Clover: Conversations with Women in Leadership on Visibility, Authority & Owning the Room

This week on Clover, I sit down with Emily Gupton—a technology leader, community builder, and soon-to-be President of Austin Women in Technology. Emily’s career path has been anything but linear: from studying neuroscience and working in radiology, to project management in commercial furniture, to building a SaaS platform from the ground up, and now serving as CTO at SKG.In this conversation, Emily shares how curiosity, resilience, and community have shaped her many pivots. She opens up about navigating male-dominated spaces in tech, the power of asking questions (even the “silly” ones), and how investing in education—from her MBA to an MIT certificate—helped her bridge career transitions.We also dive into Emily’s passion for building inclusive communities, her leadership journey with Austin Women in Technology, and her past work with the League of Women Voters of Texas. Whether you’re considering a career pivot, looking for inspiration to step into leadership, or craving stories of women making big impacts in Austin and beyond—this episode will leave you energized.What you’ll learn in this episode:How to embrace career pivots with curiosity and courageWhy community and mentorship are essential in tech (and beyond)Emily’s approach to leadership, equity, and empowering diverse voicesPractical tips for choosing the right further education or certificationHow Austin Women in Technology fosters growth, connection, and opportunityConnect with Emily:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emily-guptonWebsite: emilykgupton.comAustin Women in Technology: https://www.awtaustin.org/ Communities & OrganizationsLeague of Women Voters of Texas: lwvtexas.orgInnotech Women in Tech Summit — partnered event with AWTCapital Factory / Austin Tech Week — collaborative events with AWTAustin Forum on Technology & Society — partner org for technical topics like quantum computingBooks & AuthorsSmart Brevity — by the Axios team; recommended by her CEO and used as a communication frameworkNeil Gaiman — mentioned as a favorite author for personal, whimsical, and fantastical reading

10/6/26 • 33:23

In this episode of Clover, I sit down with Cherie Werner, the force behind Fiesta, the largest community for founders and investors in Austin, and FoundHERs, a dedicated space for women entrepreneurs. Cherie shares her journey from startup life to building Fiesta almost by accident, and how “leading with welcome” has become her guiding principle.We talk about what it really takes to turn a crowded room into genuine connections, why consistency and inclusivity matter, and how women founders can push past the urge to be “perfect” before showing up. Cherie also offers simple conversation starters and follow-up practices you can use to walk into any networking event with more confidence.If you’ve ever felt intimidated walking into a room full of strangers—or if you’re looking for a better way to grow community around your own work—this conversation will give you both inspiration and practical tools.You’ll learn:How Fiesta grew into Austin’s largest founder–investor communityPractical ways to break the ice beyond “What do you do?”Why consistency and inclusivity fuel stronger communitiesA mindset reset for women founders: show up before it’s “perfect”Follow-up strategies that turn quick chats into lasting relationshipsHow to design events and spaces that make people feel truly welcomeRESOURCES MENTIONED🌐 Websites & CommunitiesFIESTA → https://www.fiesta.communityGrow.FIESTA (global platform) → https://grow.fiesta.community📨 NewslettersThe HERald → Women-focused newsletter Cherie publishes (first Friday after FIESTA events).FIESTA Focus → Founder/community newsletter (week before and after each FIESTA).📱 Social MediaCherie’s LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheriewerner(LinkedIn is her most active platform).📚 Books MentionedLet Them by Mel RobbinsBelieve It by Jamie Kern LimaWorthy - Jamie Kern Lima’s second book 🎙️ Podcasts MentionedAll-In PodcastOn Purpose with Jay Shetty

9/15/26 • 50:29

In this episode of Clover, I sit down with Andrea Bridges-Smith, founder of San Fenix, to talk about career pivots, finding confidence in front of an audience, and why a compelling story can make all the difference when you are trying to get people invested in an idea.Andrea’s path has taken her from more than a decade in tech marketing to video production, political satire, and now presentation coaching for founders and executives. Along the way, she discovered that one of her greatest strengths was helping people get comfortable on camera and on stage. Today, she works with founders to clarify their stories, strengthen their pitch decks, and communicate their ideas in ways people will actually understand and remember.We also get into the flood of AI-generated content. We talk about using AI to eliminate repetitive work without handing over the creative process, why lived experience matters more than ever, and how companies can compete for attention by being willing to entertain, experiment, and sound like actual human beings.In this episode, we talk about:Why a founder’s personal story can make a pitch far more memorable than credentials and numbers alone How to use AI to eliminate repetitive work without outsourcing your creativity or voice  Why creating more content is not the answer—and what makes people actually stop and pay attention  What separates founders who get people excited about their ideas from those with a good product but a forgettable pitch  Why even confident, accomplished people can freeze on camera or on stage—and how Andrea helps them find the version of themselves that can command the roomNotable quotes:“If you’re going to put out one post on LinkedIn a month that is a barn burner versus a garbage one every day, I will take that one post every single time.”“That lived experience of ‘why are you doing this?’ is what really makes a story unique, and it’s something that AI simply can’t give you.”“The fear needs to go sit over there so that the excitement can come out.”“You think that you are competing with other companies in your space. Not true. You are competing with Netflix. You are competing with MrBeast. You are competing with a book on someone’s shelf.”“Please, God, consider having fun with your content and do less of it and do it better.”Connect with Andrea Bridges-Smith on LinkedIn and learn more about her work with San Fenix.

