As Featured in:
ATTENTION Successful High-Performing Professionals
The High Performer's Path
The 8 Forces Of Potential For Mindset Mastery
Discover how high performers create limitless success & satisfaction
Download The FREE eBook
Enter your name and email address below to access the free eBook.
The Elevating Impact
Expert Interview Panel
with Becca Powers
Join Becca and well-respected leaders from Top Fortune 500 companies in this virtual series that doesn’t hold back!
They share behind-the-scenes stories of their own personal/professional transformations and the biggest lessons learned along the way. These insights showcase the inner workings of the minds of some of the most successful people in the business world today.
The Elevating Impact
Expert Interview Panel
Interview #1
For the first interview, Becca sits down with Teresa Rand, CEO of Teresa Rand Consulting and founder of the Boss Lady Community. Teresa shares her transition from managing the YMCA to founding her consulting firm.
She discusses her dedication to women’s empowerment and gender equality, her experiences as a single mother climbing the corporate ladder, and her strategies for executive success. Teresa also highlights the importance of leveraging personal strengths and balancing impact with personal well-being.
More About the Interview
Empowering Women Leaders
Teresa Rand emphasizes the importance of female leaders supporting each other. She advocates for creating inclusive environments where women uplift and mentor one another, leveraging diverse perspectives for organizational success and personal growth.
From CEO to Entrepreneur
Teresa's journey from managing the YMCA to founding Teresa Rand Consulting and the Boss Lady Community highlights her dedication to leadership development and empowering women professionals.
Overcoming Challenges as a Single Mother
Teresa's story as a single mother advancing her career and earning a degree is a testament to resilience. She demonstrates the importance of clear goals, support networks, and self-care.
Strategies for Career Success
Teresa shares strategies for success: clarity in career goals, leveraging strengths, and seeking mentorship. She advises defining aspirations, focusing on natural talents, and learning from mentors.
Making a Lasting Impact
Teresa is dedicated to inspiring others through leadership and empowerment. Her work focuses on fostering leadership development and supporting women leaders, aiming to make a lasting, positive impact.
Moments of Elevation
Women Supporting Women:
Teresa emphasizes the power of women supporting one another through mentorship, creating networks, and providing opportunities to advance in their careers and leadership roles.
Transitioning Roles:
Discover how Teresa transitioned from managing the YMCA’s $35 million budget to founding her consulting firm, and the lessons learned during this significant career shift.
Single Mother Triumphs:
She shares her experience of balancing single motherhood with advancing her career, offering insights into overcoming obstacles while striving for professional growth.
Strategic Career Growth:
Learn strategies for leveraging personal strengths, setting clear career goals, and navigating the path to executive success through deliberate and informed decision-making.
Mentorship Impact:
Explore how mentorship played a crucial role in Teresa’s career, helping her overcome challenges and achieve professional milestones, and why it’s vital for others seeking growth.
Balancing Act:
Teresa provides advice on maintaining personal well-being while pursuing professional success, emphasizing the need for balance to make a lasting impact and achieve career satisfaction.
Elevating Insights to Inspire You
“Elevating impact is about how do we get there, how do we stay there and how do we maintain a balance while we're there.”
— Teresa Rand
“Know what your strengths or talents are so you can lean into those and not try to lean into things that you just aren't naturally gifted at.”
— Teresa Rand
“If you're leading a team or you're part of a team, we don't want everybody that looks alike, sounds alike, and thinks alike.”
—Teresa Rand
"Whenever you learn, try to teach it immediately because then it stays with you and then you also get to share it.”
— Becca Powers
“You have to give yourself a timeline to make a decision because you can't drag it out forever.”
—Teresa Rand
“You have to give yourself a timeline to make a decision because you can't drag it out forever.”
—Teresa Rand
“Impact is something that happens as a result of you being fully you and fully expressing yourself.”
— Becca Powers
“If you don't ask others to help you in some way, you're robbing them of the opportunity to also elevate impact.”
