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On this episode of the She So Suite Podcast, I sit down with Charlie Saffro, Founder and CEO of CS Recruiting, keynote speaker, and trailblazer in the logistics and supply chain industry. Charlie shares her unconventional fifteen-year journey from freelancer to leader, explaining what it means to truly step into the CEO role of her own company after a decade of letting others lead. She opens up about building her business as a woman in a male-dominated space, the moments and setbacks that shaped her leadership style, and why authenticity, vulnerability, and people-first policies are at the heart of her success.
Kristi and Charlie also explore the power of standing out—not blending in—and why speaking up and putting people first, especially women, matters more than ever. Charlie’s story is packed with real talk about imposter syndrome, learning to say no to the wrong clients, and her proudest accomplishments, including giving a TED Talk and instituting compassionate leave policies for her team.
Get ready to meet a remarkable woman whose honest perspectives and hard-won wisdom will encourage you to step into your own power—no matter where you are on your career journey.
Timestamps
0:00 – Preview
0:50 – Meet Charlie Saffro
5:10 – Initial lack of intent to lead & the transition to leadership
10:05 – Early career & aspirations
16:26 – Embracing the leadership role at CS Recruiting
20:02 – Understanding self-worth & learning boundaries with difficult clients
26:35 – Names don't have genders
31:35 – Delivering a TED Talk and the significance of that achievement
35:25 – Implementing a miscarriage and pregnancy loss leave policy
41:40 – Charlie's plans for the future
43:50 – Seeing people behind their titles
Connect with the guest:
Charlie Saffro: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliesaffro/
Connect with Kristi Faltorusso:
Website: https://www.kristifaltorusso.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristiserrano/
Follow the Podcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvmKTIOWzy8e3kbzHr4f9VMr1oGfK5Qc_
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Pf1SZMvfwvSJTA6WnpNjP
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shes-so-suite-podcast/id1730535499
To learn more about Wednesday Women check out their
Website: https://www.wednesdaywomen.org/
LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wednesday-women/
Connect with the Show Producer:
Manali: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manalibhat/
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Keywords:
career prioritization, career advancement, mentoring for women, female leadership, women CEOs, C-suite women, entrepreneurship, logistics industry, supply chain, transportation industry, recruiting, leadership journey, women in business, workplace empathy, managing remote teams, employee retention in a remote work set up, keynote speaking, TED Talk, business growth, parental leave and workplace challenges, women supporting women, women’s career advancement, business pivots, authenticity in leadership, breaking up with clients
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About She's So Suite Podcast:
Embark on a journey with Kristi in each podcast episode as she engages in insightful conversations with accomplished women in the C-suite. Explore their unique stories, triumphs, challenges, dreams, and valuable advice that will inspire and empower you. Tune in for an enriching experience as Kristi delves into the depth of their professional journeys and brings you closer to the dynamic world of female leaders at the top.