9/1/26 • 38:33

When I first launched Clover, I made a mental list of women I knew I wanted to reconnect with and bring onto the show. Gretta Gardner was at the top of that list.Gretta and I first met years ago when we both lived in Austin, and I've watched her career with admiration ever since. Today, she serves as Chief Operations Officer at Ujima: The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community, where she works to improve policies, systems, and responses for survivors across the country.Our conversation went far beyond career milestones. We talked about what it means to carry the weight of difficult work for decades, how women build authority in rooms where they're often underestimated, why culturally specific services matter, and what keeps Gretta hopeful despite spending her career confronting some of society's hardest realities.In this episode, we discuss:Gretta's unexpected journey from planning a career focused on educational equity to becoming one of the country's leading voices in domestic violence policy.Why equal access to justice isn't the same as equitable access; and what still needs to change for Black women and other marginalized survivors.Why meaningful systems change requires both frontline experience and policy work; and why theory alone is never enough.The critical role culturally specific organizations play in ensuring survivors receive equitable support, protection, and justice.Why close friendships, mentorship, and community are essential for women carrying the weight of leadership.What gives Gretta hope after more than 30 years working to end violence against women; and why she believes the next generation is changing the conversation in important ways.Resources MentionedUjima: The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black CommunityViolence Against Women Act (VAWA)Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA)Victims of Crime Act (VOCA):::

8/18/26 • 47:24

Most people know Komal Patel as the founder of two AI-powered jewelry companies. What they may not realize is that her path started with two decades in big tech, an industry she had known her entire life.In this episode, Komal shares how growing up in a family jewelry business gave her a unique perspective on an industry that hadn't meaningfully changed in decades. After years building scalable systems in large technology companies, she realized those same skills could solve problems that jewelry retailers had simply accepted as "the way it's always been."We also talk about what it really takes to leave corporate, why product-market fit matters more than logos and marketing campaigns, and how AI is helping founders build businesses in ways that weren't possible just a few years ago. Whether you're thinking about starting your own company or simply curious about what it looks like to reinvent an industry, Komal offers a refreshingly practical perspective on entrepreneurship.In this episode, we discuss: Why spending 20 years in big tech prepared Komal to transform a centuries-old industry.  How growing up in her family's jewelry business inspired two AI-powered companies.  The importance of proving product-market fit before investing heavily in branding or marketing.  Why leaving a stable corporate career requires more preparation than people realize.  How AI can serve as a "shadow team" for founders and small businesses.  The biggest mindset shift between leading in a large company and leading a startup.  Why talking to hundreds of customers is the only way to truly understand your messaging.  How family, community, and fellow founders help sustain entrepreneurs through difficult days. Notable Quotes"You have to be very emotionally strong. You need to have your 'why' extremely clear on why you want to do this.""Don't do anything but focus on proving your product-market fit.""There is no shortcut. You have to keep talking to customers until you start speaking their language.""I'm in love with AI because now I have a shadow AI team."Connect with Komal Patel on LinkedIn

8/4/26 • 37:35

Tarryn Reeves had everything she thought success was supposed to look like: a six-figure career, a corner office overlooking Sydney Harbour, and every milestone she had been taught to chase. But behind the scenes, her mental and physical health were telling a very different story.In this episode of Clover, Tarryn shares how walking away from corporate life ultimately led her to entrepreneurship, publishing, and helping other business owners tell their stories. We talk about the courage to redefine success, why authentic storytelling matters more than ever, and how writing a book can transform not only your business—but the way you see yourself.In this episode, we discuss:Why Tarryn left a successful corporate career to build a life that aligned with her valuesHow writing became an unexpected tool for healing and personal growthWhy women often struggle to own their expertise and build authentic personal brandsWhat criminology taught her about human behavior, storytelling, and trustWhy books create deeper connections than traditional marketing aloneNotable quotes:“Authority doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from clarity and conviction.”“Your life is not your content strategy.”“The best storytellers create resonance, not voyeurism.”“Books don’t create authority. They reveal it.”Resources mentioned:Tarryn Reeves: https://tarrynreeves.comLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarrynreeves

7/21/26 • 50:01

From styling celebrities like Selena Gomez for nearly a decade to helping women executives own the room in the boardroom, Basia Richard has built a career around one powerful idea: how you show up matters.In this episode, Basia shares her incredible journey from growing up in Poland to pursuing a career as a professional violinist, reinventing herself in Hollywood as a celebrity stylist, and eventually leaving the entertainment industry to help women leaders build confidence through personal style. We talk about what it takes to pivot careers, why saying yes before you feel ready can change your life, and the lessons she learned working with some of the biggest names in entertainment.We also dive into why executive presence extends beyond what you say. Basia shares how a thoughtfully curated wardrobe can reflect who you are, reinforce your credibility, support your goals, and help you lead with confidence.Whether you're stepping into a leadership role, navigating a career transition, or simply looking to feel more like yourself, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can put to work immediately.In This EpisodeBasia's journey from professional violinist to Hollywood celebrity stylistWhat she learned styling Selena Gomez and other high-profile clientsWhy she left celebrity fashion to help women leadersHow saying "yes" before you're fully qualified can accelerate your careerThe connection between confidence, credibility, and executive presenceWhy women are often judged differently than men—and how to navigate that realityHow to build a wardrobe that supports your career instead of creating decision fatigueWhy timeless personal style will always outlast trendsNotable Quotes"Sometimes the best opportunities come from saying yes before you know exactly how you're going to figure it out.""You can't force someone to wear something. You have to find their version of an elevated leader.""Your wardrobe should function for your life, not create more decisions.""It's not about looking expensive. It's about looking intentional."Resources MentionedConnect with Basia Richard on LinkedInFollow Basia on Instagram