—Teresa Rand
“Lean into your strengths, but also learn a little bit about the strengths of the people you're working with.”
—Teresa Rand
“We're all very different and we need each other.”
—Teresa Rand
“You are making an impact because you're doing the things that you want to.”
— Becca Powers
“We have to define what success looks like to us.”
—Teresa Rand
“Ownership creates opportunity.”
—Becca Powers
About Teresa Rand
Teresa is passionate about helping leaders achieve their dreams of climbing the career ladder, earning their seat in the C-suite, and achieving inclusive leadership in the workforce. She believes that female leaders are responsible for reaching down the career ladder and helping other women advance in their careers. As a former CEO, Teresa managed up to $35 million and 1,000+ employees. Through public speaking and client coaching, she inspires women to be their best selves.
Teresa is the founder of the Boss Lady Community and the Boss Lady Podcast, which focuses on women’s empowerment, gender equality, and women’s issues.
Connect With Teresa
Interview #2
In the second interview, Becca has an inspiring conversation with Connie Woolsey, the VP of Retail Operations at Cresco Labs and a keynote speaker.
Connie shares her profound insights on what elevating impact means to her, sharing how contributing to others' journeys and maximizing their potential brings her joy and fulfillment. She emphasizes the importance of genuine leadership, investing in people whether they stay for a short or long time and the power of taking ownership of both successes and failures.
This interview is packed with valuable lessons on leadership, integrity, and the importance of fostering a culture of ownership and innovation.
More About the Interview
Elevating Impact
Connie shares her belief that elevating impact involves contributing to others' journeys and maximizing their potential.
Becca reflects on an early career lesson about leading with the mindset that you’ll only work with your team for a short time, highlighting the importance of meaningful, impactful leadership.
The Power of Curiosity in Leadership
She discusses her journey of reinvention and the importance of staying curious. By being curious about oneself and others, leaders can build stronger relationships and drive growth.
Taking Risks
Connie’s move into the cannabis industry exemplifies the importance of taking calculated risks. She shares how trusting herself and making informed decisions led to remarkable career advancements.
Navigating Change and Encouraging Innovation
Connie discusses the need for clear expectations and effective team pivots. Encouraging innovation and staying agile allows organizations to thrive amidst change, providing valuable strategies for leading in dynamic environments.
Empowerment through Ownership
Connie explores how taking ownership empowers not just the leader but the entire team. Demonstrating accountability creates a domino effect, leading to a more empowered and proactive team environment.
Moments of Elevation
Elevating Impact by Maximizing Others’ Potential:
Connie Woolsey views elevating impact as contributing to others’ growth and maximizing their potential, which brings her immense joy and fulfillment.
Genuine Leadership:
Investing in people, whether they stay short-term or long-term, is crucial. The true measure of leadership is the lasting positive impact you leave.
Long-Term Influence:
Connie finds joy in hearing from former colleagues about how her leadership influenced their lives, demonstrating the enduring value of impactful leadership.
Curiosity and Growth:
Staying curious about oneself and others strengthens relationships and drives leadership growth, as shown by Connie’s journey of reinvention.
Calculated Risks:
Connie’s shift into the cannabis industry highlights the importance of taking informed risks for career advancement and personal growth.
Ownership and Empowerment:
Embracing both successes and failures in leadership fosters trust and collaboration, creating a proactive team environment where everyone thrives.
Elevating Insights to Inspire You
“We have a duty as leaders to make sure to invest in them and give them the tools. You have so much impact and power to change people's lives.”
— Connie Woolsey
“No matter what, trust and believe in yourself that you're going to figure it out.”
— Connie Woolsey
I truly believe as leaders, our job is to support people to maximize their potential along their journey.”
— Connie Woolsey
“When I take ownership, it encourages others to do the same.”
— Connie Woolsey
“They feel empowered when they can take ownership of that, provide a solution, and be a part of it.”
