In this episode of The Feminist Exec, host KP sits down with Cailin Radcliffe, VP of Revenue Operations and Marketing, whose journey from studying the history of warfare to leading growth in robotics and automation is anything but conventional. Cailin shares how she blends the strategy and resilience of warfare with the power of empathy and kindness—challenging the outdated notion that women in leadership should “be nice.”
Throughout the conversation, Cailin emphasizes intentionality in career choices, the art and science of marketing, and the transformative role of mentorship. She reflects on her leadership style—open, supportive, and demanding of growth—while candidly addressing the emotional burdens women often carry in male-dominated industries.
Key topics include:
The art and science of marketing: why creativity and data must coexist
Mentorship as a cornerstone of leadership development
Authentic leadership: support, transparency, and high standards
The myth of “niceness” and why kindness and respect matter more
Work-life balance: intentional parenting choices and redefining partnership at home
Women supporting women: shifting from competition to community
Success and growth: why ambition and continuous learning are essential
Cailin also shares powerful reflections on being underestimated, thriving in male-dominated rooms, and making space at the table for others. With memorable takeaways like “You have to meet them where they are” and “There’s power in people coming together”, this episode is a candid blueprint for women navigating leadership, resilience, and empowerment.
Books Recommended:
Women and Leadership by Julia Gillard and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262543828/women-and-leadership/
Unapologetically Ambitious by Shellye Archambeau https://shellyearchambeau.com/books
Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/guns-germs-and-steel-jared-diamond/1100290895
Sound Bites
"You have to meet them where they are."
"There's power in people coming together."
"I want to take up a lot of space."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Cailin Radcliffe
03:15 The Art and Science of Marketing
06:08 The Importance of Mentorship
07:01 Leadership Style and Team Dynamics
08:33 Navigating Challenging Situations
10:28 Embracing Authenticity in Leadership
11:30 Taking a Seat at the Table
12:50 Thriving in a Male-Dominated Industry
14:23 Overcoming Underestimation
16:30 The Concept of 'Nice' in the Workplace
18:50 Respect vs. Niceness
19:58 Emotional Burden in the Workplace
21:01 Intentional Parenting and Career Choices
22:26 The Decision to Keep One's Name
24:01 Supporting Each Other as Women
26:35 Changing Dynamics Among Women in the Workplace
28:19 Mentoring and Empowering Women
30:06 Navigating Leadership Challenges
34:03 Finding Motivation and Defining Success
37:17 Book Recommendations and Final Thoughts
Keywords
Cailin Radcliffe, The Feminist Exec, Feminist, Executive, KP, women in leadership, women in robotics, women in automation women empowerment, women in business, female executives, leadership development, marketing strategy, data-driven marketing, authentic leadership, emotional intelligence, mentorship, career growth, work-life balance, women supporting women, male-dominated industry, robotics leadership, intentional career choices, redefining success, imposter syndrome, career resilience, workplace equality, leadership style, female leaders in STEM, revenue operations, women in tech, emotional burden, leadership authenticity, mentorship programs, leadership advice
In this milestone episode of The Feminist Exec, host KP sits down with David Houser — global supply chain technologist, executive leader, and the first male ally guest on the podcast — for a rich conversation on what it really takes to lead with equity on a global scale.
With experience doing business in over 50 countries, David brings an unfiltered, thoughtful perspective on the evolution of leadership across cultures, the power of reverse mentorship, and what it means to move from words to deeds in the pursuit of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Together, they unpack:
The realities of running global operations in China, Brazil, EMEA, and beyond
How David’s own journey shifted from high-stakes tech executive to active ally for women and underrepresented voices
What “firm, honest, and fair” leadership looks like in fast-growth, multicultural environments
How AI and automation are transforming leadership, ethics, and the future of work
Why continuous learning — not ego — is the key to staying relevant
Whether you’re an aspiring executive, a DEI champion, or a leader navigating global complexity, this episode offers hard-won insights and practical examples of how real allyship shows up at work — and why inclusive leadership isn’t a trend, it’s a requirement.
