Inspiring Women with Betty Collins

You don’t need to change who you are to lead effectively—just bring your whole self to the table.I’m thrilled to bring you an encore presentation where I talk about what truly makes a successful leader—and, more importantly, how you can thrive by using your own unique leadership style. In a world that craves authentic, open, and effective leadership, I believe it’s time to move away from a one-size-fits-all mentality and start embracing what makes each of us unique.I share some of my own stories and experiences to illustrate how your personality, values, and strengths—not to mention your weaknesses—can become some of your most valuable assets. I discuss why being honest with yourself, understanding your core motivations, and even accepting your areas of weakness can help you stand out as a leader. I also offer practical strategies, like practicing radical transparency and creating a sense of purpose within your team, so you can empower others as well as yourself.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a manager, or just someone who wants to make a bigger impact, there’s something here for you. Moments00:00 Successful Leadership: Impact and Openness04:39 "Finding Your Leadership Style"08:33 "Passion + Brilliance = Impact"10:49 "Why Pursue Health and Fitness?"14:36 Collaborative Leadership and Transparency17:21 "Reevaluating Spiritual Practices"19:54 Leadership: Influence Through Authentic StyleHere’s what you’ll learn in this episode:What Does Successful Leadership Really Look Like?You'll hear the characteristics of outstanding leaders—from being open and honest, to encouraging growth, setting clear goals, and focusing on impact beyond their own achievements.How to Develop Your Leadership StyleYou don’t have to lead like anyone else. I encourage you to discover your unique strengths and values. Get Real About Values & MotivationDig deep and examine what truly motivates you. Sometimes your core motivation—like wanting to support your family or make a real impact—will drive your greatest growth and success. Keep asking “why” until you get to the heart of what fuels you.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

Whether you’re aiming for progress over perfection or learning to say “no,” this episode is packed with relatable insights, inspiration, and encouragement to help you face stress head-on—and come out stronger.This is a topic that touches all of us: stress. As women, we juggle countless demands—from our careers and caregiving roles to the pressure to be everything to everyone. I know firsthand what it’s like to navigate 60-hour work weeks during tax season, all while trying to keep everything else afloat. In this episode, I share some light-hearted moments, as well as practical strategies that have helped me manage the inevitable stress that comes my way.I’ll talk about the importance of pinpointing your core stressors, setting healthy boundaries, and breaking big tasks into smaller, manageable pieces. I’ll also look at how reframing negative self-talk and choosing progress over perfection can make a world of difference. More than anything, I want to encourage you—stress isn’t something we can avoid, but it is something we can learn to navigate and even use as a catalyst for growth. Let’s tackle stress together, so we can show up as our best selves for ourselves and those we care about.Here are my 3 key takeaways:Identify Your Core Stressors: Whether it’s caregiving, perfectionism, or overcommitment, recognizing what triggers your stress is the first essential step to managing it effectively.Progress Over Perfection: Betty reminds us that striving for perfection often causes more harm than good; making progress—even if it isn’t perfect—is what really matters.Set Boundaries & Prioritize: Audit your commitments, block time for yourself in permanent ink, and don’t be afraid to graciously say "no." Protecting your priorities is critical for your well-being.Moments00:00 Managing Stress During CPA Peak Season04:53 Empowered by Modern Female Role Models07:40 Managing Difficult Client Encounters10:05 Efficient Email Management Strategies13:27 Regular Reflection and Reevaluation19:23 Perfectionism Causes Self-Induced Stress20:49 Perfect Yet Stressful Celebration25:20 Perfectionism's Costly Consequences28:45 Regularly Reflect and Adjust Commitments30:11 Challenge Assumptions, Seek Reality33:58 "Confronting Unavoidable Stress"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

This episode is packed with inspiring advice for women at every stage of their careers, especially those ready to step into leadership roles and empower the next generation. If you’re looking for a dose of courage and actionable strategies, you won’t want to miss this conversation!I welcome Michelle Madden, CEO of Epic. Michelle’s journey is nothing short of remarkable—from her humble beginnings as a young woman facing homelessness at 17, to leading an organization that provides 24/7 care for individuals with disabilities. I have known Michelle for years, and our conversation is filled with wisdom on what it truly means to scale up as a woman in leadership.Michelle shares candidly about the importance of taking initiative, creating your own seat at the table, and fostering a culture of innovation and belonging at Epic. You'll hear how her lived experiences shaped her compassionate but bold leadership style, and why advocating for yourself and others—especially in tough moments—can lead to real change. This episode is packed with inspiring advice for women at every stage of their careers, especially those ready to step into leadership roles and empower the next generation. Here are my top 3 takeaways for any woman striving to claim their seat at the table:Lead Without Waiting for Permission: Don’t wait to be asked! Michelle’s advice: See a problem? Step up and solve it. Initiative and solutions-focused thinking earn that seat at the table.Build a Culture of Belonging: Epic’s success is rooted in its inclusive culture, which values authentic voices and tough conversations. True innovation happens when everyone feels they belong and can contribute.Prepare Others for the Table: Real leadership is about succession—investing in future leaders and making space for others to rise. Michelle’s approach to mentorship ensures others have the chance to scale up, too.Moments00:00 From Park Bench to CEO04:26 Intuition and Decision-Making Discomfort06:36 "Initiative Leads to Recognition"11:45 "Epic's Rebranding and Mission Focus"16:05 "Mentor's Retirement Concerns"19:02 Persistence in Political Ambitions22:25 "Listening and Confidence in Asking"22:57 Empowering Frontline Female Leaders27:38 Empowering Women Through Mentorship30:07 "Embrace Change, Evolve Consciously"32:49 "Embracing the Journey"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

Self-Worth and Leadership: "You will never value you like you. Nobody will value you like you." - Betty CollinsI’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 Moments00:00 "Smart Buildings & Sustainability Goals"03:40 Visionaries and The Future of Robotics07:12 "Finding My Own Vision"12:36 "Inspiring Girls in STEM"16:02 Launching the Women's Initiative17:40 "Challenges of Being a Visionary"21:55 Hybrid Work Revolution Unfolds25:55 Empowering Women in Swift Tech26:42 Tech's Fast-Paced Adaptation Challenge30:56 Empowering Leadership and Influence35:51 Building Confidence and Realizing Potential38:55 Supporting Visionaries and Helping OthersHere are my top 3 takeaways:Embrace Fearlessness & ResilienceBoth 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 CurveVisionaries 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 OtherWhether 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

The Power of Teamwork in Achieving a Vision: "Both roles are as important as the other, because if the visionary has to do everything herself or himself, they're probably not going to make it happen." - Betty CollinsI’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 Moments00:00 Scaling Visionary Women04:59 Grateful for NAWBO Visionary Award06:31 Trailblazer Staffing & Bistro ux Ventures10:25 Nabo's Impact on My Journey13:27 "Guiding Through Support and Wisdom"19:09 Supporting Fellow Entrepreneurs22:23 Founding Cool Tech Girls24:43 Collective Support Fuels Cool Tech Girls28:43 Women Supporting Visionary WomenHere 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