— Connie Woolsey
“Change can be scary but change can also be incredibly rewarding into levels you'd never even thought possible.”
— Connie Woolsey
“To build that mental strength, you have to embrace challenges and you have to embrace hard things.”
— Connie Woolsey
There's something so powerful, and magical that happens when you are in alignment with yourself and you are truly stepping into your radiant self.”
— Connie Woolsey
“When you're in the work that lights you up, the impact you make is an outcome of being who you are.”
— Becca Powers
“This ownership type of culture keeps us rallying around each other.”
— Becca Powers
“When you focus on the mental, you end up building your emotional and even your spiritual.”
— Becca Powers
About Connie Woolsey
Connie Woolsey is the Vice President of Retail Operations at Cresco Labs, one of the largest publicly traded, vertically integrated, multi-state cannabis companies in the U.S.
With over 15 years of experience in scaling rapidly growing businesses, Connie excels in building and leading high-performing teams in a dynamic and evolving industry. Her journey from entry-level positions to a respected leadership role across multiple sectors reflects her deep commitment to team development and success.
Connie’s career is anchored in the principle of mutual support and care, creating a collaborative environment that motivates teams to overcome challenges and achieve remarkable outcomes. Her leadership continues to drive exceptional results and foster a culture of growth and excellence.
Connie has developed a passion for speaking and sharing her experiences to inspire and empower others to reach their full potential.
Connect With Teresa
Interview #3
In the third interview, Becca welcomes Allison Walsh, JD, a renowned business consultant, positive psychology coach, career VP of Sales, and CEO of Allison Walsh Consulting.
She is also the founder of the She Believed She Could brand, author of the book by the same name, and host of its podcast.
Allison delves into the power of raising your hand and stepping into opportunities, exploring how bold actions can create meaningful and scalable impact in your career. They emphasize the importance of aligning your work with your passions and values.
This interview offers actionable insights and inspiring stories to empower listeners to elevate their impact and return to their radiance.
More About the Interview
Raising Your Hand
Allison Walsh emphasizes the importance of stepping into your strength and seizing opportunities. By volunteering for challenges and embracing new responsibilities, you unlock potential and drive career growth.
Creating Impact
Allison discusses creating scalable impact by identifying key opportunities and optimizing potential within organizations. She provides practical insights for driving meaningful change and achieving lasting results.
Finding Meaning
They emphasize aligning work with what inspires you, offering strategies for finding joy and purpose even in high-pressure roles. Fulfillment comes from integrating your passions into your career.
Strengths-Based Leadership
Allison explores strengths-based leadership, emphasizing how recognizing and leveraging your unique skills can enhance leadership effectiveness and performance. Her insights guide developing an authentic and impactful leadership style.
Positive Psychology
She explains incorporating positive psychology into corporate culture to boost team wellbeing and success. She offers practical advice on fostering a positive environment that promotes optimism, resilience, and engagement.
Moments of Elevation
Embracing Opportunities:
Allison stresses the importance of leveraging your strengths and taking initiative by volunteering for new challenges. This proactive approach can reveal your potential and drive substantial career advancement.
Driving Impact:
Discover Allison’s methods for using strategic opportunities to foster significant organizational change and innovation, which can lead to meaningful and enduring improvements.
Finding Fulfillment:
Learn how aligning your career with your passions can provide joy and satisfaction, even in demanding roles. Integrating what excites you into your work helps sustain motivation and enhances overall fulfillment.
Leveraging Strengths:
Allison explores how understanding and applying your unique skills can boost your leadership effectiveness. Her guidance on strengths-based leadership helps you develop a more genuine and impactful leadership style.
Positive Work Culture:
Find out how incorporating positive psychology into the workplace can uplift team morale and contribute to organizational success. Allison offers actionable steps to create a more supportive and optimistic environment.
