In this inspiring episode of Momentum Matters, Raven Holloway sits down with Kathy Boswell, Chief Encouragement Officer and founder of B.Intentional. Kathy shares her unique approach to leadership, focusing on the power of encouragement and leaving a lasting legacy through intentional actions. She explains how being mindful in how we show up—whether in business or personal life—can make a profound impact on others.

Kathy also delves into the importance of emotional intelligence and self-awareness in leadership. She emphasizes that true leadership isn’t about titles but about understanding our emotions and how they influence our actions. In a world filled with distractions, she encourages us to be intentional in every decision we make.

Kathy’s shares her journey through grief, after losing her son Parker, and how it has deeply shaped her philosophy of living with purpose. Despite her pain, she continues to encourage others, embodying the power of faith, resilience, and love. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that intention truly matters in both leadership and life.

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In this episode of Momentum Matters, host April Benetollo sits down with Maureen Zappala—former NASA propulsion engineer, award-winning speaker, and keynote for the upcoming Momentum Leadership Conference—for an inspiring conversation about imposter syndrome, confidence, and unlocking your full potential.

Maureen shares the unlikely childhood moment that sparked her career in engineering, what it was really like stepping into NASA as the youngest and first female manager in her lab, and how self-doubt shaped her early career. She breaks down the psychology of imposter syndrome, why high achievers are especially vulnerable, and the practical tools she now teaches to help people challenge distorted thinking and step boldly into their strengths.

Whether you’re navigating a new role, leading teams, or striving to grow into your brilliance, this episode offers both clarity and encouragement.

Tune in for a powerful preview of Maureen’s upcoming keynote for Rise 2026, Momentum's Leadership Conference—and learn how to quiet the inner critic so your confidence can rise. Learn more about our conference, here: https://conference.momentumleaders.org/

Visit our website: www.MomentumLeaders.org

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In this episode of Momentum Matters, host April Benetello sits down with Janet King, founder of The Gathering Lab, for a powerful conversation about why meaningful relationships feel harder to build today—and what we can do to change that.

Janet shares how motherhood, remote work, and the pandemic shaped her passion for rebuilding authentic community. She breaks down the science of human connection, the hidden costs of social media and AI companionship, and why intentional gathering design is key to creating spaces where people feel depth, trust, and belonging.

Whether you’re craving richer friendships, leading teams, or simply longing for more connection in an increasingly disconnected world, this episode offers both insight and hope.

Tune in and explore how real relationships can thrive again—one intentional gathering at a time.

Visit our website: www.MomentumLeaders.org

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Closing the Confidence Gap—at work and beyond.

In this episode of Momentum Matters, CEO/cohost April Benetollo sits down with Kelli Thompson—award-winning author of Closing the Confidence Gap, TEDx speaker, and executive coach—to unpack how high achievers become influential leaders.

Kelli shares:

• Her path from banking & HR to entrepreneurship and executive coaching
• Why confidence is a side effect of action—and how to swap “but first” for “while also”
• The difference between achiever and strategic leader (and how to make the jump)
• A practical framework to speak up with authenticity (not a one-size “executive presence”)
• Navigating systemic barriers: non-promotable work, the “helper’s high,” and delegation that sticks
• Insights from her TEDx “Pedestal Problem” on authority bias and trusting your own voice

About Kelli Thompson
Kelli is an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and executive coach whose work appears in Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, MarketWatch, Quartz, and Business Insider; she’s been profiled in Forbes and is a Stevie Award winner for Women in Business (Coach of the Year).

Resources & Next Steps

• Book: Closing The Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential & Your Paycheck
• Watch her TEDx by searching “Kelli Thompson TEDx”
• Learn more about Momentum Leaders: momentumleaders.org

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Credits & Partners
Produced by Social U.
Brought to you by America’s Thrift Stores, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Protective Life, and Regions Bank. A full list of corporate partners is at momentumleaders.org.
Special thanks to our Momentum members, donors, and volunteers.

Visit our website: www.MomentumLeaders.org

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Legacy. Leadership. Influence. In this episode of Momentum Matters, cohost Raven Holloway sits down with Tonya Hill Mitchell—former HR executive, founder & executive director of Diane’s Heart, and Inspire Action coach—to talk about transforming loss into purpose, building a living legacy, and why women leaders must “act brand new” to step fully into their power.

