Just Between Us Girls

In this episode of Just Between Us Girls, we’re joined by 1st Assistant Chief LaShonna Potts of the Columbus Police Department for a powerful conversation about identity, self-expression, and the often invisible expectations placed on women—especially in uniform.

LaShonna opens up about the journey that led her into law enforcement, and what it’s meant to carve out space in a profession that asks for conformity before authenticity. From balancing authority with empathy, to pushing for progress in spaces that value order over change, she brings both candor and clarity to the challenges of showing up fully when the role demands you wear more than just a badge.

Together, we unpack the tension between professionalism and personal expression, and how style, voice, and femininity can exist right alongside strength and structure. This episode is for anyone who's ever been asked to tone it down, fit in, or check pieces of themselves at the door in the name of “respectability.”

LaShonna reminds us that being “built for the work” doesn’t mean abandoning who you are—it means knowing that your presence as you are is part of the power you bring.

Topics Covered:

Navigating leadership in roles rooted in structure and uniformity

Identity, expression, and the silent codes of “professionalism”

Holding space for authenticity in male-dominated fields

The emotional labor of challenging norms

Leading with humanity, softness, and unapologetic strength

In Season 1, Episode 10 of Just Between Us Girls, host Arianny Damian welcomes Jeff Seaton, Vice President of Property and Casualty at Leavitt Group Midwest, to discuss leadership, accountability, and building a culture that rewards and empowers employees.

Jeff emphasizes that true leadership means recognizing and valuing employees consistently, not just at performance reviews. He challenges micromanagement, advocating for trust, transparency, and giving employees a voice in decision-making. With a focus on accountability, he stresses that leaders must hold themselves to even higher standards, ensuring that feedback is ongoing and that success is fairly rewarded.

He also explores the balance between fairness and individual needs, explaining that treating people equitably doesn’t always mean treating them the same. By shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mentality, leaders can create opportunities rather than competition, fostering growth for both individuals and organizations.

Jeff highlights that rewarding employees isn’t just about recognition—it’s about providing clear expectations, support, and pathways for advancement. He urges leaders to set the tone for accountability, ensuring employees understand their impact and are motivated to contribute meaningfully.

This episode offers essential insights for leaders looking to build high-performing teams through fairness, transparency, and a culture where hard work is acknowledged and rewarded.

In Season 1, Episode 9 of Just Between Us Girls, host Arianny Damian welcomes Ralph Smithers, AVP of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Relations at Encova. Ralph shares his journey from an underwriter to a leadership role in DEI, discussing how his passion and alignment with core values shaped his path. Listeners gain insight into Ralph’s approach to balancing career, service, and personal fulfillment. Ralph offers practical tips on creating room for service in daily life, underscoring the role that joy and hobbies play in fostering a well-rounded, purpose-driven life. His advice includes adding wonder into everyday experiences and embracing community engagement as a vital part of personal growth. He highlights the influence of friends and community, sharing reflections on the impact they have on one’s future and sense of fulfillment.

This episode encourages listeners to align their work with their values and take an active role in advocating for positive change within their communities. Ralph’s advice on finding purpose, joy, and the power of community is a compelling reminder of how passion can build a fulfilling life both personally and professionally.

In Season 1, Episode 8 of *Just Between Us Girls* titled "Maybe She's Born With It, Maybe She's Leaning In," host Arianny Damian welcomes Kristy Daniel, Vice President and Principal at Elford, to share her journey as a woman in the brokerage industry. Kristy introduces herself and reflects on her experiences growing up with an entrepreneurial father and a hardworking mother, both of whom influenced her strong work ethic and career path.

Kristy discusses the challenges she's faced in a male-dominated industry, sharing stories of having to work harder than some of her peers to achieve the same results and how these experiences resonate with many women in the workplace. She opens up about the emotional and professional impact of witnessing unequal opportunities, where others seemed to have things "just happen" for them while she had to create her own path.

As a woman in brokerage, Kristy offers valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities she has encountered, and how her presence has positively impacted her male colleagues and the work environment. She also explores the tools and strategies that helped her overcome obstacles and achieve success in her career.

The episode concludes with Kristy encouraging listeners to reflect on their own journeys, emphasizing the importance of persistence, resilience, and leaning into challenges. She leaves women navigating similar career challenges with advice on how to succeed in male-dominated fields.

Join *Just Between Us Girls* for an inspiring conversation with Kristy Daniel about overcoming adversity, leaning into challenges, and making an impact in the brokerage world.

Welcome to another episode of "Just Between Us Girls" with host, Arianny Damian, who had the pleasure of speaking with Mykle Basha, Vice President and Regional Manager of Paradigm Properties.

In this episode, Mykle introduces herself and her role, diving into the complexities of representation and how it impacts our ability to show up authentically in the workplace. We discuss the challenges of taking up space with confidence, the audacity required to do so, and the burnout that can result from having to exert more effort than your peers for the same recognition. Mykle reminds us that we're all winging it and encourages us to marinate in both our successes and the journey itself.

We explore the importance of surrounding yourself with people who dare you to be authentic rather than conform, and how serving others can ultimately serve you reminiscing on this year's Huckleberry House Sleep Out. The episode shares insights on grounding down to cheer up, and the necessity of being your own affirmer. Mykle also touches on the reality that employees may not stay with you forever and how this understanding can make you a better leader.

We conclude with a heartfelt conversation about the pressures of assimilation and the ongoing fight to let your authentic self shine through. Mykle's wisdom and experience provide invaluable guidance for anyone navigating the complexities of leadership and self-acceptance.

Join us on "Just Between Us Girls" for an empowering discussion with Mykle Basha about authenticity, leadership, and the journey to embracing your true self in the face of challenges.