Contributors

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Host

Natalie Luke, PhD

Natalie Luke, PhD is the host of UnCeiling You, a podcast helping ambitious professionals break through inner and outer ceilings. A senior executive scientist and strategist, she brings clarity, curiosity, and authenticity to every conversation.


Her mission is to redefine ambition and imagination as forces for growth. Through inspiring stories, expert guests, and practical strategies, Natalie empowers professionals—especially women in STEM and business—to build confidence, expand networks, and take bold action.

https://unceilingzone.com/
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Editor

Megan Luke

Megan Luke is a sophomore at Michigan State University, pursuing a degree in Biosystems Engineering with concentration in Biomedical Engineering through both the Honors College and the College of Engineering. A golf champion and academic standout, Megan brings precision and focus to everything she does—on the course, in the lab, and behind the scenes.


She also serves as the Editor of the UnCeiling You podcast, where she ensures each episode meets high sound quality standards. From editing out distractions and optimizing audio clarity to fine-tuning transitions and maintaining the emotional tone of each conversation, Megan plays a critical role in delivering a polished and engaging listener experience.


With her blend of technical expertise, creative intuition, and competitive spirit, Megan is passionate about shaping the future of healthcare and media.

Guests

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Guest

Abby Havermann

A psychotherapist turned coach, Abby Havermann is a dynamic speaker, skilled trainer, and illuminator of the unconscious self-betrayals that drive our everyday challenges.


Combining psychology, neuroscience, and ancient wisdom, she teaches you how to rewire habitual patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior to thrive instead of survive. 


Note: I mistakenly introduced Abby as “Dr.” Abby Havermann in episode 41. While she’s not a doctor, her insights and expertise are deeply impactful, and I’m honored to share her story with you here. 



https://www.abbyhavermann.com/

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Amy Quesenberry

Amy Quesenberry is a Client and Employee Experience Expert and former global business consultant with over 20 years in Human Capital, Talent Management, and Organizational Development. After a successful corporate HR career in the STEM sector, Amy experienced her own burnout — a turning point that led her to create the Start with Compassion® framework, helping leaders use compassion to drive both performance and fulfillment.


She is now a sought-after speaker, best-selling author, and co-host of the Infuse Compassion Podcast, as well as co-creator of the annual Infuse Compassion into Companies (ICIC) Conference. Her work has been featured at global conferences and leadership events, including the Womentech Network and the upcoming LeadHERshop Conference 2025.


Living in San Diego with her husband and two dogs, Amy balances her career with family, fitness, and creativity.

https://startwithcompassion.com/

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Guest

Amy Roosa

From Episode 21


17+ years of high proficiency leadership in Environmental, Health & Safety with a passion to help transform safety cultures and drive positive safety results throughout Iowa.


https://thesafetyrack.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-roosa-bb598078/
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Amy Slavitt

 Amy is a global C-Suite executive and board-ready leader with deep expertise in risk management, governance, AI, cybersecurity, and M&A across technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. She has guided companies and boards through crises ranging from reorganizations to cybersecurity attacks, driving strategic outcomes with a practical, high-energy approach. Named one of the top 100 women in the U.S. ready to be a Fortune 500 General Counsel and recognized as a Powerful Woman in IP, Amy brings international experience from the U.S., U.K., Europe, and Australia. Currently Chief Legal Officer at Rectangle Health and Advisory Board Director for ACHealth, she has led high-stakes transactions, launched legal departments, and advanced corporate initiatives that deliver measurable value. Amy is now seeking an Independent Board Director role where she can leverage her global perspective and proven ability to turn complexity into growth. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyslavitt/
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Guest

Ana Trsic

From Episode 20


Ana is an avid hiker and nature lover, and fur mama to two chihuahuas. Quarantine introduced Ana to candle making, and she absolutely loved this therapeutic process. After researching for several months, she decided to make them on her own, spread the word about the benefits of soy wax, and pour her love for nature into a candle. When she's not making candles, you can find her on the edges of cliffs in national parks along with her hubby and two chihuahuas.