Tonya shares:

• The origin story of Diane’s Heart and the moment she chose purpose over a lucrative corporate path
• Her three core coaching questions: Who am I? What do I want? Who am I here to serve?
• The difference between brand and reputation—and how to show up consistently
• “On the Cusp”: a new body of work about pouring out, being filled up, and moving beyond hesitation
• The radical self-care practices that fuel resilience and clarity
• How inspired action (not duty) moves us forward

Connect with Tonya
Inspired Action Coaching and Consulting: myinspiredaction.com
Email: tonya@myinspiredaction.com
Diane’s Heart: https://dianesheart.org 

Enjoying the show?
Subscribe, rate, and share to amplify women’s leadership stories.

Credits & Partners:

 Produced by Social U

Brought to you by America’s Thrift Stores, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Protective Life, and Regions Bank. A full list of corporate partners is available at momentumleaders.org.

 Special thanks to our Momentum members, donors, and volunteers.

Visit our website: www.MomentumLeaders.org

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In this episode of Momentum Matters, host Katie Hannah sits down with Dr. Kate McCombs, professor of leadership at Samford University and alumna of Momentum’s Upward Class 4. Kate shares her journey from finance to academia and dives deep into what it means to lead yourself before leading others. From defining self-leadership and emotional intelligence to discussing the changing nature of work, burnout, and the role of AI in leadership—this episode is full of insights for anyone striving to lead with purpose, adaptability, and heart.

Tune in to learn:

1. Why self-leadership is the foundation of effective leadership
2. How the next generation defines success differently
3. The balance between efficiency and effectiveness in the age of AI
4. How women can set healthy boundaries without guilt

🎙️ Presented by Momentum Leaders — empowering women to advance in leadership.

Visit our website: www.MomentumLeaders.org

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In this episode, Katie sits down with Selena Rodgers Dickerson, a trailblazing entrepreneur from Birmingham, Alabama. Selena opens up about her journey in a male-dominated field, sharing how resilience, mentorship, and purpose shaped her path.

From building a company rooted in equity and community voices to balancing career and family, Selena offers powerful lessons on leadership, personal branding, and creating supportive workplaces.

A must-listen for anyone passionate about leadership, equity, and inspiring the next generation.

Visit our website: www.MomentumLeaders.org

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🎙 Takeaways from 30 Years of Digital Ventures with Cindy Martin

In this episode of Momentum Matters, host April Benetollo sits down with Cindy Martin, a true pioneer in digital media and entrepreneurship. With a career spanning three decades, Cindy has led transformative ventures that shaped the way we consume news and connect online.

From her early work at AT&T and Magellan—one of the first commercial search engines—to her leadership as founding CEO of AL.com and President of Alabama Media Group, Cindy has been at the forefront of innovation in digital media. Today, she continues to inspire as the Founder and CEO of Bham Now, The Bama Buzz, and Hville Blast, creating fresh, community-driven media across Alabama.

In this conversation, Cindy shares:

1. Key lessons learned from navigating the ever-changing digital landscape
2. How she turned challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation
3. Why community connection and local storytelling remain central to her mission
4. Insights for leaders looking to thrive in times of disruption

Whether you’re a seasoned professional, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of digital media, Cindy’s wisdom and experiences will leave you energized and inspired.

Visit our website: www.MomentumLeaders.org

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The Momentum Matters podcast is back—with fresh voices, powerful stories, and a bold new direction. In this inaugural episode of our relaunch, CEO April Benetollo is joined by new co-hosts Katie Hannah and Raven Holloway for a heartfelt conversation about what’s ahead for the podcast and the mission behind it.

You’ll hear personal reflections on leadership, legacy, and transformation—and get a behind-the-scenes look at how Momentum continues to expand its impact across Alabama and beyond. Whether you're a long-time listener or brand new to the Momentum community, this episode is your invitation to lead with purpose, clarity, and authenticity.

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share—and join us in amplifying the voices of women in leadership.

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Welcome to the latest episode of the Momentum Matters Podcast: Courageous Conversations. In this inspiring episode, Christine Roberts, owner and CEO of Create Your Best Life, engages in a heartfelt conversation with Momentum's April Benetollo. Christine shares her incredible journey from her humble beginnings in Rochester, New York, to becoming a successful entrepreneur in Atlanta, Georgia.

Discover how Christine transformed her life story into her life's work as the CEO and Founder of Create Your Best Life, where she offers Executive, Leadership, and Life coaching with a holistic approach. With over 25 years of corporate experience, including roles at Disney Institute and The John Maxwell Company, Christine provides invaluable insights for high-achieving leaders.

