In this episode, Makayla Greathouse, founder of Elevate Intent, shares how her fractional head of people and HR advisory practice helps growing companies design intentional, high-performing people systems. Blending 15 years of HR experience with a decade of teaching yoga, she brings a unique perspective that merges operational excellence with mindfulness. She explains why trust is the foundation of healthy culture and scalable growth, and how companies must move beyond ad hoc processes to create clarity in onboarding, role expectations, and performance. Through her leadership "triangle" of autonomy, alignment, and accountability, Makayla outlines how intentional systems empower teams, strengthen culture, and drive meaningful business results.

The conversation also explores authentic leadership, particularly for women navigating the workplace. Makayla highlights how traits like dependability and composure—often praised in women—can unintentionally create ceilings if they lead to silence or over-functioning instead of system redesign and healthy conflict. She shares practical tools like DISC and situational leadership to help leaders communicate more effectively while staying true to who they are. The episode closes with a powerful reminder of "The Human Advantage"—that while AI may accelerate output, it cannot replace trust, judgment, and human connection. For Makayla, an empowered woman is one who has the courage to show up fully and lead authentically in every space she occupies.

Connect with Makayla:
Website: www.elevateintent.co
LinkedIn: Makayla Greathouse, MA, SHRM-CP

Let's keep the conversation going!
Website: www.martaspirk.com
Instagram: @martaspirk
Facebook: Marta Spirk

Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?
Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest

Watch my TEDx talk: www.martaspirk.com/keynoteconcerts

If you're a cultural catalyst, what got you here won't get you there.

Cultural change happens through peers at your level — not through previous cycles of friends, mentees, or employees.

Join our free masterclass:
The Science-Backed Secrets to Activate Your Legacy as a Cultural Catalyst Without Burnout

Register at activateherlegacy.com

In this episode, we sit down with Jaclyn Orent, co-founder of Cultural Catalyst, a peer network for seven-figure founders who are committed to creating meaningful cultural change. Jaclyn shares her journey from sales leadership and consulting into studying consciousness, systemic change, and the science behind sustainable transformation. Drawing on the work of renowned thinkers like Richard Boyatzis, Dr. Benjamin Hardy, and Dr. David Hawkins, she explains how Cultural Catalyst applies proven frameworks such as Intentional Change Theory and resonance-based relationships to help high-level leaders evolve personally while expanding their impact.

Jaclyn also unpacks what it truly takes to scale change exponentially—highlighting the power of peer relationships, shared vision, and nervous system regulation through tools like EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). You'll learn why connection at your level of leadership is not just a "nice to have," but a neurological and physiological necessity for long-term growth, legacy, and fulfillment. If you're a purpose-driven founder ready to move beyond incremental success and into holistic empowerment, this conversation offers a compelling look at how to become a true cultural catalyst.

Connect with Jaclyn:
Website: https://www.culturalcontribution.com
LinkedIn: Jaclyn (Kova) Orent

Let's keep the conversation going!
Website: www.martaspirk.com
Instagram: @martaspirk
Facebook: Marta Spirk

Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?
Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest

Watch my TEDx talk: www.martaspirk.com/keynoteconcerts

There's a reason Pitch Worthy is on every power founder's radar.
It's the definitive PR book for women done with being overlooked.

If you're ready for press, premium clients, and undeniable authority, this is your playbook.

Buy your copy now at hearsayPR.com.

Join me for an inspiring conversation with Shelly Garg, the founder of Wave Kids and a seasoned FDA attorney, as she shares her journey of creating the first kids' lifestyle and beverage brand focused on building better hydration habits. Shelly's passion for children's health shines through as she discusses her mission to provide a fun, trustworthy alternative to the sugary, artificial drinks that dominate the market. She offers profound insights into the "wave of change" she is spearheading, moving away from high-fructose corn syrup and hidden caffeine toward products that parents can feel good about and kids genuinely enjoy. Shelly explains how her background in food and drug law, combined with the raw reality of motherhood, fueled her desire to flip the traditional industry model on its head.

Explore how Shelly is bringing magic to hydration through innovative, temperature-activated color-changing cans and playful artwork created by children themselves. She outlines the challenges of scaling a small business while remaining committed to accessibility, ensuring that healthy options aren't restricted by a family's socioeconomic status. Listen in as she discusses the future of Wave Kids, including plans to expand into national retail and introduce organic, fruit-flavored waters with natural electrolytes. The episode concludes with a poignant reflection on empowerment, where Shelly emphasizes the importance of living in alignment with one's values and the transformative power of choosing a bigger "why" for the sake of the next generation.