7/7/26 • 52:49

What happens when a creative mind, a startup operator, a cancer survivor, and a humanitarian all live inside the same person?In this episode of Clover, I sit down with Melissa Wood, founder of Formis and Curate, to explore the winding path that led her from a small town in North Carolina to the startup ecosystem in Austin. Melissa’s story spans early tech startups, design and photography, turning down life-changing opportunities, surviving cancer, humanitarian work in Ethiopia, and building companies rooted in solving real-world problems.What stood out most was Melissa’s ability to notice gaps others accept as normal;  and then build solutions around them. Whether helping homeowners navigate renovations through Formis or simplifying conference experiences through Curate, her work is driven by a simple question: “Why doesn’t something better exist?”This conversation is about resilience, leadership, community, and the unexpected ways life experiences shape the companies we build.In this episode, we discuss:How an accidental discovery of Photoshop in the mid-1990s launched Melissa’s career in technology and design.Why she walked away from opportunities—including an early chance to join the team behind Me.com—and how she evaluates big decisions.The life-changing impact of surviving cancer and how that experience influenced her approach to work, family, and entrepreneurship.What she learned from living and working in Ethiopia, including lessons about community, presence, loyalty, and leadership.How she built Curate, an AI-powered event discovery platform, in just days using no-code and AI tools after identifying a problem she’d personally experienced for years.Why trust breaks down in industries like home renovation and how technology can create transparency, alignment, and accountability.Notable Quotes“Trust isn’t built in one big moment. It’s built through patterns.”“The best products are born from real experiences.”“If the system reflects that someone is being heard and understood, it creates a feeling of partnership.”Resources & Links MentionedFormis – AI-powered platform designed to improve transparency and communication in home renovation projects.Curate – Event discovery and scheduling platform helping people navigate conferences, tech events, and community gatherings.Lovable – AI-powered development platform Melissa used to build an early version of Curate.Claude – AI assistant Melissa uses for ongoing product development and iteration.FoundHers – Austin-based organization supporting women founders and entrepreneurs.South by Southwest (SXSW) – The event experience that inspired Curate.Austin Tech WeekLA Tech WeekAustin TV FestivalMelissa’s story is a reminder that entrepreneurship doesn’t always begin with a grand vision. Sometimes it starts with a frustration, a life experience, or a problem you simply can’t stop thinking about and the courage to do something about it.

6/23/26 • 45:11

What does it mean to build a life rooted in service rather than status?In this deeply moving conversation, I sat down with Dr. Farah Shroff—public health leader, educator, researcher, yoga teacher, and advocate for women's health—to explore the experiences that shaped her work and worldview. From her childhood in Canada after immigrating from Kenya, to watching her mother defy a devastating lupus diagnosis, to leading global health initiatives around the world, Farah shares how compassion, justice, and holistic well-being became the foundation of her life's work.We talked about the intersection of public health and personal healing, why women's health continues to be overlooked by institutions, and what women must unlearn in order to step fully into their power as leaders.In this episode, we discuss:How witnessing her mother's health journey sparked a lifelong commitment to women's health, public health, and holistic healing.Why improving health outcomes requires more than medicine; and how social justice, equity, and community are fundamental to well-being.What decades of global public health work have taught her about listening to communities instead of imposing solutions.The ways women are still underserved by healthcare systems and why research focused specifically on women's bodies remains critically important.How yoga, meditation, and self-awareness have shaped her approach to leadership, advocacy, and personal resilience.Why women leaders must stop shrinking themselves, trust their own authority, and learn to lead from a place of confidence rather than self-doubt.One of my favorite moments from this conversation was Farah's reminder that leadership begins with believing you belong in the room. As she shared, so many women still carry the belief that they're "not enough." Releasing that narrative and stepping into our own power may be one of the most important forms of leadership there is.This episode is both a conversation about health and a conversation about humanity; about caring for ourselves, caring for each other, and building systems that honor the dignity and worth of every person.Connect with Dr. Farah Shroff on LinkedInListen now and join us for a conversation about leadership, service, healing, and the power of women supporting women.

6/9/26 • 52:30

Anna Sizova joins Clover for a conversation that spans global healthcare, leadership, reinvention, and what it really looks like to build a life and career across countries, industries, and identities. Anna shares her journey from growing up in Azerbaijan and becoming a pediatric endocrinologist to leading global clinical trials and eventually stepping into entrepreneurship, mentorship, and health innovation leadership in Austin.We talk about what happens when other people reflect your value back to you before you fully see it yourself, the realities women still face in healthcare and investing, and why Anna believes healthcare needs more humanity, not just more technology. We also dive into AI in healthcare, patient advocacy, motherhood, resilience, and building community without waiting for permission.In this episode, we discuss: Anna’s path from physician and clinical researcher to founder, advisor, and community builder in healthtech  The identity shift from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship — and learning to trust her own expertise  Why women in healthcare and innovation still face major barriers when it comes to raising capital and being heard  How AI is already transforming healthcare through diagnostics, patient care, and operational efficiency — and why cybersecurity and ethics matter just as much as innovation  The importance of boundaries, resilience, and staying grounded through uncertainty, relocation, career pivots, and personal hardship