Join us as Christine discusses her pivotal decision to transition from a successful sales career to starting her own company, and the significant takeaways from her year-long travels across the USA. Learn about her structured approach to executive leadership and life coaching, and how she integrates work-life integration into her coaching practice.

Don't miss out on Christine's free tools, mindset quiz, and resources available on her website. Plus, sign up for her upcoming Free Virtual Training with Momentum on August 14th, 2024 from 12-1 CST, focusing on personal and professional development. Christine also offers free consultations and frequently speaks at various engagements.

Connect with Christine at:
christinemroberts.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-m-roberts/

Visit our website: www.MomentumLeaders.org

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In this episode, April Benetollo, CEO at Momentum sits down with Clinical Psychologist and Performance Coach Josh Klapow, PhD. They explore his career journey, experiences, and invaluable insights on organizational consulting and leadership coaching.

The discussion delves into the nuances of male and female leadership styles in the workplace, shedding light on communication challenges and societal influences that shape these dynamics. Josh emphasizes the importance of respecting individuality and humanity in all interactions, transcending gender stereotypes.

Through his expertise, Josh underscores the vital role of effective communication and emotional intelligence in successful leadership. He shares practical strategies for cultivating these essential skills, enabling leaders to navigate complex situations with empathy and clarity.

Whether you're a seasoned leader or aspiring to take on a leadership role, this episode offers invaluable wisdom and actionable insights to help you unlock your full potential and foster a more inclusive and empowering workplace culture.

Stay tuned for more insightful episodes on Momentum Matters, where we explore the intersection of leadership, personal growth, and organizational success.

Resources mentioned: 

Forbes Feature: How Clinical Psychology And Performance Coaching Help Women Navigate A Competitive Male Dominated Workplace

https://www.forbes.com/sites/bonniemarcus/2024/02/01/how-clinical-psychology-and-performance-coaching-help-women-navigate-a-competitive-male-dominated-workplace/?sh=6aa73b0b2ab9

Josh's bio: https://momentumleaders.org/people/josh-klapow/

Josh's website at www.mentaldrive.com.

To learn more about Josh's work and the performance mindset, visit mentaldrive.com or follow Josh on social media. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjoshk/

Instagram:@mentaldrive https://www.instagram.com/mentaldrive/

TikTok: @mentaldrive  https://www.tiktok.com/@mentaldrive 

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In this episode we interview Sharon Melnick, PhD, on the topic of power. Dr. Melnick is a global authority on leadership, confidence, resilience, and power. Dr. Melnick is the premier expert at creating fast and lasting behavioral change in accomplished but overwhelmed professionals, enabling them to expand their leadership impact and become change agents across the enterprise. With her psychological tools, clients harness their emotional makeup to create an inspiring culture under stressful conditions, and use their influencing capacities to achieve outsized results.

Dr. Melnick is the best-selling author of In Your Power, as well as two earlier books, Confidence when it Counts and Success Under Stress. 

Dr. Melnick's work is inspired by 10 years of research at Harvard Medical School. She offers coaching, training, and consulting to more than 50 Fortune 500 companies. She is a frequent speaker and facilitator at Momentum, for which we are so grateful! 

You can find more resources from Dr. Melnick on her website at sharonmelnick.com.

Visit our website: www.MomentumLeaders.org

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In this podcast, Executive Career Coach and Leadership Development Speaker Lenetra King, FACHE, shares her background and current mission with Momentum CEO April Benetollo. Lenetra is the founder and CEO of her company, Watch Me Excel, whose mission is to help organizations to engage, promote, and retain exceptional talent. Her mission's primary focus is to serve leaders in underrepresented communities. 

Lenetra's book, Unwritten Insights: A Career Playbook for Leaders of Color, is an excellent resource for leadership growth in the workplace, and can be purchased on her website. 

Helpful Links:

Website: www.watchmeexcel.com

Connect with Lenetra on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenetra-king/

Follow Watch Me Excel on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/watchmeexcel/about/

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In this podcast, Momentum CEO April Benetollo interviews CBS42 Chief Meteorologist Ashley Gann in Birmingham. Ashley shares about being a woman in a dominantly male career field, her influences along the way, and what her plans for the future are.

Ashley's career has spanned 3 states and 3 major cities. From Montgomery, to Atlanta, to Birmingham. Ashley has covered some of the most historic weather events of our life time, including the April 27, 2011 tornado outbreak. 

