Frank shares how she turned personal hardship into purpose, building a consulting firm that helps small businesses meet safety standards without drowning in paperwork. She opens up about imposter syndrome, the pressure of being a working mom, and why safety should be useful, not forgotten. — Sarah Frank Links: Website: https://primeraconsulting.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-frank-crsp-chsc-238741bb — PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://www.womleadmag.com/podcast/ Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3YJHMoy  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2GkmpVInAQR7Fgco0pUa1B  RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/409442/rss  YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYDpQX16k5Uh7G7PFjMjZ8KimqoOpFF-t — CONNECT: - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/WomELLE - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/womelle - Twitter: https://twitter.com/womelle - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womelle - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realwomelle/ — Chapters 01:00 From Homelessness to Safety Consultant 06:48 The Drive to Succeed 11:39 Starting Primera Consulting 19:37 Challenges of Entrepreneurship 29:15 Advice for Aspiring Female Entrepreneurs

Vicky Regan shares how she left a decades-long tech career to build Hone Leadership and help women lead with clarity and confidence. She breaks down the difference between coaching and mentoring, talks about building self-trust, and explains why access matters in leadership development. — Vicky Regan Links: Website: http://www.honeleadership.com/ LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/vickyregan — PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://www.womleadmag.com/podcast/ Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3YJHMoy  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2GkmpVInAQR7Fgco0pUa1B  RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/409442/rss  YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYDpQX16k5Uh7G7PFjMjZ8KimqoOpFF-t — CONNECT: - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/WomELLE - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/womelle - Twitter: https://twitter.com/womelle - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womelle - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realwomelle/ — Chapters   01:16 The Leap to Entrepreneurship 04:07 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Change 07:27 The Importance of Coaching and Mentoring 10:03 Understanding Coaching vs. Mentoring 13:54 Navigating Leadership Challenges 18:33 The Role of Feedback in Women's Careers 29:02 Advocating for Yourself in the Workplace 34:35 Recognition and Awards in Coaching and Mentoring

Jennifer Walton shares how leaving a corporate marketing career opened the door to something bigger. She started Sky Nile Consulting to shape her own path while raising her daughters and building stronger communities. Hear how she leads with purpose and creates space for others to thrive alongside her. — Jennifer Walton Links: Website: https://skynileconsulting.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferwaltonmba/ — PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://www.womleadmag.com/podcast/ Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3YJHMoy  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2GkmpVInAQR7Fgco0pUa1B  RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/409442/rss  YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYDpQX16k5Uh7G7PFjMjZ8KimqoOpFF-t — CONNECT: - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/WomELLE - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/womelle - Twitter: https://twitter.com/womelle - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womelle - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realwomelle/ — Chapters 01:00 The Journey to Entrepreneurship 09:15 Building a Business with Purpose 19:32 Navigating Challenges as an Entrepreneur 27:11 Community and Service in Business

Amy Lynn Durham shares how she went from corporate life to leading a coaching team helping executives bring compassion, clarity, and calm to work. She opens up about building her firm, finding purpose, and helping others recognize their gifts—proving leadership can feel both human and inspired. — Amy Lynn Durham Links: Website: https://createmagicatwork.net/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/create-magic-at-work/ — PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://www.womleadmag.com/podcast/ Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3YJHMoy  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2GkmpVInAQR7Fgco0pUa1B  RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/409442/rss  YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYDpQX16k5Uh7G7PFjMjZ8KimqoOpFF-t — CONNECT: - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/WomELLE - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/womelle - Twitter: https://twitter.com/womelle - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womelle - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realwomelle/ — Chapters 02:16 The Journey from Solopreneur to Executive Coaching Firm 07:11 Navigating the Transition from Corporate to Coaching 11:18 The Importance of Coaching in Leadership 15:03 Understanding Change in Corporate Environments 17:33 Supporting Aspiring Leaders and Entrepreneurs 19:59 Integrating Spiritual Intelligence in Leadership 21:07 The Synergy of Book and Podcast 24:45 Compassion as a Leadership Tool 26:06 Framework for Maintaining Inner Peace 28:21 Coaching for Teams vs. Individuals 30:30 Advice for Women Feeling Stuck in Leadership 34:56 Final Thoughts and Resources