5/26/26 • 45:36

In this episode of Clover, I sit down with my friend Kara Mandeville — a powerhouse leader at Microsoft whose career journey is equal parts inspiring, relatable, and incredibly timely. From growing up as a military brat and dreaming of working with horses to leading high-performing teams in the fast-moving world of enterprise tech and AI, Kara’s story is proof that careers don’t have to follow a perfectly linear path to become extraordinary.What I loved most about this conversation is how honest and grounded Kara is about leadership, ambition, burnout, and navigating change. We talk about the pressure of leading through massive industry shifts like AI, how to stay steady when everything feels uncertain, and why some of the best leaders are the ones willing to slow down, listen, and experiment instead of pretending they have all the answers.This episode feels less like a corporate conversation about AI and more like a real discussion about the future of work, humanity, creativity, and how we can build careers that actually support the lives we want to live.In this episode, we talk about:What it’s really like growing your career inside a massive enterprise organizationHow great leaders create calm, clarity, and trust during periods of changeWhy AI may completely reshape the way we work, collaborate, and leadThe importance of experimentation, curiosity, and staying adaptable in uncertain timesRedefining success beyond burnout, hustle culture, and constant achievementThis conversation is thoughtful, practical, inspiring, and full of perspective for anyone navigating leadership, career growth, or the rapidly evolving world of AI. I know you’re going to love Kara as much as I do.Connect with Kara on LinkedIn

5/12/26 • 42:20

In this episode of Clover, I sit down with Bree Whitehead; entrepreneur, AI strategist, and someone who has been building long before AI became the conversation. What I loved about this discussion is how grounded and refreshing her perspective is. Instead of fear, she brings clarity. Instead of replacement, she talks about expansion.We get into what it actually looks like to use AI in a way that supports your life, your work, and your growth—without losing what makes you human in the process.In this episode, we cover:Bree’s journey from early entrepreneurship to building and exiting a media company and how she found her way into AIWhy AI is an amplifier, not a replacement, and how it can actually restore our humanityThe shift from reactive work to strategic thinking by removing friction and mental overloadThe invisible “context load” women carry—and how AI can help redistribute that weightWhat it looks like to build your own “life operating system” and stop waiting for permission to evolveResources & Tools Mentioned:Bree on LinkedInJustBreeK websiteAnthropic Claude – Bree’s primary AI tool for day-to-day useGoogle Workspace + Gemini – an accessible ecosystem for running work with AIAI agents – task-specific “team members” to streamline workflowsConversation transcripts – capturing context to improve how AI supports youBinaural beats + AI-generated affirmations – Bree’s personal approach to mindset and self-audit

4/7/26 • 39:18

In this episode of Clover, I sit down with Dr. Neema Moore—chiropractor, author of Confidence NOW!, and founder of transformative wellness retreats—for a conversation that feels both grounding and expansive.Dr. Neema’s journey doesn’t follow a straight line. From high school biology teacher to chiropractor to global wellness leader, she shares how one simple idea—choosing happiness—led her to completely pivot her career and build a life centered around healing, confidence, and impact. What stands out most is how much of her path came not from a rigid plan, but from saying yes to what felt aligned… even when it was uncomfortable.We talk about what she sees every day in high-achieving women: the burnout, the pressure, the “holding it all together” on the outside while their bodies are telling a different story. From chronic stress and exhaustion to the deeper emotional weight women carry, Dr. Neema breaks down how success without self-connection shows up physically—and what we can do about it.This conversation also goes deeper into: Why driven women are actually the most at risk for burnout  The importance of creating space to reconnect with yourself (and why retreats can be so transformative)  What it really takes to build confidence—and why it only comes after you take the leap  Letting go of waiting for permission and stepping fully into your own authority  How to stop minimizing your accomplishments and start owning your story Dr. Neema shares powerful insight from her own life and her work with women around the world, including the mindset shifts that help you move from survival mode into alignment, clarity, and confidence.If you’ve ever felt like you “should” have it all together—but inside you’re questioning everything—this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone… and that the next version of you is on the other side of one brave step forward.And yes—Beyoncé makes an appearance, because confidence has a soundtrack. 💫

3/24/26 • 36:50

In this episode of Clover, I sit down with Marina Kay, an executive coach and breathwork practitioner who helps women lead, build, and grow their careers without burning themselves out in the process.Marina shares the story of her own career journey, from working in HR consulting and sitting in Fortune 500 boardrooms to experiencing the intense pressure of startup culture while working at WeWork during its rise and fall. Along the way, she began noticing the toll that chronic stress and anxiety were taking on her body. What started as a search for relief eventually led her into yoga teacher training, health coaching, and ultimately the work she does today helping women build nervous system resilience.We talk about the many ways anxiety and stress show up in the body, including signals many women overlook or normalize, like brain fog, poor sleep, digestion issues, and constant mental pressure. Marina explains how these patterns develop and why so many high-achieving women end up operating in survival mode without realizing it.We also dive into the power of breathwork and nervous system regulation. Marina shares how she introduces these practices to founders, executives, and high-performing professionals who are used to operating in high-pressure environments. She also walks through a few simple breathing practices that anyone can use during the workday to calm their nervous system and regain focus.This conversation is about more than stress management. It is about learning how to listen to your body, reconnect with yourself, and build a career and life that do not come at the cost of your well-being.Resources & MentionsWomen Who Breathe – Marina’s website and online community with breathwork resources, practices, and coursesWomen Who Breathe Community – Free access to guided breathwork recordings, somatic practices, meditations, and nervous system toolsMarina Kay on LinkedIn – Connect with Marina professionallyWomen Who Breathe on Instagram and TikTok – Breathwork education, nervous system tips, and community updatesIn-person Austin breathwork session on March 10th - use code FIESTA for a discount on ticketsMarch 25th free virtual session for any women who want to experience breathwork from home.