After receiving her Aerospace Engineering degree from Auburn University, Ashley went on to Mississippi State where she earned her Masters in Meteorology. During her career she became the 795th Certified Broadcast Meteorologist in the nation. 

As the first female chief meteorologist not only in Birmingham, but in the state of Alabama, Ashley has used that accomplishment to highlight the importance of equity, not just equality, in the work place.

To learn more about Ashley, visit https://www.cbs42.com/author/ashley-gann

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PeggyLee Wright is a former US Army UH-60 Blackhawk pilot, having served at the 82d Airborne Division, Honduras Central America, and Fort Lee, Virginia. Following her military career, PeggyLee used her experience in DoD, logistics, leadership management, behavior analysis, and education to create a new approach to business development, ultimately establishing her own business development consulting firm, THE COMPANY YOU KEEP, in 2019. In this episode, PeggyLee shares what led her to join the military, what she learned about service to others from her father, instructors, and mentors, and how she manages a successful career, community service, and four children. 

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Leslie Claybrook currently is the General Manager for the Birmingham Squadron, the G League affiliate to the NBA New Orleans Pelicans. She is one of only a small handful of women to hold that title in men’s professional sports. In her current role, she manages all aspects of business operations including corporate partnerships, ticket sales, marketing and public relations. The Birmingham Squadron also has a heart for the community and will be featuring special game nights including a Women's Empowerment Night on March 9, 2023. Scheduling information and tickets are available at BirminghamSquadron.com. 

Prior to The Birmingham Squadron, Claybrook served as the President of CrossRoads331, a consulting business for the athletics industry. From 2011-2020, Claybrook served  as an Assistant Commissioner at the Southeastern Conference. At the SEC, she was responsible for the oversight of women’s basketball, soccer and softball, including ticket sales and corporate sponsor engagement. Claybrook also collaborated strategically with athletic administrators, coaches, SEC staff and outside constituents in developing a COVID-19 Return to Competition Plan and teamed with the SEC Council on Racial Equity and Social Justice to develop the “TOGETHER. It Just Means More” campaign on racial equity and social justice, developing resources and strategies for campuses, national engagement, and change.

In her spare time, Claybrook has been actively involved in refereeing basketball at the collegiate, WNBA and international levels. Her expertise allowed her to represent USA Basketball as a referee at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro.

A native of Luverne, Alabama, Claybrook is a graduate of the University of Alabama where she was a four-year letter winner for the women’s basketball team and a three-time selection to the SEC Academic Honor Roll. She received a master’s degree from Mercer University while an assistant women’s basketball coach. She is married to Perry Robinson who is the varsity volleyball coach at Pelham High School. They have one daughter, Lillian.

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Ulrike Seminati is a leadership and communication coach with over twenty years of experience shaping award-winning communications and leadership programs around the world. Building on her experience as C-level executive, Ulrike combines her knowledge of how to succeed in the corporate world with powerful self-development techniques to help women lead with charisma and authenticity.

Visit our website: www.MomentumLeaders.org

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Steph Tuss is the CEO of multimillion-dollar global consulting company, Life Is Now, Inc., and frequent stand-in cohost of Business Daily News’ top-ranked podcast – The Successful Mind. In her six years at the helm of Life is Now, Steph has become the primary driver behind all of its marketing, business development and brilliant team culture. In this episode, Steph shares her journey from teacher in California to entrepreneur in Wisconsin, and now CEO of Life is Now in North Carolina.

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Amanda is the Founding Director of the Magic City Acceptance Center (MCAC) and manages Family Matters: LGBTQ Youth Perspectives, a photography exhibition by Carolyn Sherer.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Amanda moved to Alabama in 2006 and received her BA in Philosophy from UAB. Her advocacy work began in Columbus, Ohio volunteering with a local AIDS service organization. That work continued at Birmingham AIDS Outreach (BAO) in 2009. Amanda is in her 11th year of working with BAO and affiliated programs.

In the podcast, Amanda shares her leadership path and explores what leaders can do to support their LGBTQ+ employees, friends and family.

Amanda is a graduate of the 2019 American Express Leadership Academy, serves on the Board of the Children’s Policy Council, and Mayor Woodfin’s LGBTQ Advisory Board. Additional awards include: 2015 Simpkins/Talley Spirit of Pride Award, 2015 B-Metro Fusion Award, 2017 Ben Rowell Community Service Award, AL.com’s 2017 “Women Who Shape the State” honoree, 2018 Sylvia Rivera Game Changer Award, one of 2018 Birmingham Business Journal’s “Women to Watch,” a member of the Leadership Birmingham Class of 2020, and the UAB College of Arts and Sciences 2020 Distinguished Young Alumni.

