I’m so excited to bring you part two of our Visionary Awards series, an episode all about what it means to be a visionary, or to support one, in today’s ever-changing world.

I’m joined once again by two incredible guests: Jill Frey and Purba Majumbder, women who are not only visionaries themselves but who have also been deeply impacted by the women who’ve supported their journeys.

In this conversation, we dig into how Jill and Purba stay ahead of industry trends, embrace new technologies like robotics and AI, and make a real difference through projects such as STEM programs for girls.

We get honest about the challenges along the way—from navigating self-doubt and skepticism to keeping up with rapid change. And we don’t shy away from the truth: sometimes, your biggest obstacle is your own mindset.

In this episode, I share my journey, how I learned to step into my role as a visionary leader, often with the help and encouragement of others who saw more in me than I saw in myself.

Together, we swap stories, lessons, and practical advice for anyone who wants to pursue a big idea, empower others, or make a lasting impact.

Inspiring Moments

00:00 "Smart Buildings & Sustainability Goals"

03:40 Visionaries and The Future of Robotics

07:12 "Finding My Own Vision"

12:36 "Inspiring Girls in STEM"

16:02 Launching the Women's Initiative

17:40 "Challenges of Being a Visionary"

21:55 Hybrid Work Revolution Unfolds

25:55 Empowering Women in Swift Tech

26:42 Tech's Fast-Paced Adaptation Challenge

30:56 Empowering Leadership and Influence

35:51 Building Confidence and Realizing Potential

38:55 Supporting Visionaries and Helping Others

Here are my top 3 takeaways:

Embrace Fearlessness & Resilience

Both Jill and Purba stress the importance of believing in yourself, especially on tough days. Push through doubts, value self-talk, and be your own biggest fan, even when the world isn’t quite ready for your vision.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Visionaries like Jill and Purba are always thinking 5 years ahead, anticipating industry shifts and adapting technology like AI and automation—not just to keep up, but to lead the change.

Support & Elevate Each Other

Whether you’re driving the vision or helping implement it, your role matters. Sometimes, all it takes is the right nudge, encouragement, or honest feedback to help someone unlock their full potential.

Forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social, and political achievement.

Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women’s Initiative.

Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

Brady Ware and Company

I’m so excited to bring you part one of our special Visionary Awards series, where we honor incredible women who have scaled their businesses and brought their visions to life. Today, I’m joined by two outstanding guests—Jill Frey, president and CEO of Cummins Facility Services, and Purba Majumder, an inspiring immigrant founder and CEO of Cybervation Inc., both of whom were finalists alongside me for the NAWBO Columbus Visionary Award.

In this episode, we share our personal stories about what it really takes to scale a company, the winding journey of becoming a visionary, and why the people who support us along the way are just as important as the vision itself. We open up about our challenges, our proudest moments, and the vital roles of those who stand beside us—whether they’re cheering us on, pouring into our growth, or simply helping us keep going.

If you’re a woman in business—whether you see yourself as a visionary or you’re the one making things happen behind the scenes—there’s something here for you. Join us for honest conversations, practical wisdom, and a big dose of inspiration from women who understand what it takes. Let’s keep lifting each other up and helping one another rise.

Inspiring Moments

00:00 Scaling Visionary Women

04:59 Grateful for NAWBO Visionary Award

06:31 Trailblazer Staffing & Bistro ux Ventures

10:25 Nabo's Impact on My Journey

13:27 "Guiding Through Support and Wisdom"

19:09 Supporting Fellow Entrepreneurs

22:23 Founding Cool Tech Girls

24:43 Collective Support Fuels Cool Tech Girls

28:43 Women Supporting Visionary Women

Here are my top 3 takeaways for anyone passionate about leadership, growth, and supporting women in business:

• Scaling is a journey, not a sprint: We emphasize that true success doesn’t happen overnight. Steady, thoughtful scaling, supported by a strong team, is the sustainable path forward.
• Visionaries aren’t alone: Whether you are the one with the big dream, or the one who supports that dream, both roles are vital. Community, mentors, and even those who “put up with” your quirks help turn vision into reality.
• Celebrating and elevating others multiplies impact: The stories from the NAWBO Visionary Awards remind me how group celebrations, meaningful connections, and championing others’ successes fuel long-term growth for all.

Forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social, and political achievement.

Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women’s Initiative.

Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

Brady Ware and Company

I have the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the incredible Judy Carter. Judy is not only a trailblazing comedian and author, but she’s also our keynote speaker for the upcoming Brady Ware Women’s Leadership Conference.

Judy’s journey is fascinating—from breaking into the male-dominated world of stand-up comedy to building her unique message that our “mess” can become our greatest source of success and leadership. Judy opens up about how humor, authenticity, and honest storytelling are powerful tools for any woman striving to make a difference, whether in her career, business, or community.

Judy talks about turning stress into strength, using your stories to connect with others, and how vulnerability is a superpower. Judy shares practical exercises and a fresh perspective on leading with laughter, resilience, and what it means to own every part of your journey—mess and all.

If you’re looking for inspiration, a few laughs, and real strategies to help you stand out and connect as a leader, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in and discover together how your story can become your most powerful tool for leadership and impact.

2025 Women's Leadership Conference

Inspiring Moments

00:00 Comedian's Journey in Male Industry

06:56 Coaching CEOs for Engaging Speeches

09:20 "Leader's Relatable Transformation Inspires Team"

13:43 The Turning Point: Hopelessness Origins

14:28 "Defining Resolve and New Purpose"

20:31 "Comedy Techniques & Success Stories"

21:24 Agenda: Balancing Serious and Light

33:01 "Embrace Your Messy Success"

37:18 "Facing Reality with Optimism"

37:46 "Resilient Amid Chaos"

Here are my top 3 takeaways you can put into action right now:

Your story matters – Don’t underestimate the power of sharing your journey, including the tough moments. Your mess isn’t weakness—it’s your message, and people relate far more to your challenges than your titles.

Lead with humor and authenticity – Humor isn’t just for the stage; it builds connection and resilience. Judy shared practical ways to bring lightness (and even laughter) to stressful situations—and how that actually makes us stronger leaders.

Own your vulnerabilities – Being honest about stress and setbacks makes you relatable and trustworthy. Judy urges us to answer “How are you?” with realness (and maybe a little comic relief!) to create a culture of transparency and positivity.

Forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social, and political achievement.

Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women’s Initiative.

Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and

I welcome Danielle Roach to the podcast, Brady Ware's Recruiting & Engagement Specialist. We talk about our reactions to the previous episode featuring the incredible Pat LaLama, a story that left a significant impact with its energy and insight.

Danielle shares her own journey of overcoming personal demons and using them as drivers to success, much like Pat's experience. Together, we explore the power of women supporting women in their careers and personal lives.

Hear how stepping out of her comfort zone and heeding wise advice has shaped Danielle's path, all while celebrating the essence of fearless ambition and genuine connection. I know this inspiring conversation will encourage you to chase meaningful fulfillment over money. J

Here are some key Inspiring Takeaways from our conversation:

1. Embracing Your Demons as Drivers: Danielle opens up about finding common ground with Pat's stories of overcoming a dysfunctional upbringing and using those experiences as fuel for personal and professional growth.
2. The Importance of Women Supporting Women: Danielle and I explore the profound impact of women lifting each other up in their respective journeys. Together, we share personal anecdotes that underline the strength found in community and empathy.
3. Stepping Out of Comfort Zones: Danielle shares her own adventures and how stepping away from familiarity paved the way for meaningful connections and personal growth. A true testament to being fearless in pursuit of one’s goals!
4. Advice from Influential Voices: Reflecting on Pat's relationship with her father, Danielle emphasizes following one’s heart and passion over the allure of money—a reminder to all of us that fulfillment often guides success.
5. A Passionate Push for Adventure: We both highlight the value of embracing change and seeking new experiences. It's these steps that often lead us to the most rewarding and unexpected paths.