3/10/26 • 49:14

In this episode of Clover, I’m joined by Camille Ricketts, now a partner at XYZ Venture Capital and formerly a marketing leader at Tesla, First Round Capital, and Notion.Camille’s career journey has been anything but linear—starting as a journalist at The Wall Street Journal, moving into communications at Tesla, where she worked directly with Elon Musk, then pioneering content marketing with First Round Review, and later scaling community-led growth at Notion. Today, she brings that breadth of experience to her work in venture capital, helping founders and startups thrive.We cover:What it’s like to pivot when the path you’ve been working toward isn’t the right fit.Lessons from building Tesla’s early communications team and learning from Elon’s leadership style.How Camille created the First Round Review, one of the most influential startup content platforms.What it takes to scale community and user-led storytelling at Notion.Why understanding which “stage” of company you thrive in is essential to building your career.How Camille defines success today—by helping others rise and giving credit away.Camille’s story is a reminder that careers aren’t ladders—they’re winding, evolving journeys built on curiosity, adaptability, and purpose.Related links or mentions within the episode:Communities / Resources:Play Bigger: How Pirates, Dreamers, and Innovators Create and Dominate Markets (book)'Give Away Your Legos' and Other Commandments for Scaling Startups (article)Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead (book)Social Media / Links:Twitter/X: @CamilleRickettsLinkedIn: Camille Ricketts

2/24/26 • 39:55

This week on Clover, I had the honor of sitting down with Celeste Mergens, bestselling author and founder of Days for Girls, a global movement that has reached nearly 4 million women and girls in 145 countries.Celeste’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership doesn’t always begin with a master plan. She started out wanting to be an electrical engineer. Life rerouted her into motherhood, raising six children, and later completing two master’s degrees. Celeste is also the author of The Power of Days, where she shares the extraordinary story behind the global movement she founded. What she models so beautifully is that nothing is wasted; every season prepares you for the next.Days for Girls began with a moment of awareness in rural Kenya. Celeste discovered that girls were missing school because they lacked access to menstrual products—and in some cases were being exploited just to obtain one. What began as 500 handmade kits sewn by volunteers grew, step by step, into a global movement.In this conversation, we explore:Why menstruation remains one of the world’s most persistent taboosHow silence around women’s bodies shapes power and opportunityWhat happens when girls reclaim authority over their biologyThe power of invitation over imposition in global leadershipWhy listening—not telling—has been central to Days for Girls’ impactWhat it means to trust the next step without seeing the full pathWhat struck me most is that this isn’t just about menstrual equity. It’s about dignity. It’s about rewriting a narrative that has labeled women’s bodies as shameful or untouchable—and choosing instead to see them as powerful.Celeste didn’t set out to build a global organization. She followed invitations. She paid attention. She acted when she saw injustice. And she held a vision bigger than what felt “measurable and achievable.”Without periods, there would be no people.This episode is about shifting from silence to celebration—and what becomes possible when we’re courageous enough to talk about what the world told us not to.ResourcesDays for Girls - WebsiteCeleste Mergens - LinkedInThe Power of Days - Book

2/18/26 • 45:25

In this very first episode of Clover, I chat with Amina Mohamed, founder of Cameras For Girls, an organization using photography and storytelling to help young women in Africa break into male-dominated media spaces.Amina’s story begins with her family’s journey as refugees from Uganda to Canada, a career in film and television, and a life-changing return to Uganda that revealed the inequities facing girls denied education and opportunity. That experience inspired her to launch Cameras For Girls in 2017, which has since grown to serve cohorts of young women in Uganda and Tanzania, with a vision to expand across Africa.We talk about:How Amina turned a late-night idea into a movement that’s changing lives.The importance of community-led solutions vs. imposing outside fixes.Navigating cultural and societal barriers with respect while pushing for change.Why mental health support and mentorship are just as critical as technical training.The ripple effect of one girl gaining skills and confidence—and teaching others.Amina’s mission is bold: to impact 30,000 women across seven African countries by 2030. Her journey is proof that listening to your heart—and refusing to let fear win—can transform lives.Related links or mentions within the episode:Communities / Resources:Vital Voices (global women’s leadership community)Nonprofit Hive (Canadian-run platform for nonprofit professionals)We Are For Good (podcast + community, includes “Impact Uprising” events)Social Media / Links:Website: Cameras For GirlsLinkedIn: Amina MohamedInstagram: @camerasforgirlsWant to support Cameras For Girls?Monthly or One-Time DonorsDonate Used Cameras or Electronic Equipment

2/10/26 • 39:46

This episode is about a feeling I do not hear discussed very often, especially among women in leadership: having a career that looks successful on paper, but still not feeling settled, finished, or like you have “arrived.”I am not sharing this as a complaint or a dramatic confession. It is an honest observation about how my career has actually unfolded. Over time, I have gained experience, responsibility, and perspective, but the moment I assumed would come—the one where everything feels certain and secure; never really did. What showed up instead was continued curiosity, change, and growth.In this episode, I reflect on how that pattern formed and what it has taught me about leadership, ambition, and stability, including:How starting my career during the dot-com boom and bust in San Francisco taught me to operate in ambiguity long before I realized itThe difference between ambition and restlessness, and why nonlinear growth is often misunderstood; especially for womenWhy choosing fit over optics can be one of the most confident leadership decisions you makeHow repeated market disruptions reshaped my understanding of stability, loyalty, and what leadership actually requiresIf you thought you would feel more certain by now, or more finished, this episode is for you. You are not behind, and you are not failing to figure something out that everyone else has mastered. Some careers are not designed to arrive at a final destination.They are meant to unfold; through recalibration, second acts, and choices that prioritize alignment over appearance. That belief sits at the heart of Clover, and it is why this show exists.