Connect with Shelly:
Website: www.wave-kids.com
Instagram: @hellowavekids

Let's keep the conversation going!
Website: www.martaspirk.com
Instagram: @martaspirk
Facebook: Marta Spirk

Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?
Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest

Watch my TEDx talk: www.martaspirk.com/keynoteconcerts

There's a reason Pitch Worthy is on every power founder's radar.
It's the definitive PR book for women done with being overlooked.

If you're ready for press, premium clients, and undeniable authority, this is your playbook.

Buy your copy now at hearsayPR.com.

Join us as we explore the transformative journey of Nicole Rosenberg, the founder of Wanderful Abroad, who shares her unique insights into moving overseas and personal evolution. Through Nicole's personal story of transitioning from a brand ambassador and side-hustler to a relocation expert, we learn about the crucial role of intuition and "identity shifting" in successfully starting a new life in countries like Thailand, South Korea, Mexico, and Spain. Nicole offers valuable perspectives on how prioritizing connection with local cultures and learning new languages can resolve the stagnation of a "US-centric mindset" and foster deeper global empathy. Listen in as we discuss the complexities and triumphs of moving abroad during a pandemic and uncover how understanding your own personality traits can lead to finding the perfect international destination.

In our engaging conversation, we also address the significance of financial preparation and emotional resilience in the relocation process. Nicole shares her observations from her travels and coaching experiences, highlighting the benefits of strict budgeting rituals and side-hustle momentum in creating a feasible path to moving abroad. We discuss the challenges faced by those "stuck in the mud" of indecision and the importance of tapping into one's instincts during major life transitions. Nicole introduces her personalized coaching programs, offering practical advice for navigating visas, finding remote work, and managing the "identity layers" that come with living in a foreign land. Discover transformative resources through Nicole's social media platforms and explore her 30-minute introductory calls for further engagement with her innovative "Wanderful Abroad" programs.

Connect with Nicole:
Website: www.wanderfulabroad.net
LinkedIn: Nicole Rosenberg
Instagram: @wanderful_abroad1023_
TikTok: wanderfulabroad1023
Calendly: https://calendly.com/ncrosenberg1023/wanderfulabroad

Let's keep the conversation going!
Website: www.martaspirk.com
Instagram: @martaspirk
Facebook: Marta Spirk

Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?
Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest

Watch my TEDx talk: www.martaspirk.com/keynoteconcerts

There's a reason Pitch Worthy is on every power founder's radar.
It's the definitive PR book for women done with being overlooked.

If you're ready for press, premium clients, and undeniable authority, this is your playbook.

Buy your copy now at hearsayPR.com.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Arica Netterville, a powerhouse entrepreneur and podcaster with 25 years of experience in business development and branding. In this episode, Arica discusses how building a successful brand is not about overnight fame, but about establishing a consistent community presence across over 30 platforms. She reveals that the path to growth is paved with challenges—from name-hijacking to social media hacks—but emphasizes that once you manifest clarity and resilience, explosive authority and opportunities naturally follow.

Discover how to build authority by leveraging your existing proof—such as Arica's three-time award-winning podcast and her national ranking of 174 in the nation. Arica emphasizes that entrepreneurs must proactively "own their story" and share their accolades, even in the face of setbacks, to avoid doing a disservice to the community they serve. To help you get started, she shares her vision for the future of interactive media, including Podcast Live, a new initiative designed to bring high-energy, live-audience engagement to corporate and networking events. For those looking for a modern guide to scaling a business model from local to national, keep an eye out for Arica's expansion across major cities like Chicago and New York, arriving throughout 2026.

Connect with Arica:
Website: www.thedenverbusinessbeatpodcast.com
LinkedIn: Arica Netterville The Denver Business Beat Podcast
Instagram: @thedenverbusinessbeatpodcast

Let's keep the conversation going!
Website: www.martaspirk.com
Instagram: @martaspirk
Facebook: Marta Spirk

Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?
Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest

Watch my TEDx talk: www.martaspirk.com/keynoteconcerts

There's a reason Pitch Worthy is on every power founder's radar.
It's the definitive PR book for women done with being overlooked.

If you're ready for press, premium clients, and undeniable authority, this is your playbook.

Buy your copy now at hearsayPR.com.

I'm kicking off 2026 with a little reflection and a fresh evolution of the podcast. After two years of spotlighting inspiring entrepreneurial stories, I realized I've also been deeply focused behind the scenes—helping entrepreneurs leverage their story with intention, strategy, and confidence to truly connect with their audience.