Inspiring Moments

00:00 "Relating to Shared Upbringing Struggles"

03:04 Fearless Drive Amidst Adversity

07:52 Empowering Women's Leadership Stories

09:24 Women Supporting Women in Choices

13:02 Embracing Change: A Personal Journey

17:57 Money-Driven Decision's Consequences

19:54 "Mom's Voice as Guiding Force"

Forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social, and political achievement.

Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women’s Initiative.

Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. And forward our...

Pat LaLama, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, investigative reporter, and advocate for empowering women, shared her remarkable journey. Her career, defined by fearless storytelling and a commitment to uncovering the truth, offers valuable lessons for us all.

Here are three key takeaways from our conversation.

Turning Demons into Drivers: Pat emphasized how she turned personal challenges and insecurities into a driving force for success. She encourages us to take the negatives in our lives and use them as fuel for pursuing our passions and reaching our goals.

Find Your Voice and Purpose: It's vital for young women aspiring to make their mark in journalism or any field to find what truly drives them. Pat advises connecting with your passions, whether it's pursuing politics or storytelling, and relentlessly pursue your dreams.

Women Supporting Women: Throughout her career, Pat made a conscious effort to open doors for other women and remain true to her values. She insists on the importance of women supporting and uplifting each other, ensuring that success is shared.

Empowering Moments

11:11 Unintimidated Women in Broadcast News

14:04 Women's Empowerment and Confidence Building

16:21 Overcoming Loss to Improve Journalism

20:13 Exploring Human Nature Through Crime

23:44 "No-Nonsense Approach to Accountability"

27:02 Interviewing George H.W. Bush

29:42 Breaking into Radio: A Bold Approach

36:08 "Relating to Her: A Journalist's Journey"

43:29 "Moving On and Supporting Others"

46:46 "Embracing Unexpected Opportunities"

48:38 Dad's Unexpected Mentorship

Forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social, and political achievement.

Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women’s Initiative.

Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

Brady Ware and Company

How do YOU approach knowing your worth and establishing boundaries in professional settings?

The microphone is in the hands of the Brady Ware's Katie Humphries, who sits down with Jessica Kenimer, Program Manager at The Women's Small Business Accelerator, for a spirited conversation about the incredible journey of our beloved host, Betty Collins.

They both talk about tales of mentorship, career evolution, and family ties as Jessica, who knows Betty both professionally and personally as her niece, shares unique insights into Betty's impactful career and the legacy she is building.

They reflect on past episodes, discuss the themes of change and growth across different life stages, and explore the art of scaling professionally.

Jessica also gives us a sneak peek into the highly anticipated Columbus Women's Leadership Conference, a testament to Betty's enduring influence and commitment to fostering empowering communities.

Whether you're a budding professional or a seasoned leader, this episode promises a wealth of inspiration and practical wisdom to fuel your journey.

Inspiring Takeaways

• Scaling Isn't One-Dimensional: Whether it's growing a business or broadening personal experiences, scaling can take on various forms and shouldn't be confined to a single path.
• Embrace Short and Long-Term Goals: It's crucial to balance short-term needs, like rest, with long-term aspirations, drawing on both tangible goals and guiding values.
• Creating Impact through Community: Events like the Columbus Women's Leadership Conference demonstrate the power of grassroots initiatives in bringing together and uplifting communities.

Inspiring Moments

00:00 Reflecting on Betty Collins' Inspiration

05:55 "Admirable Resilience Amid Challenges"

09:08 Career Transition and Self-Reflection

10:24 Reflecting on Unexpected Life Directions

13:52 Unlocking Potential Through Conversation

19:23 Betty's Career Reflections

20:50 Balancing Priorities Across Life Stages

25:50 Empowering Women's Conference Experience

27:04 "Betty's Uplifting Conference Legacy"

Forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social, and political achievement.

Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women’s Initiative.

Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

Brady Ware and Company

What are some surprising achievements in your own life that you never initially aimed for? How did you reach them?