2/3/26 • 14:48

In this solo episode of Clover, I speak directly to the reality many women leaders are navigating right now.The world feels frightening and unstable. Political volatility, economic uncertainty, organizational upheaval, and an unrelenting news cycle are not abstract background conditions. They affect how people lead, how decisions are made, and how much risk feels possible on any given day. Even leaders with long track records and strong résumés are operating inside systems that feel far less predictable than they did not long ago.This episode names that fear without dramatizing it and without asking listeners to push past it. It acknowledges how deeply uncertainty seeps into leadership meetings, career decisions, and internal narratives, particularly for women who were taught to read signals, wait for alignment, and move once clarity arrived.I share a grounding framework I return to during moments like this, shaped by personal experiences with layoffs, systemic collapse, and leadership without guarantees. The conversation examines why uncertainty so often gets internalized as self-doubt, how leadership strategies that worked in stable environments can fail in unstable ones, and why waiting for certainty or consensus can quietly erode authority.The focus of the episode is agency. It offers practical questions that help leaders orient themselves to what is real, what is available, and what can still be decided, even when the broader system feels out of control.In this episode, I cover:How political and economic instability changes the conditions of leadershipWhy uncertainty is often misread as a confidence problem, especially for womenThree grounding questions that restore agency when clarity is not comingWhat it means to claim responsibility and make decisions without consensus or guaranteesYou do not need certainty to lead. You need grounding, self-trust, and the willingness to decide where you stand.

1/27/26 • 13:36

In this episode of Clover, I sit down with Rosa Yupari, former Chief Revenue Officer turned fractional CRO and sales advisor, to talk about what actually drives sustainable revenue growth — and why so many companies stall long before they realize it.Rosa shares her journey from engineering into sales, scaling teams to nearly $100M in revenue, and eventually stepping away from corporate leadership to build a practice rooted in mentoring, coaching, and real-world strategy. This is a candid, tactical conversation for founders, revenue leaders, and women navigating high-stakes leadership roles.In this episode, we cover:Why small behaviors — not big strategy shifts — often determine whether revenue scales or stallsHow “family culture” can limit sales performance, and what healthy collaboration really looks likeThe biggest mistakes founders make with early sales hires and enterprise expansionWhat strong sales leadership looks like in tough markets — and how managers actually motivate teamsHow AI is changing the way sales leaders analyze deals, coach teams, and stay strategic

1/20/26 • 43:59

Being the only woman in the room is rarely just a professional experience. It is a psychological one.In this episode of Clover, we explore what happens internally when women navigate leadership spaces that were not designed with them in mind, and what it actually takes to stay steady inside those dynamics.In this episode, we cover:Why being the only woman in the room creates a constant layer of self-monitoring and internal laborHow awareness can quietly drain your energy when it gets turned inward as self-criticismThe survival strategies many women develop, and how over-adaptation slowly erodes self-trustHow to stay grounded before, during, and after high-stakes meetings in non-neutral roomsPractical ways to manage mixed signals and stop internalizing structural inconsistencyWhat power actually looks like when you are outnumbered, and how to build it over timeIf you have ever left a meeting feeling unsettled, questioned your readiness despite strong performance, or wondered whether you were imagining the dynamic, this conversation will resonate.You are not too early. You are not too much. And you do not need to contort yourself to belong. I'm glad you're here.

1/13/26 • 08:25

As January begins, many leaders feel pressure to move quickly; setting goals, making plans, defining the year ahead.In this solo episode of Clover, I pause that momentum and turn toward discernment. I share the habits, expectations, and patterns I’m choosing to leave behind, and how releasing what no longer fits creates capacity for clearer leadership.You’ll hear reflections on over-carrying, availability, certainty, and urgency, along with practical prompts to notice where weight has quietly accumulated in your own work and life.This episode invites you to start the year by choosing deliberately: what you continue carrying, what you set down, and how that choice shapes the season ahead.

1/6/26 • 05:13

Between Christmas and New Year, time feels different. The structure disappears, the pressure eases. And for many of us, especially leaders, that quiet can feel both relieving and unsettling.In this solo episode of Clover, I talk about that strange, floaty week we rarely name and why it feels so uncomfortable when the noise finally drops. I explore what happens when our nervous system exhales, why stillness can bring up more than we expect, and how our identity as leaders is often tied to momentum and productivity.Instead of rushing into planning or goal-setting, I invite you to treat this week as a pause; a portal between what was and what’s next. I share simple reflections to help you notice what feels complete, what quietly drained you this year, and what you’re ready to have less of moving forward.You don’t need a plan yet. You’re allowed to let the year end before starting again.