Prioritizing Alignment:
Allison underscores the value of saying no to opportunities that don’t align with your core values and goals. This focus helps you maintain a career path that is true to your aspirations and ensures effective use of your time and energy.
Elevating Insights to Inspire You
“Be bold enough to raise your hand and try something that you don't necessarily feel you're a thousand percent prepared for.”
— Allison Walsh
“Know what your strengths or talents are so you can lean into those and not try to lean into things that you just aren't naturally gifted at.”
— Allison Walsh
“If you're leading a team or you're part of a team, we don't want everybody that looks alike, sounds alike, and thinks alike.”
—Allison Walsh
"Whenever you learn, try to teach it immediately because then it stays with you and then you also get to share it.”
— Allison Walsh
“You have to give yourself a timeline to make a decision because you can't drag it out forever.”
—Allison Walsh
“You have to give yourself a timeline to make a decision because you can't drag it out forever.”
—Allison Walsh
“Impact is something that happens as a result of you being fully you and fully expressing yourself.”
— Allison Walsh
“If you don't ask others to help you in some way, you're robbing them of the opportunity to also elevate impact.”
—Allison Walsh
“You are making an impact because you're doing the things that you want to.”
— Becca Powers
“We have to define what success looks like to us.”
—Becca Powers
About Allison Walsh
Allison Walsh, JD, is an expert business consultant, founder, bestselling author, international speaker, influential leader, and certified positive psychology coach. By age 30, Allison became the Vice President of a company destined for unicorn status which she helped build from the ground up.
Allison has not only been recognized for her business accomplishments, highlighted in publications like Forbes and the Orlando Business Journal, but she’s also won multiple awards for her philanthropy raising over $2 Million for eating disorders prevention and awareness, and serves on numerous nonprofit boards. She’s the host of the She Believed She Could podcast, and the creator of emPOWERing coaching programs helping women develop tenacity and self-assurance. As a business development, marketing, and personal branding expert, as well as a former Miss Florida, Allison is on a mission to help influential, high-stakes leaders build their confidence, scale their businesses, and elevate their brands.
Connect With Teresa
Interview #4
In the forth interview, Becca sits down with Zulema Ledesma, the Director of Sustainability at Veyer, a sister company of Office Depot. Zulema offers insights into managing relationships and staying authentic while advancing in a competitive environment. She reflects on her career growth and the importance of continuous learning and mentorship.
Zulema also discusses Veyer's sustainability initiatives, detailing how businesses can implement effective environmental practices and the positive impact they can have on both the planet and the community. Her work in driving sustainable change has significantly contributed to its mission to lead by example in environmental stewardship.
She offers practical advice on balancing professional demands with personal well-being, making this episode a valuable resource for anyone looking to thrive in their career while promoting sustainability.
More About the Interview
Navigating a Long-Term Career
Zulema reflects on her 20-year journey at Veyer, evolving from B2B sales to sustainability. She highlights the importance of flexibility, lateral moves, and networking, showing how adapting to changes and leveraging diverse roles drive long-term success.
Building a Career Roadmap
She underscores the need for a clear career vision and mentors. Their guidance has been essential for overcoming challenges and aligning with her professional goals.
Making an Impact Through Sustainability
Zulema discusses Veyer’s sustainability efforts, focusing on the triple bottom line—people, planet, and profit. She highlights setting environmental goals and engaging in community programs, showcasing how corporate roles can create broader impacts.
Aligning Work with Impact
She encourages seeking fulfillment through company and community involvement. She explains how such activities can enhance job satisfaction and make a positive impact, even if they don’t align directly with personal passions.
The Value of Mentorship
Mentorship is crucial for career growth, according to Zulema. She recommends seeking mentors who offer objective feedback and guidance to navigate career challenges and aspirations. Building these relationships requires proactive outreach and openness to constructive criticism.
Moments of Elevation
Long-Term Career Insights:
Zulema reflects on her 20-year journey at Veyer, emphasizing flexibility and the value of lateral moves and internal networking in shaping a successful career path.
