Women In Industry Podcast

Agriculture runs deep in Arkansas and so does the next generation leading it. In this episode, we sit down with three of Arkansas's FFA State Officers to hear firsthand how they found FFA, what it took to earn a state office, and what they're learning as they represent thousands of student members across the state. In this episode, we cover: How each officer discovered FFA and what kept them coming back The path to running for state office What it actually means to represent Arkansas FFA How FFA has shaped their views on leadership and their own futures Where they're headed next and how FFA prepared them for it Whether you're an ag educator, a current FFA member, or just curious about who's shaping the future of Arkansas agriculture, this episode is for you. Connect with Arkansas FFA: Website: https://www.arkansasffa.org/ Instagram: @arkansasffa Facebook: Arkansas FFA

Sarah Thomas is a force of nature. As Strategic Partnerships and Programs Manager at The Venture Center in Little Rock, she helps entrepreneurs at every stage find their footing — from building a first website to navigating complex government contracts. But that's just one of her many hats. She's also a published author, a yoga instructor, president of Women in Tech Central Arkansas, and a woman living with Multiple Sclerosis who refuses to let any of it slow her down. In this episode, we cover: What The Venture Center is and how it supports entrepreneurs in Arkansas Their 12-week program for veteran-owned businesses, connecting vets with SBA resources, attorneys, marketing pros, and more Arkansas's emerging role as a lithium hub — what's happening in South Arkansas, who's involved (think Standard Lithium, Exxon, Tetra, and others), and what it could mean for jobs, schools, and communities statewide Sarah's book, Chair Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis and Chronic Pain, available now at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and Walmart How her yoga mindset shows up in her work with entrepreneurs: breathe, get present, focus on what you can do today What it's like being the only woman — and often the only woman of color and person with a disability — in high-level rooms, and how she handles it Her advice for women and girls interested in STEM: always be a student, find mentors, and then turn around and teach Resources mentioned: The Venture Center: venturecenter.co Women in Tech Central Arkansas (sponsored by Google and Walmart) National MS Society Sarah's mantra: Don't waste your breath on negativity. Use it for positivity. Be your own hero.

Becky Liedel didn't plan on a career in manufacturing. A phone call from a friend led to a temp role — and 25 years later, she's VP of Commercial Planning & Business Development at Associated Metal Forming Technologies (AMFT), helping transform a 168-year-old legacy company into a unified global manufacturing platform. In this episode, Becky gets real about what that transformation has actually looked like: integrating multiple legacy brands and navigating commercial strategy across automotive, aerospace, medical, and defense markets. She also opens up about leading as a woman in one of manufacturing's most male-dominated spaces — the opportunities and the mindset that's carried her throughout her career. Learn more about Becky on our website!

Artificial intelligence is advancing quickly, but innovation without responsibility can create real risks. In this episode of the Women in Industry Podcast, Mery Zadeh of Lumenova AI joins us to discuss responsible AI and why human oversight remains critical as organizations adopt smarter systems. Learn more about Mery: https://www.comgroup.com/women-in-industry/mery-zadeh Learn more about Lumenova AI: https://www.lumenova.ai/about/

In this episode, we sit down with Montana Chapman, PT, DPT, Co-owner and COO of Advanced Physical Therapy, for a conversation that blends patient care with leadership. Montana shares her journey from high school athlete recovering from shoulder surgeries to discovering her calling in physical therapy, and how that path eventually led her into business ownership. Balancing her time between treating patients in orthopedic and pelvic health care and leading operations behind the scenes, Montana offers a unique perspective on both clinical practice and business strategy. She opens up about the challenges women face in the industry, the opportunities emerging through technology and advocacy, and why problem-solving with her team is one of the most rewarding parts of her work. Montana also reflects on the mentors and coaches who shaped her outlook, the role of faith and family in her success, and her best advice for aspiring professionals entering the field. She emphasizes the importance of saying yes to opportunities and trusting that growth often comes outside of your comfort zone. Tune in to hear how Montana leads with compassion and purpose, both in the clinic and beyond.