Scentana Candle Co was created to bring a relaxing aesthetic and aroma without the worries. All candles are made with natural soy wax and hand-poured in small batches for exceptional quality. Clean scent fragrances are chosen, creating a safer product that can save you any worries. Every candle is hand-labeled and packaged, and each glass jar can be upcycled for multi-purpose use after your candle's burn. 

https://www.scentanacandleco.com/
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Bart Merrell

Bart Merrell is an entrepreneur, author of Monetize Your Mindset, speaker, and coach known as the Side Hustle Samurai. With decades of experience turning everyday skills and unexpected life events into income opportunities, Bart teaches people how to prepare for life’s challenges by building multiple streams of income. His journey includes remarkable resilience—like transforming the loss of his leg into a platform to help others facing similar challenges. Bart’s mission is simple: to help people recognize the value in what they already know, build confidence, and take practical steps toward financial and personal freedom. 

https://bartmerrell.com/

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Brianne Rush

 Brianne Rush is the founder of The Independence Lab, where she equips Gen Z women to move from college to career with confidence. She rose quickly in her own career—from intern to managing editor in a year, and later VP of Operations—by leaning on curiosity, courage, and authentic connections rather than credentials alone. Recognized by Forbes and Women We Admire, Brianne now helps young professionals avoid networking mistakes, decode workplace dynamics, and build the relationships that truly move careers forward. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannecarlonrush/

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Dr. Anna Kallschmidt

Dr. Anna Kallschmidt is an award-winning industrial-organizational psychologist dedicated to decoding the "unwritten rules" of workplace culture. Drawing from her own journey from a rural, working-class background to roles in Big 4 firms, Ivy League institutions, and federal agencies, she empowers organizations to foster inclusive environments.

Her research focuses on how social class identity, neurodivergence, and cultural norms influence professional dynamics. Through her book, The Unwritten Rules of Work, keynote speeches, and consulting services, Dr. Kallschmidt equips leaders and teams with tools to shift from cycles of fear to courage, enhancing communication, accountability, and belonging.

Explore her work at drkallschmidt.com.

https://drkallschmidt.com/

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Dr. Ardeshir Mehran

Dr. Ardeshir Mehran is a psychologist, leadership strategist, and the author of You Are Not Depressed. You Are Un-Finished. With a career spanning over 25 years, he has worked with top executives, founders, and global organizations to address the hidden emotional toll of high achievement.

Blending science, storytelling, and soul, Dr. Mehran helps leaders see that anxiety, burnout, and even depression are not signs of failure—but signals of growth waiting to happen. His pioneering concept, the Emotional Bill of Rights, reframes mental health not as a personal defect, but as a path to deeper alignment, agency, and purpose.

Whether he's advising a CEO or speaking to thousands, Dr. Mehran invites us to stop glamorizing resilience—and start living in full, connected presence. His work is a bridge between ambition and wholeness, offering tools for real transformation in both life and leadership.

https://ardeshirmehran.com/

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Dr. Elaine Lin Hering

Dr. Elaine Lin Hering is a facilitator, speaker, and bestselling author of Unlearning Silence, helping leaders and teams break free from patterns of staying quiet to speak and act with clarity, courage, and impact. A former managing partner at a global leadership development firm affiliated with the Harvard Negotiation Project, she draws on decades of experience to empower people to own their voices and lead authentically. 

