Author: Julie Collins

Marissa Kalkman, Executive Director of the Wellness Council of Wisconsin (WCWI), leads from the core belief that inclusive wellbeing is vital for all – individuals, the workforce, organizations, and our communities. She shares her road trip through the midwest, ultimately finding her way to Wisconsin and becoming a part of WCWI. Marissa discusses WCWI’s role in changing the narrative and leading the discussion for the wellbeing of Wisconsin’s workforce. Also, learn how Marissa’s core beliefs help her juggle this crazy thing we call life!

Lori Highby, CEO and Founder of Keystone Click, is the definition of a doer. She began her entrepreneurial journey in 2008 at the start of the recession by sending snail mail! She has been able to build a thriving business since, crediting culture, growth, and education to her and her team’s success. Lori discusses why she decided to start her own business, what it was like being a woman business owner starting out, and her passion for manufacturers! She also shares how her dad has been an impactful figure in her life and how her community involvement honors his memory.

Kathleen O’Leary, Retired CEO of Wisconsin State Fair Park, shares how her journey in life has been colorful, from getting her start in the beer industry to becoming Wisconsin State Fair’s first female CEO. Kathleen discusses how she navigated being a woman in leadership, the legacy she has left, and the importance of finally stepping back while sharing advice for the next generation of women taking the helm. However, her story isn’t over as she steps into the next chapter of her life.

Kelley Kempel, Owner & Creative Director of Hidden Path Creative, shares how she never pictured herself as an entrepreneur but over time found that it fit her passions and lifestyle. Kelley discusses how she finds joy in bringing her “big brand knowledge” and experience to help small to medium-sized, product-based businesses with their brand and packaging needs. She also talks about how she has found community by being a member of TEMPO Milwaukee and shares her love for hiking.

Tara Laatsch & Christin Cilento, Co-Owners of CityTins, LLC, share how their company was born from a casual meeting on a playground and a yearning for more fun and interesting fundraising options for their daughters’ elementary school. In this episode, not only will you learn about their entrepreneurial journey but also the impact they have made in the community. Get a more intimate peek into the amazing friendship and partnership that makes CityTins tick! 

Brittany Ballweg, Founder & Owner of Dolphin Swim Academy, shares her inspiring journey from jumping in the pool at age 8 to overcoming hurdles to build her own million-dollar pool facility where she teaches swim safety to children and adults. This is an amazing story of perseverance, finding one’s passion, achieving dreams, and giving back to the community.

Marjorie Rucker, Executive Director of The Business Council, is a power connector! She shares how her role allows her to bridge the gap between minority-owned enterprises and large corporations. She also chats about her experience being named a Women of Influence by the Milwaukee Business Journal, and her advice to small businesses.

Janette Thornley, Retired Nitro Harley Pilot, Author, Speaker, and Coach, sits down with Julie this week to share her experiences on being a woman in a male-dominated sport, finding her life’s passion, and not letting titles or society’s expectations weigh her down.

Deirdra Lambright, Owner & Baker of Sweets 4 Dayz, truly embodies the entrepreneurial spirit. Deirdra shares her experience about how she found her passion at a young age and has carried that into her adulthood by taking the leap to start her own business.

Bridget Lazlo, President/CEO of Guardian Business Solutions, talks about problem-solving in the manufacturing industry, her own journey of becoming a business owner, and offers nuggets of wisdom for our listeners. Listen now to dive into the world of manufacturing!