I had the privilege of sitting down with my friend, Captain Patty Tomich, who has spent 40 years flying—30 of those with Alaska Airlines. Patty’s story began in Lima, Peru, where, as a little girl, she fell in love with airplanes. That spark carried her through Embry-Riddle, corporate jets, and ultimately into the captain’s seat at Alaska Airlines. Her words really struck me: “The aircraft doesn’t know if it’s a man or a woman at the controls—it only knows if you’re prepared to take command.” Patty’s journey reminds us that leadership starts the moment you take responsibility—whether in the cockpit or in life. She’s also a mentor to the next generation of women in aviation (including my daughter!), showing that it’s possible to pursue your purpose, build a career you love, and still prioritize family. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to step into leadership in a field where few women are represented, this episode will inspire you.

Elizabeth shares her journey from starting in a call center to leading major technology projects, and the pivotal moment when she realized leadership meant not just identifying problems but stepping forward with solutions. She opens up about navigating male-dominated spaces, the importance of raising your hand and using your voice, and the need for women to step into decision-making with confidence. We also dive into the challenges of mentorship in IT, how the pandemic reshaped opportunities for women, and the ways Elizabeth is mentoring the next generation of women in STEM. Her story is both practical and inspiring—a reminder that leadership grows when we step up, speak out, and support others along the way. “In the last 10 years, the idea that you can be your authentic self—and that the world needs your authentic self—means everything to me. Show up as you, because you are important.” Find out more about Elizabeth and the Purpose Journey, go to www.rutheasterling.org/purposecoaching

In this powerful episode of Empowering Women to Lead, we sit down with Judy McMurtry, a trailblazing leader who rose through the ranks of the airline industry with relentless determination, a people-first leadership style, and unshakable confidence. From her childhood in Detroit during the 1967 riots to managing major U.S. airports, Judy shares how persistence, personal growth, and a refusal to give up helped her break barriers in a male-dominated field. She opens up about what it takes to lead in high-pressure environments, how to bring people together across differences, and why women must stop waiting for permission and make their own seat at the table. Quote Worth Remembering: “You don’t have to wait for a seat at the table—you make the table and bring others with you.” – Judy Phenomenal Listeners will walk away inspired to lead with purpose, challenge limiting beliefs, and step confidently into positions of influence—no matter where they start. To connect with Judy: https://excelwithjudy.com/ To connect with our website and find out more information on the Purpose Journey, go to www.rutheasterling.org

In this episode, architect and entrepreneur Kristen Becker, founder of Mutuus Studio in Seattle, shares her journey from childhood challenges to building a successful, female-owned architecture practice in a male-dominated field. She reflects on how her early experiences as a dancer and teacher shaped her leadership style, especially her emphasis on communication, collaboration, and valuing diverse perspectives. Kristen discusses the importance of mentorship, modeling a balanced life, and creating a workplace culture that acknowledges the whole person. She shares candid stories about navigating gender bias in the industry, making bold choices—like bringing her baby to a high-profile client meeting—and restructuring her business to align with her values. Her nautical mantra, “Sailing full and by,” becomes a metaphor for pushing to the edge of your potential and embracing life’s zigzag course. Kristen’s message is clear: start before you feel ready, believe in your abilities, and design both your work and your life with intention. Contact Kristen at contact@mutuus-studio.com Find out more about the Purpose Journey www.rutheasterling.org/purposecoaching

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Dr. Ndidi Musa, pediatric cardiac intensive care specialist, professor at the University of Washington, and director of the new internal coaching program at Seattle Children’s Hospital. We dive into her powerful journey through medicine, leadership, and her calling to build a coaching culture in healthcare. Dr. Musa opens up about breaking barriers as a woman and minority in academic medicine, the critical role of mentors, sponsors, and coaches, and how cultivating a growth mindset transformed her career path. She shares eye-opening insights about the gender gap in surgery and leadership, the importance of deliberate effort, and how women can advocate for themselves and others. Whether you’re in medicine, leadership, or simply looking for motivation to step into your own potential, this episode offers wisdom, encouragement, and real-world strategies for growth.

In this inspiring episode of Empowering Women to Lead, Ruth sits down with Katherine Caffrey, a city manager whose journey spans Texas, Arkansas, and now the Pacific Northwest. Katherine shares how she found her path into city management, a field still dominated by men, and how mentorship, both received and given, has been pivotal in her growth as a leader. From pivotal career decisions to challenging moments of stepping up, Katherine reminds us that ”You have to raise your hand for the hard stuff. That’s where the growth is.” Her honesty about the emotional dynamics of being a woman in leadership, balancing family with public service, and holding professional boundaries will resonate with every listener who’s ever doubted their readiness or felt alone in the room. Whether you’re exploring leadership for the first time or stepping into a bigger role, Katherine’s story is a powerful reminder that courage often looks like saying yes before you’re ready. 💡 Key Takeaways: Mentorship doesn’t have to be formal—organic support can be the most powerful. Representation matters, not just for women, but for how boys view women in leadership. Don’t wait until you’re ready. Growth often begins with saying yes to something outside your comfort zone. Boundaries are essential—women leaders are not obligated to be the “emotional fixers.” Sometimes, the projects no one else wants become the most transformational.

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Susan Enfield, seasoned education leader and former superintendent, discusses what it takes to lead with courage, integrity, and heart. From making difficult decisions to advocating for students first, Susan shares her lessons learned on staying true to your values, empowering teams, and navigating leadership with authenticity. Her story reminds us that real leadership isn’t always popular—but it’s always purposeful.

In this episode of Empowering Women to Lead, we sit down with Mayor Traci Buxton of Des Moines, Washington—a woman who never set out to become a politician but answered the call to serve her community when the opportunity arose

Empowering Women to Lead was born at Raisbeck Aviation High School in Seattle, Washington. The vision came to life through conversations with school leadership about the ongoing challenges women face in breaking the glass ceiling, particularly in STEM fields. As we shared stories, it became clear these struggles extended far beyond one industry or location. This inspired the creation of a podcast where women’s voices, experiences, and leadership journeys could be heard and celebrated. More than just a platform, this podcast also became an opportunity to mentor the next generation, involving students in the process of recording, editing, and storytelling. We hope that these stories not only empower you on your journey but also inspire you to lift others as you rise.

Empowering Women to Lead was born at Raisbeck Aviation High School in Seattle, Washington. The vision came to life through conversations with school leadership about the ongoing challenges women face in breaking the ”glass ceiling” in the STEM world.

Ruth and Therese discuss breaking barriers, building confidence, and the power of mentorship in helping young women lead, especially in STEM fields.