https://elainelinhering.com/

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Dr. Michele D. Clark

 Dr. Michele D. Clark, LMSW, is a licensed clinical social worker, speaker, and founder of LIFT After Breast Cancer, a movement that helps women move beyond survival into true healing. A two-time stroke survivor, breast cancer survivor, and thriver after divorce, Dr. Clark has transformed her personal challenges into a mission of resilience and empowerment. With a background as a therapist and oncology social worker, she guides women to reframe their self-talk, rebuild their relationship with their bodies, and find strength in authentic community. Through her Celebration, Elevation, and Transformation Brunches, retreats, and coaching, she answers the question: “What’s next after survival?” Rooted in faith and compassion, Dr. Clark inspires women to reclaim their worth, honor their whole selves, and create lives that celebrate thriving beyond trauma. Learn more at www.micheledclark.com

https://www.micheledclark.com/

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Ellen Leikind

Ellen Leikind is an entrepreneur, corporate innovator, keynote speaker, and author who founded PokerDivas in 2006. With a background as a senior marketing executive at Fortune 500 companies like Pfizer and L’Oréal, she launched over a billion dollars in health and beauty products. Ellen holds an MBA in Marketing from Fordham University and a Diversity & Inclusion certificate from Cornell.

Through PokerDivas, Ellen empowers professionals—especially women—to enhance leadership, negotiation, and communication skills using poker strategies. Her book, Poker Woman: How to Win at Love, Life, and Business Using the Principles of Poker, explores how poker tactics can be applied to business and personal success.

Ellen's work has been featured in CNBC, Forbes, and Parade, and she offers programs and keynotes that help individuals play to win in both business and life.

https://www.pokerdivas.com/

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Julia Frense Maria

Julia Frense Maria is a seasoned procurement professional and wellness advocate based in Philadelphia. As the Global Indirect Procurement Project Lead at DuPont, she oversees strategic sourcing for $2.4 billion in global spend. Julia’s career includes roles at Ralph Lauren, Anthropologie, and WEConnect International.

A University of Delaware alum with a degree in Fashion Merchandising, Julia has lived across Europe, Asia, and North America. Bilingual in German and holding dual US-EU citizenship, she values diversity and inclusion.


Julia’s personal health journey began in 2020 with medical challenges, leading her to adopt a Mediterranean diet, exercise regularly, and compete in triathlons and half-marathons. Inspired by her transformation, she now empowers other women to embrace wellness.


Julia volunteers with Girls on the Run in Philadelphia, serving on the associate board and leading small events. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-frense-maria-a897a055/

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Kelly Slavitt

 Amy is a global C-Suite executive and board-ready leader with deep expertise in risk management, governance, AI, cybersecurity, and M&A across technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. She has guided companies and boards through crises ranging from reorganizations to cybersecurity attacks, driving strategic outcomes with a practical, high-energy approach. Named one of the top 100 women in the U.S. ready to be a Fortune 500 General Counsel and recognized as a Powerful Woman in IP, Amy brings international experience from the U.S., U.K., Europe, and Australia. Currently Chief Legal Officer at Rectangle Health and Advisory Board Director for ACHealth, she has led high-stakes transactions, launched legal departments, and advanced corporate initiatives that deliver measurable value. Amy is now seeking an Independent Board Director role where she can leverage her global perspective and proven ability to turn complexity into growth. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyslavitt/

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Liz Weber

 Liz Weber, CMC, CSP, is a globally recognized leadership strategist, speaker, and author. Named one of the Top 30 Global Gurus for Leadership (2025) alongside John Maxwell and Simon Sinek, Liz advises boards, executives, and business owners worldwide. She’s one of fewer than 100 people to hold both the Certified Management Consultant (CMC) and Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designations. As CEO of Weber Business Services, LLC, Liz helps leaders focus on the right things at the right time to drive performance, profit, and culture. 

https://www.wbsllc.com/
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Lynn Quinn

 Lynn Quinn is a communication strategist, author, and creator of the Four Zones of Communication framework—Pink, Yellow, Higher, and Halt. Her work helps people move from tense, unclear, or conflict-driven exchanges into clarity, trust, and connection. Known for her accessible tools like reflection writing and her “Ferris wheel of the mind” visualization, Lynn teaches leaders, teams, and individuals how to recognize their communication zone and reset in seconds. Her concept of the Pink Zone—the shared space between perspectives—has become a cornerstone of her approach, showing that real influence isn’t about winning arguments but finding common ground. Lynn’s favorite space, the Higher Zone, is synonymous with flow, compassion, and the bonds that build lasting trust and community. Through her Zones of Atlas platform, Lynn equips people to become more self-aware, present, and authentic so they can lead with confidence and create meaningful connections.