Career Roadmap and Mentorship:
Discover the benefits of having a clear career vision and a personal board of directors, and how mentors can offer essential guidance and support.
Sustainability Impact:
Learn about Veyer's approach to sustainability, balancing people, planet, and profit, and how their initiatives positively impact the environment and community.
Corporate and Community Engagement:
Understand how involvement in company programs and community activities can enhance personal fulfillment and create a broader impact beyond your primary role.
Balancing Professional and Personal Life:
Get practical advice on managing professional responsibilities while ensuring personal well-being and achieving a balanced lifestyle.
Effective Mentorship:
Find out why seeking mentors who provide honest feedback and guidance is crucial for overcoming career challenges and achieving growth.
Elevating Insights to Inspire You
“One thing that has worked for me is having that roadmap and that vision of where I want to go.”
— Zulema Ledesma
“You need a mentor within your organization and then you also need mentors outside of your organization.”
— Zulema Ledesma
“You need to have prosperity to make those impacts to the community as well as to our environment or people and planet.”
—Zulema Ledesma
“A mentor is somebody who can guide you, share their wisdom from past experiences, and give you objective advice and feedback.”
— Zulema Ledesma
“Sponsors are those who will advocate for you when you're not in the room.”
—Zulema Ledesma
“Reevaluate your entire surroundings in terms of what you're willing and able to invest in various things.”
—Zulema Ledesma
“Believe that you're able to make clear decisions and be more intentional when you can breathe and take it all in and keep moving forward.”
— Zulema Ledesma
“I need to take care of myself so I can take care of others and I can make that impact as well.”
—Zulema Ledesma
“You have to be first in terms of sanity and mental health to be able to provide and give the best of you.”
—Zulema Ledesma
“You don't have to look at your fulfillment and your impact just through the lens of your role. You can do it within the lens of your company by joining different programs.”
—Becca Powers
“To have it all, I can't do it all.”
— Becca Powers
About Zulema Ledesma
Zulema Ledesma is the Director of Sustainability at VEYER, LLC. In this role, she directs environmental policies, defines sustainability metrics, and integrates sustainability programs across Office Depot, LLC; ODP Business Solutions, LLC; Veyer, LLC; and Varis, Inc.
Outside work, Zulema is an active community member and non-profit advocate. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Central Palm Beach County, is a member of the HISPA Florida Advisory Council, a D&I Captain at The ODP Corporation, and co-leads SOMOS, The ODP Corporation's Latino and Hispanic Associate Resource Group with over 200 members.
Recently, Zulema was named a distinguished finalist for the 2023 LATINA Executive of the Year award by LATINA Style Magazine. She holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Marketing and International Business and Trade from Florida Atlantic University. Zulema resides in Boynton Beach, FL, with her husband and two daughters.
Connect With Teresa
Interview #5
In the fifth and final interview of the Expert Panel, Becca engages with Vanessa McGovern, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Gifted Travel Network (GTN).
Vanessa discusses the importance of staying adaptable and innovative in a fast-changing industry and highlights how leading with authenticity has been pivotal in building trust within her team.
She shares practical tips for balancing strategic vision with daily tasks, such as setting clear goals and using project management tools. Vanessa also highlights the importance of trusting your gut in decision-making and integrating work-life harmony through travel to maintain balance.
Vanessa emphasizes that to elevate your impact through your work, you must first clarify what is truly important to you. She advocates for maintaining genuine connections with team members and fostering a growth mindset.
More About the Interview
Embracing Non-Traditional Paths
Vanessa highlights that modern leadership requires flexibility and personal growth rather than a linear career path. Successful leaders are those committed to continuous self-development and adapting to a rapidly changing environment.
Feedback and Intuition
She emphasizes balancing practical feedback with trusting one's intuition. She shares a key moment from a leadership conference that reinforced the value of intuition in decision-making, integrating both elements in her career.