Takeaways
Mentioned in the episode:
Sound Bites
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to David Hauser and His Career Journey
02:51 Leadership Lessons from Global Experience
05:43 Cultural Awareness and Leadership Style
08:26 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Perspectives
11:28 The Role of Male Allies in Leadership
14:08 Pivotal Moments in Becoming an Ally
16:58 Understanding Reverse Mentorship
19:54 Learning from Women and Underrepresented Voices
22:52 Advice for Supporting DEI in Organizations
25:48 Navigating Tough Decisions in Leadership
32:03 The Expanding Pie: Collaboration Over Competition
34:28 Private Equity and the Human Element
37:10 AI's Impact on Business and Ethics
41:58 Navigating the Future of Work with AI
49:45 Continuous Learning in a Changing Landscape
57:02 Reflections and Advice for Future Leaders
Keywords
leadership, DEI, diversity, equity, inclusion, male allyship, global business, AI, supply chain, reverse mentorship, continuous learning, ethics in AI, global leadership, international executive, cross-cultural leadership, supply chain technology, global operations, DEI leadership, inclusive leadership, diversity in tech, equity in business, reverse mentorship, mentorship in leadership, continuous learning, leadership development, AI in leadership, ethical AI, AI workforce, AI transformation, future of work, Words to Deeds, Humans buy from humans, The Feminist Exec, David Houser, global allyship
In this episode of the Feminist Exec podcast, Shari Christofferson shares her journey from a geology background to a leadership role in supply chain technology. She discusses the importance of understanding customer needs, navigating company culture, and the challenges women face in tech. Shari emphasizes the significance of building supportive communities, maintaining a proactive approach in business, and the necessity of resilience in the face of setbacks. She also highlights the value of leadership traits such as calmness under pressure and the importance of appreciating team contributions. The conversation concludes with advice for women in tech and the importance of staying true to one's vision.
Takeaways
Shari Christofferson transitioned from geology to tech, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer needs.
Navigating company culture is often more challenging than the technology itself.
Success is often perceived as overnight, but it requires consistent hard work and resilience.
Leadership involves maintaining calmness under pressure and supporting team members.
Building a supportive community is crucial for overcoming challenges, especially for women in tech.
Proactive strategies in business can lead to better outcomes than reactive ones.
Crisis of confidence is common, and having a support system can help individuals navigate it.
Appreciating team members for their unique contributions fosters a positive work culture.
Women in tech should focus on their strengths and not let gender biases deter them.
Staying true to one's vision and values is key to long-term success.
Sound bites
"The hard part is company culture."
"You have to keep trying to do that."
"You gotta keep going, right?"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Shari Christofferson
02:01 Career Journey and Leadership in Tech
04:05 Navigating Challenges in Business
08:38 Evolving Definition of Success
11:41 Long-Term Vision and Company Culture
16:15 Underrated Leadership Traits
18:09 Creating an Inclusive Team Culture
22:46 Challenges as a Woman in Tech
25:49 Navigating Crises of Confidence
28:03 Supporting Women in Leadership
30:49 Advice for Women in Tech and Operations
32:42 Men as Allies in Male-Dominated Industries
36:18 Staying Grounded Under Pressure
38:51 Lessons from Leadership Journeys
43:23 Owning Your Power and Agency
Keywords
Shari Christofferson, Feminist Exec, leadership, women in tech, supply chain, business challenges, crisis of confidence, team culture, proactive strategies, gender equality,, Women in Leadership, Grit and Growth, Female Founder, Leadership Journey, Inclusive Leadership, Problem Solving, Women in Supply Chain, Personal Growth, Leadership Advice, Confidence at Work, Career Resilience, Female Executives, Tech Leadership, Women in Logistics, Family Business Leadership, Human-Centered Innovation, Digital Transformation, Career Motivation, How women overcome confidence issues, Female leaders in tech and supply chain, Leadership lessons from women in business, Overcoming doubt and owning your power, Grit growth and getting back up, Navigating leadership as a woman in tech, What leadership really looks like for women, Confidence-building for mid-career professionals, Solving real business problems with empathy, Female leadership in male-dominated industries
In this episode of The Feminist Exec, host KP sits down with Kristi Hemmer—educator, author of Quit Being So Good, founder of the Academy for Women’s Empowerment, and solo traveler to 77 countries—for a bold conversation on leadership, identity, and choosing your own path.
Kristi shares her journey from classroom teacher to social entrepreneur, reflecting on the moment she left a six-figure job in Tokyo to launch her own empowerment academy. She opens up about the “moxie moments” that shaped her story, the invisible systems that cause girls and women to shrink, and the urgency of rediscovering our childhood dreams.