https://zoalq.com/

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Mary Aguirre

Mary Aguirre – Award-Winning Broadcaster & Host of La Tia con Mary Aguirre


Mary Aguirre is a trailblazing communicator with over 40 years of experience in broadcasting, beginning her celebrated career in Mexico where she received the prestigious Antenna Award—the country’s highest recognition in radio. After moving to the United States, she reinvented her voice and platform while staying true to her cultural roots and mission of service.

Today, she is the founder and host of La Tia con Mary Aguirre, a podcast that serves as a heartfelt guide for Latina women navigating life transitions far from home. Just like the beloved Tía in many families, Mary offers warmth, wisdom, and a listening ear—without judgment.

https://www.tiapodcast.com/

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Mozella Perry Ademiluyi, JD

Mozella Perry Ademiluyi, JD, is a global speaker, author, leadership strategist, and poet known for her cross-cultural insights and transformative work. Born in Miami and raised across Africa, Europe, and Asia, Mozella brings a global perspective to her mission of empowering women and fostering connection.

A Howard University graduate with a law degree, she’s licensed in the U.S. and Nigeria. Mozella founded Mountain Peak Strategies, leading workshops, retreats, and coaching programs. Her work is recognized globally, including at the Women’s Leadership and Empowerment Conference in Bali.

She’s the author of Love Is a Mountain and Rise!: Lean Within Your Inner Power & Wisdom™. She also founded the Global Women Story Circle and Rising Sun Programs, which promote storytelling and wealth literacy for youth and families.

https://mountainpeakstrategies.com/

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Neena Perez

 Neena Perez is a transformational coach, author, and speaker who helps women reclaim their worth, heal from past wounds, and build purpose-driven businesses. Having overcome abuse, teen motherhood, domestic violence, and poverty, Neena now empowers others through her faith-based framework of self-trust, resilience, and courageous action. 

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Pat Fenner

Pat Fenner is an author, podcast producer, and founder of Finishing Well Podcast Productions. After 37 years of marriage and raising five children as a homeschooling mom, Pat faced the challenge of rebuilding her life after divorce. Through courage, community, and creativity, she discovered new strengths and turned her passion for storytelling into a business helping others bring their voices to the world.


Today, Pat supports women navigating midlife transitions—especially “gray divorce”—and guides them in reclaiming confidence, connection, and purpose. Through her gentle, resource-filled book, upcoming journal, and podcast production services, she equips others to share their stories with authenticity and impact.


Pat’s journey is proof that even after everything changes, you still have the power to rewrite your story.

https://www.patfenner.me/

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Serena Low

Serena Low is a trauma-informed coach for introverts, host of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, and has been an introvert all her life. She supports quiet achievers to grow into Quiet Warriors and achieve professional visibility without having to act extroverted.

https://serenalow.com.au/

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Sheila Callaham

Sheila is a large-scale, goal-driven, and adaptable global team leader known for motivating, mobilizing, and coaching teams to exceed high-performance standards. With a proven track record in complex environments, she combines strong communication strategy, branding expertise, and facilitation skills with superior change management capabilities. Sheila’s collaborative approach and deep relationship-building skills help her navigate all levels of an organization, while her certifications in Learning & Organizational Development, Lean Sigma, and Ethical Decision Making underscore her commitment to integrity, innovation, and sustainable talent growth. As a StrengthsFinder™ Arranger, Maximizer, Focus, Developer, and Activator, she’s a powerhouse at synthesizing ideas, inspiring excellence, driving action, and unlocking the potential in others. 

https://ageequityalliance.org/

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