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Join April this week as she interviews Patricia Arboleda, the CEO, and Founder of Arboleda coaching. The two women discuss honoring your values, the importance of family, and how your differences can truly be your superpower. 
To learn more about Patricia Arboleda and her business, visit her website today: https://arboledacoaching.com/welcome/.

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In today's episode, April Benetollo interviews Patti black, CFP, where the two discuss the power of understanding your financial voice,  caring for your aging parents, and the ability to take the first steps towards your goals.   


About Patti Black:
Bridgeworth Partner Patti Black, CFP® has been providing financial planning and investment advice for over two decades. She focuses on helping affluent individuals create a plan to be financially secure and live a purposeful life during retirement. Her planning also helps clients reduce the likelihood of becoming a financial or caregiving burden as they age. Because Patti has been a member of the “sandwich generation,” individuals who are caring for their aging parents and children simultaneously, she understands the financial and emotional challenges that her clients may be facing.

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Stegemann became known to millions of Canadians when she became the first woman from Atlantic Canada to land a venture-capital deal on the CBC TV show Dragons’ Den (think Canadian equivalent of Shark Tank) for her sustainable perfume company, The 7 Virtues Beauty. She went on to become the “Top Game Changer” in the history of the show for creating her social enterprise.

Since then, Stegemann has been named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada; won the Ernst & Young “Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the emerging Entrepreneur category for Atlantic Canada”; was ranked as one of Profit Guide magazine’s “Top 30 Cool and Fabulous Canadian Entrepreneurs”; and was also made the first female Honorary Colonel in the history of 14 Wing Greenwood base, Royal Canadian Air Force. (Her four year term was completed in 2015, but Barb remains an Honorary Colonel in the RCAF for life.)

She is the author of the bestselling book, The 7 Virtues of a Philosopher Queen, and the subject of the feature-length documentary Perfume War, directed by Michael Melski. The film tells Barb’s entrepreneurial story, and has garnered many awards to date, including being named Best Feature Documentary, Atlantic Film Festival; Cineplex Audience Choice, Victoria Film Festival; and Best Humanitarian Film, Sedona Film Festival, Arizona.

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In this episode, Ellen Holladay shares her  journey from lessons learned as a child at the family drugstore in Jasper, Alabama, to a seasoned C-Suite leader and Chief Information Officer. 

Ellen has more than 35 years of experience helping companies achieve operational and digital excellence. She began her career with Ernst &Young where she led technology initiatives in the manufacturing, distribution, engineering, and healthcare sectors. Having recently retired after 24 years as Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Operational Excellence Officer of Motion, a premier North American industrial solutions company, Ellen currently serves as an independent board director for Crescent Electric, a leading electrical distributor and B&D Industrial, a regional industrial solutions provider. She also volunteers as a C-Suite Advisor to Bronze Valley, an early-stage venture investment platform that supports underrepresented technology innovation founders, and as a mentor for Momentum Leaders.

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In this episode, Momentum CEO interviews Salaam Green. 

Salaam Green is proudly born and bred in the Black Belt of Alabama. She is a 2018 New Economy’s Fellow, Freelancer Writer, Deep South Storyteller, Poet, and Master Healer. She is the founder of Literary Healing Arts & Red Couch Writers, Rural Organizer, Artist in Resident for Arts in Medicine, 2016 Poet Laureate for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and 2018 Tedx Speaker with an M.S. in Early Childhood Education.

Salaam will present a breakout session at the upcoming Momentum leadership conference. Her session is called Rewrite Your Leadership Success Story. Join Salaam Green in this brave space where professionals in diverse stages of leadership share and set intentions to rewrite their success stories. As a result participants will gain a better understanding of how to shift success blocks, learn ways to remove self-limiting definitions of success, and leave with resources to write a success plan for life.

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In this episode, Momentum CEO April Benetollo interviews Claire Hubbs Gray, Manager of Community Outreach at the Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. Claire is the first graduate of Momentum's Upward early-career program to be featured on the podcast. In this interview, Claire shares how she decided to apply for Upward, her advice for early-career women, and the great work happening at Forge for breast cancer survivors. 

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