To learn more about Kristi, visit https://kristihemmer.com/
To get Kristi's "Love Heals" shirt, visit https://thistlefarms.org/
Summary
In this episode of the Feminist Exec Podcast, Kristi Hemmer shares her journey of empowering women through her Academy for Women's Empowerment and her concept of 'Moxie.' She discusses the importance of confidence in young girls, the impact of travel on personal growth, and the significance of sponsorship over mentorship in advancing women's careers. Kristi emphasizes the need for safe environments for women to thrive and the power of community support. She also reflects on her choice to remain child-free while being a supportive aunt and the lessons learned throughout her career.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Kristi Hemmer and Her Mission
01:19 Understanding Moxie and Its Significance
02:45 Childhood Dreams and Their Influence on Career
04:05 The Journey to Founding the Academy for Women's Empowerment
05:24 Defining Social Entrepreneurship
07:51 The Shrinking of Women and Girls: A Deep Dive
10:34 Identity Years: The Impact on Women and Girls
11:15 Rediscovering Self: The Second Career
13:33 Traveling the World: Lessons in Empowerment
16:42 Negotiation and Safety in Travel
20:18 Challenging Situations and Decision-Making
21:29 The Power of Community and Small Groups
26:16 Overcoming Challenges: The Female Experience
29:15 The Power of Sponsorship vs. Mentorship
32:56 Building Supportive Networks
37:45 Changing the Narrative: Women Supporting Women
43:14 The Role of the Child-Free Aunt
48:23 Lessons Learned: Embracing Agency and Community
Keywords
women empowerment, moxie, social entrepreneurship, confidence, mentorship, sponsorship, travel, leadership, community, child-free
Summary
In this episode of the Feminist Exec podcast, host KP speaks with Natalia Gerasina, a logistics technology expert and entrepreneur. They discuss Natalia's journey into the logistics field, her decision to start her own business, and the importance of mentorship and networking in her career. Natalia shares insights on creating inclusive work environments, understanding neurodiversity, and the challenges women face in male-dominated industries. The conversation emphasizes the need for women to support each other and offers advice for young women aspiring to leadership roles in logistics and technology. Natalia also shares her future plans and the importance of lifelong learning in her career. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the meaning of feminism.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Natalia Gerasina
01:46 Journey into Logistics and Entrepreneurship
05:51 The Importance of Networking and Mentorship
10:43 Creating Inclusive Work Environments
17:39 Understanding Neurodiversity in the Workplace
26:21 Navigating Operational Challenges
26:44 The Role of Will and Determination
27:59 Gender Dynamics in the Workplace
29:25 Empowering Women in Male-Dominated Industries
30:17 Creating a Supportive Environment
32:13 Holistic Approaches to Leadership
34:04 Advice for Aspiring Female Leaders
36:21 Future Aspirations and Growth
40:06 Embracing Lifelong Learning
42:20 Creating Psychological Safety
44:58 Redefining Feminism and Equality
Keywords
logistics, entrepreneurship, mentorship, neurodiversity, women in business, leadership, inclusive environments, networking, career advice, feminism, Natalia Gerasina
Summary
In this episode of the Feminist Exec podcast, host KP interviews Erin Horst, a technical consultant for Elanco Animal Health. Erin shares her journey from growing up on a swine farm to becoming a leader in the dairy industry, discussing her educational background, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges she faces as a woman in a male-dominated field. The conversation explores themes of success, leadership, and the evolving dynamics of women in STEM, particularly in agriculture. Erin emphasizes the significance of stepping outside one's comfort zone, the impact of child-free choices in the workplace, and the importance of empathy and understanding in professional interactions. She concludes with valuable advice for personal growth and career development.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Erin Horst and Her Journey
02:28 Career Path and Transition to Industry
05:23 The Importance of Mentorship and Networking
08:01 Defining Success in a Collaborative Environment
10:41 Shifting Dynamics in the Dairy Industry
13:05 Challenges Faced as a Woman in a Male-Dominated Field
15:53 Leadership Qualities and the Role of Feedback
18:20 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
20:55 Child-Free Choices and Their Impact on Careers
23:26 Personal Growth and Future Aspirations
26:03 Parting Advice and Conclusion
29:52 Outro
Keywords
Erin Horst, dairy industry, women in STEM, mentorship, imposter syndrome, career development, leadership, child-free choices, success, personal growth, feminist, empowerment, the feminist exec
Summary
In this episode of The Feminist Exec podcast, Bern Datka shares her extensive career journey, highlighting her experiences in the corporate world, particularly in event management and marketing. She discusses the challenges of navigating a male-dominated industry, the impact of ageism, and the importance of flexibility in leadership. Bern emphasizes the significance of DEI initiatives and shares personal anecdotes about her leadership style, memorable experiences, and the lessons learned from career mistakes. The conversation concludes with valuable advice for women in business and reflections on the evolving landscape of leadership roles.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Bern Datka's Career Journey
03:12 Navigating Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry
05:28 The Impact of Ageism and Gender in Leadership
08:10 The Evolution of Women in Leadership Roles
10:45 The Importance of DEI Initiatives
13:22 Personal Experiences with DEI Policies
16:06 Leadership Style and the Power of Positivity
18:32 Learning from Mistakes and Staying Motivated
21:16 Advice for Women in Business
23:58 Crazy Experiences in Event Management
26:28 Reflections on Career Choices and Opportunities
29:10 The Role of Representation in Empowerment
31:34 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways
34:50 Outro
Keywords
Bern Datka, leadership, women in business, event management, DEI, ageism, career advice, male-dominated industries, corporate culture, personal growth, feminist, exec