In this episode, I reflect on my unexpected journey from a modest beginning as an everyday accountant to becoming a shareholder and managing partner at a regional CPA firm. I share my insights and personal stories that reveal how I overcame self-doubt and embraced opportunities I once thought were impossible.

Inspiring Takeaways

Scaling Heights: I talk about my evolution from just wanting a job with a paycheck in 1988 to managing a significant book of business and directing a women's initiative that holds an annual conference with 250-300 women.

Valuable Lessons: I emphasize the importance of viewing one's journey with gratitude and learning from each experience, whether it's a success or a failure. My path was filled with valuable lessons, mindset changes, and the importance of embracing opportunities — even those I initially deterred.

Support Systems: I talk about how critical support systems have been in my journey. My biggest fan, my husband Rob Collins, provides unwavering support and encouragement, which plays a pivotal role in my career growth and personal development.

Learning from Others: I speak about the influence of various individuals, some I have never met but learned from, such as Lady Gaga and Queen Elizabeth. Their diverse approaches to life and work provide me with different perspectives that enriches my own journey.

Future Legacy: I also touch on the importance of legacy and mentoring the next generation. I believe in empowering younger generations to continue the work she started and the importance of letting them take the lead while providing guidance.

Inspiring Moments

00:00 Unexpected Success: Betty Collins' Journey

06:37 "Mentorship: See Potential, Don't Settle"

08:12 "Working With, Not For"

13:01 "Choosing Restoration Over Ruin"

16:14 Embracing Growth and Evolution

18:07 Legacy and Resilience Realized

23:19 Learning from Queens and Talent

27:05 Inspiration from Ageless Performance

28:29 Embrace Courage in Action

Forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social, and political achievement.

Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women’s Initiative.

Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

Brady Ware and Company

The value of surrounding oneself with a strong support system. Who are the key people in your support system and how have they helped you achieve your goals?”

I discuss the profound lessons I learned from running for city council and what it means to lose an election. My reflections are not just about politics but about the broader themes of personal growth, resilience, and the importance of building a strong support system.

Timing and Flexibility: Embracing the Unexpected

One of the primary lessons Betty emphasizes is the crucial role of timing and flexibility. In both life and business, plans don’t always go as expected.

Building a Strong Support System

I cannot overstate the significance of surrounding oneself with a capable team and trusted advisors. Running a campaign, much like running a business, requires the collaboration and expertise of many.

Personal Branding and Self-Promotion

In today’s competitive environment, it’s essential to clearly articulate your value and distinctiveness. I share my experience of merging my smaller business into a larger one, highlighting how crucial it was to brand herself effectively.

Quality Over Quantity: Meaningful Interactions

My husband played a pivotal role as her coach and motivator, teaching me the importance of engaging people genuinely.

Strategy and Execution: Beyond Hard Work

One of the biggest realizations for me was that hard work alone isn’t enough. Strategy and execution play a critical role in achieving success. Outworking and outspending competitors are factors that can make a considerable difference, underscoring the need for sufficient resources and strategic planning.

Humility and Influence

My run for office was a humbling experience, revealing the nuances of influence within a larger community. It taught me the importance of expanding one’s network and understanding different environments.

Moving Forward with Wisdom and Joy

I would advise appreciating lessons learned and moving forward with optimism. Life’s opportunities often arise from setbacks, and it’s essential to enjoy the journey while keeping sight of long-term goals.

Key Moments

00:00 Reflecting on loss, lessons learned for future.

06:06 Campaign success: Knowing your why, articulating message.

06:50 Presidential record year, articulate message with emotion.

10:07 Respect others, stay true, adapt to growth.

16:34 Unexpected victory brings relief, despite initial fears.

18:45 Accepting timing and purpose after experiencing loss.

21:12 Election timing, issues, and party affiliation impact.

24:35 Supporters and help came from unexpected places.

27:22 Articulate branding essential for career and business success.

33:02 Reflecting on a year-long neighborhood project.

34:52 Pursuit brings confidence, new perspectives, and joy.

38:01 Easily lose track of time, pace yourself.

Forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social, and political achievement.

Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women’s Initiative.

Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on