12/30/25 • 05:25

More than a decade ago, I wrote The Snow Globe, a middle-grade novel about courage, belonging, and discovering strength you didn’t know you had. I wrote it before I had kids, before many of the leadership experiences that now shape my life. For years, the manuscript sat quietly as my life changed around it.Two years ago, I was ready to self-publish. The book had been edited. The cover was complete. And then someone asked me a single question: Is it your best work? The honest answer forced me to slow down, revisit the story, and give it the time it deserved.In this episode, I share the long arc of writing The Snow Globe, the decision to wait instead of rushing toward closure, and what finishing well has taught me about leadership, integrity, and honoring creative work — especially at the end of the year.If you’ve ever carried a project longer than you expected, this episode is an invitation to reflect on what it means to finish with intention.If you’d like to check out The Snow Globe, you can find it here.If you’d like to follow along behind the scenes, you can find me on Instagram at @erinpatriciageiger.

12/23/25 • 06:15

The latest episode of Clover went live today, and this one is just me, naming something I think a lot of us are feeling, especially in December, but rarely talk about out loud.In this episode, I unpack what I’ve been calling the leadership hangover. It’s not burnout or a breakdown. It’s that quieter, harder-to-explain exhaustion that shows up after a long year of leading, deciding, carrying responsibility, and being “on” for everyone else, even when things look good from the outside.I talk about:Why leadership hangover often goes unnoticed when you’re still functioning and capableHow emotional fatigue, decision fatigue, and constant responsibility actually show up day to dayWhy December amplifies this feeling; reflection, pressure, goals, gratitude, and zero time to exhaleThe guilt we carry when we’re exhausted but also proud of what we’ve builtThe different ways leadership hangover can look: numbness, irritability, avoidance, or emotional flatnessWhy this isn’t a personal failure, but a nervous system that’s been carrying a lot for a long timeMost importantly, I share what not to do right now — no panic, no reinvention, no aggressive goal-setting — and offer a gentler reframe. A leadership hangover isn’t a sign that something is wrong with you. It’s a signal that you’ve been leading, often quietly and competently, without much space to set the weight down.If you’re ending the year tired in a way you can’t quite explain, this episode is your permission slip: you don’t need clarity yet, you don’t need to fix yourself, and you don’t need to end the year energized. You’re not behind, you’re human and you’ve been leading.🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

12/16/25 • 04:30

In this episode of Clover, I sit down with fellow Austinite, community builder, and multi-pivot queen Heather Trumpfheller for a conversation that hits on career, identity, sobriety, boundaries, and what it really means to build community with intention.We talk about:Her winding career path & permission to pivotGrowing up a storytelling-obsessed kid in Dallas, studying broadcast journalism at Mizzou, and working at an NBC stationThe scary identity shift of leaving journalism, trying PR, and then being “discovered” in the Central Market checkout line and pushed into salesWorking 11 years for the same leader, getting moved to Boston, and realizing she had outgrown a company she deeply lovedThat “make it obvious” moment & walking away from misalignmentThe gut-check prayer the morning she asked for a sign to quitThe wild 1:1 where her boss suggested a new role and she realized the real answer was: “I quit.”How she took six months to get clear on her values, not her job titleNetworking, mentorship & operationalizing relationships (without feeling icky)Why you should never wait until you need a job to start networkingBuilding “relationship capital” with systems: calendar-blocked Friday follow-ups, notes on people, and being intentional about second-degree connectionsHer take on mentorship as seasonal, specific, and often most powerful outside your current companyHow to make a compelling outreach ask that actually gets answeredSobriety, boundaries & redefining worth beyond achievementHitting her two-year sober anniversary and realizing how much she’d been numbing with alcoholRecognizing when your self-worth is tied to numbers, titles, and likabilityUsing how you feel after events and interactions as data to set better boundariesWhy she now sees boundaries as a gift—to herself and to the people around herLeading Austin Women in Tech & building true communityMoving to Austin not knowing anyone and finding Austin Women in Tech through a random MeetupStarting as membership director, then becoming president, and helping grow the org to hundreds of membersWhat it’s like to motivate and lead in a volunteer-only environmentWhy volunteering is a low-risk way to practice leadership, test new skills, and expand your networkHer current work: community, referrals & women-owned businessesHer role as Chief Growth Officer at Switchboard, a platform connecting skilled virtual volunteers with global mission and ministry organizations Switchboard+1Her work with What She Said and the RFRL app, a referral platform that routes everyday recommendations (CPAs, lawyers, favorite coffee shops) to women-owned businesses and rewards the people making referrals What She Said, Inc.+1Why she believes abundance follows alignment—and how these roles line up perfectly with the life she actually wantsInfluence without the titleHow to lead before you have the formal authorityWhy influence isn’t always the loudest person or the biggest title—it’s consistency, clarity, and alignmentLinks & resources mentioned:Connect with Heather on LinkedInAustin Women in Tech (AWT) – the nonprofit community Heather led as presidentWebsite: awtaustin.org Switchboard – virtual volunteering platform connecting skilled volunteers with