Navigating Leadership Challenges
Vanessa reflects on her transition from selling art on cruise ships to leading GTN. She underscores the importance of adapting and incorporating diverse perspectives to effectively navigate leadership challenges and achieve organizational goals.
Achieving Work-Life Harmony
Vanessa discusses intentional work-life balance through prioritizing family time and travel. She stresses the importance of creating meaningful experiences with loved ones to maintain harmony between professional and personal life.
Finding Joy and Fulfillment
True success is about personal joy and fulfillment rather than financial metrics. She advocates for loving your work, incorporating play, and avoiding burnout to achieve genuine success and satisfaction.
Moments of Elevation
The Non-Linear Path to Success:
Vanessa shares that success often comes from embracing non-linear career paths and focusing on personal growth and adaptability, encouraging listeners to view their careers as dynamic and evolving.
Balance Feedback with Intuition:
She emphasizes the importance of combining feedback from diverse sources with trusting your gut.
Listeners will gain insight into making well-rounded decisions while valuing their intuition.
Prioritize Work-Life Harmony:
Vanessa highlights her practice of balancing work with intentional family time and travel.
This approach offers listeners practical tips for integrating work and personal life for overall well-being.
Foster Joy and Fulfillment:
Vanessa underscores that true success is measured by personal joy and fulfillment, not just financial achievements.
Listeners will learn the value of pursuing what they love and creating space for relaxation to prevent burnout.
Promote Team Alignment:
She advocates for holding regular team meetings and setting clear goals.
Listeners will understand the importance of these practices for ensuring team alignment and swiftly addressing challenges.
Elevating Insights to Inspire You
“We have to be okay with course corrections, with change, and adapting because the world is changing at lightning speed.”
— Vanessa McGovern
“You have to be open to feedback at every step of the journey, and you have to actively ask for feedback.”
— Vanessa McGovern
“You have to love what you do. If you don't love it and your gut is screaming at you, then you have to find a new path.”
—Vanessa McGovern
“If you just take vacations to recharge, you're going to be better at work.”
— Vanessa McGovern
“Sometimes you have to allow others to give their input on how it can get done.”
—Vanessa McGovern
“The best way to elevate your impact through your work is to get clear on what is important to you in the first place.”
—Vanessa McGovern
"Returning to your radiance is honoring your journey and finding ways to tap into what's core and true to you so that you can radiate that back out to the world.”
— Vanessa McGovern
“It's just so important to surround yourself with not just friends, but friends that understand what your work strengths are and what you're capable of.”
—Becca Powers
“When you're trusting your gut, you stay more in alignment with who you are.”
—Becca Powers
About Vanessa McGovern
Vanessa McGovern, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of Gifted Travel Network (GTN) is a fierce advocate for travel advisors, an award-winning industry educator, and a sought-after speaker at various industry events. Vanessa co-founded a host agency that has attracted attention throughout the industry for its innovative approach to supporting and educating successful travel entrepreneurs.
Vanessa is a well-known business coach helping hundreds of travel entrepreneurs to increase profitability and satisfaction with their businesses. Vanessa got her start in the travel industry as an art auctioneer on board cruise ships, where she surpassed multiple sales records and innovated countless programs. She transitioned to the education side of the industry developing and implementing multiple award-winning agent training programs at respected industry organizations. In 2009, she was named one of Travel Agent Magazine’s Top 30 Under 30 Travel Professionals.
Vanessa is extremely passionate about raising the collective profile of the travel advisor and is an active member of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). She spearheaded the ASTA’s Advocacy Awareness Day raising thousands of dollars for ASTA PAC. Vanessa lives in North Carolina with her husband, Don, and two kids, Ethan and Ella.
Connect With Teresa
© 2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | Becca Powers
This site is not a part of the Facebook website or Facebook Inc. Additionally, This site is NOT endorsed by Facebook in any way. FACEBOOK is a trademark of FACEBOOK, Inc.