In this episode, I share how I'm stepping more fully into my role as a storytelling mentor, guiding leaders to own their voice, refine their message, and step onto stages and platforms with clarity and impact. You'll hear how this shift will make interviews even more intentional, highlight the lessons in each story, and give you actionable insights to apply to your own visibility and leadership.

Plus, I'm inviting you to watch my workshop, Take the Mic in 2026, designed to help you see your story as an asset, stop hiding behind your work, and step into the new year with confidence.

Let's keep the conversation going!
Website: www.martaspirk.com
Instagram: @martaspirk
Facebook: Marta Spirk

Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?
Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest

Watch my TEDx talk: www.martaspirk.com/keynoteconcerts

There's a reason Pitch Worthy is on every power founder's radar.
It's the definitive PR book for women done with being overlooked.

If you're ready for press, premium clients, and undeniable authority, this is your playbook.

Buy your copy now at hearsayPR.com.

Join us for an insightful conversation with KJ Blattenbauer, a powerhouse publicist with nearly 30 years of experience helping "underdogs" and bold brands secure the recognition they deserve. In this episode, KJ discusses how effective visibility is not about chasing a viral moment, but about establishing a consistent, recognizable position where the right people understand your expertise. She reveals that many entrepreneurs struggle with a lack of confidence that is actually rooted in confusion over their positioning; once that clarity is achieved, authority and opportunities naturally follow.

Discover how to build authority by leveraging your existing proof—such as awards and past results—and accessing "borrowed platforms" like podcasts and guest teaching. KJ emphasizes that women must proactively share their accolades to avoid doing a disservice to those who need their products or services. To help you get started, she shares valuable resources from Hearsay PR including "Headline Your Life" to find your brand story, a "Pitch Kit" for media outreach, and "PR Before Payroll" for building authority without a large budget. For those looking for a modern guide to building lasting authority, keep an eye out for KJ's upcoming book, Pitchworthy, arriving in January 2026.

Connect with KJ:
Website: www.hearsaypr.com
LinkedIn: Karen Jayne Blattenbauer
Instagram: @kjblattenbauer | @hearsaypr

Let's keep the conversation going!
Website: www.martaspirk.com
Instagram: @martaspirk
Facebook: Marta Spirk

Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?
Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest

Watch my TEDx talk: www.martaspirk.com/keynoteconcerts

Professional moms — if you're juggling work, mom guilt, and nightly discipline debates, meet The Calm and Connected Parent by psychotherapist Todd Sarner.
This attachment-first guide is your roadmap to unity, confidence, and a calmer home.

Out now.
Visit transformativeparenting.com and click "New Book" at the top for bonuses, details, and updates starting today.

Join us this week as we sit down with Rebecca Pearce, a personal executive coach based in Baltimore, Maryland, who shares her incredible journey from high-powered CEO to finding a life defined by joy and purpose. Rebecca recounts her rise to becoming the nation's first Health Benefit Exchange CEO in 2011, a role she poured her life into for two years before losing it very publicly in 2013. This loss of professional identity was followed by a life-threatening health crisis when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor the size of a ping-pong ball. The grueling surgery and subsequent recovery—which included partial paralysis and hearing loss—served as a definitive wake-up call, shifting her focus from titles and money to the simple, profound joy of being present for her family.

Rebecca now uses her experience to help other successful individuals navigate their own transformations through her coaching and her new book, You Don't Have to Achieve to be Loved. She details her four-phase change process: Unfortunate Awareness, Mourning the Past, One Foot In, One Foot Out, and finally, Clearly Me. By blending executive strategy with deep emotional work, Rebecca guides her clients—like a pastor she recently helped transition into a new calling—to balance their passions with realistic financial planning. She defines an empowered woman as someone who understands their inner self and has the courage to give voice to their truths, regardless of external expectations.

Connect with Rebecca:
Website: www.morebeccapearce.com
LinkedIn: Rebecca (Becca) Pearce MBA, CEPA
Book: You Don't Have to Achieve to Be Loved

Let's keep the conversation going!
Website: www.martaspirk.com
Instagram: @martaspirk
Facebook: Marta Spirk

Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?
Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest

Watch my TEDx talk: www.martaspirk.com/keynoteconcerts

Professional moms — if you're juggling work, mom guilt, and nightly discipline debates, meet The Calm and Connected Parent by psychotherapist Todd Sarner.
This attachment-first guide is your roadmap to unity, confidence, and a calmer home.

Out now.
Visit transformativeparenting.com and click "New Book" at the top for bonuses, details, and updates starting today.