12/9/25 • 44:44

In this episode of Clover, I sit down with the brilliant and wildly accomplished Tina Sharkey for a conversation that honestly feels like three masterclasses in one: community-building, career design, and the future of human connection in an AI-driven world.Tina walks me through her very non-linear career path—from hanging out in her mom’s New York fashion office as a teen, to an unexpected pivot into tech and investing, to co-founding iVillage, bringing Sesame Street online, scaling BabyCenter globally at Johnson & Johnson, and launching community-first CPG brand Brandless. Through it all, she shares how she’s always brought the same “toolkit” with her: storytelling, community, curiosity, and a deep belief in creating products and experiences with people, not just for them.We also dig into her current work at USC, where she’s teaching and backing Gen Z founders, experimenting with GenAI in the classroom, and thinking deeply about what makes us “divinely human” in a world of powerful machines. Tina is both optimistic and clear-eyed: AI can unlock a new kind of renaissance—but only if we protect literacy, critical thinking, and real human connection. And for women in leadership, she shares some tough-love truths about putting your hand up before you feel “ready,” finding hidden doors, and making your career a relay race—not a solo sprint.Conversation highlights:From fashion floors to technology boardrooms How growing up with a single, career-focused mom in New York’s fashion world gave Tina early exposure to women in leadership—and how one moment in an investor’s office completely rerouted her from fashion into tech, media, and investing.Inventing “social media” before it had a name Tina shares the early days of iVillage, why chat rooms and message boards were so revolutionary, and how she coined the term social media to explain this new kind of community-driven content to advertisers and partners.Building iconic brands through community We walk through her roles bringing Sesame Street onto the internet, scaling BabyCenter into a global platform (including the birth clubs so many of us relied on), and designing Brandless as a community-led, access-first CPG brand.Serendipity, hidden doors, and saying yes Tina talks about the role of serendipity—from chance meetings in offices and delis to unexpected board roles—and how being open, curious, and willing to ask respectful questions has shaped every major career inflection point.Humanity as our moat around the machines Tina shares her framework for thinking about AI: why she uses it as a collaborator, not a replacement, and why our empathy, soul, and lived experience are the “moat” that machines can’t cross.Gen Z, consciousness, and going “punk” on attention From her vantage point teaching at USC, she talks about how Gen Z is already pushing back on screen addiction, what excites her about their creativity, and why reclaiming our own consciousness is non-negotiable in an AI world.Literacy, equity, and the stakes of this moment Tina opens up about the crisis of literacy in the U.S., how reading levels are tied to incarceration rates, and why democratizing access to education and healthcare is a core part of her mission.Real talk for women in leadership We close with tactical guidance: stop waiting until you’ve “done the job” to go for it, bring your authentic self everywhere you go, surround yourself with people who are brilliant at what they do, and remember that careers are built in teams and relay races—not through hero moments.Connect with Tina on LinkedIn (her most active platform), Instagram,

12/2/25 • 49:18

In this episode of Clover, I sit down with my former teammate Jordan Lea, now VP of Customer Experience at Plum, to talk about bold career leaps, people-first leadership, and building a meaningful career on your own terms. Jordan shares her journey from a tiny town in North Carolina with dirt roads and cornfields to moving to New York City with no job lined up, flying standby for interviews, taking an unpaid internship in fashion, becoming employee #5 at a fashion tech startup, and eventually finding her sweet spot in HR tech and customer experience.We dig into what it really looks like to grow up inside startups; wearing every hat, building resilience, and learning to say “give me whatever you’ve got” instead of “that’s not my job.” Jordan talks about how she evaluates new opportunities by looking beyond the job description and title to the company’s mission, timing in her personal life, and whether there’s true alignment with what she cares about. We also get into culture (beyond the buzzword), psychological safety, and her “skill vs. will” framework for coaching and developing people. She shares practical advice for women who feel boxed in or underestimated at work, how to make intentional career pivots into new industries, and how AI can actually free CX teams to be more human, not less.You’ll hear us talk about:Taking big leaps: moving to a new city with no safety net, changing industries, and asking “What’s the worst that could happen?”Startups as a career accelerator: why being early-stage employee #5 shaped her leadership, adaptability, and ability to “Sherpa” others through growth.Skill vs. will: how she decides when to invest in someone’s potential versus when there’s a true mismatch.Building real culture: trust, authenticity, and psychological safety as non-negotiables, not just slide-deck values.Career pivots with intention: how to research new fields, show up prepared to conversations, and decide if an opportunity is a “go” or “no-go” for your life.AI + Customer Experience: using AI to streamline the boring parts so humans can focus on relationships, storytelling, and proactive support.Her surprisingly fun productivity hack (involving a giant medicine ball) If you’re a woman in leadership, or aspiring to be one, who feels ready for your next leap but isn’t sure what it looks like yet, this conversation with Jordan will give you both the mindset and the practical tools to start moving.Connect with Jordan on LinkedIn!

11/25/25 • 45:09

In this episode of Clover, I get to catch up with my longtime friend and powerhouse media executive, Tracy Kaplan, and her “hodgepodge” career that turned out to be a masterclass in building a bold, non-linear path in media, tech, and podcasts.Tracy walks us through her journey from WGBH and ABC News to CBS Interactive, SnappyTV, Twitter, TuneIn, Patreon, Tenderfoot TV, and now Courier Newsroom, all while launching her own company, Small But Mighty Media, and creating The 10 News, an award-winning news podcast for kids. Along the way, she shares how she spots the real inflection points in media (from mobile video to podcast subscriptions to now AI), builds durable partnerships with platforms like Apple and Spotify, and refuses to let imposter syndrome keep her from jumping into the next big thing.We also dig into the business side: subscription models, monetization beyond ads, what actually grows a podcast audience, and how to lead high-pressure teams through constant change without burning everyone out.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to turn a “hodgepodge” career into a strategic advantage and deliberately collect the skills and experiences you’re missing instead of chasing a straight line.How to spot the next wave in media and tech by staying curious, observing real people’s behavior (hello, commuters watching video in Japan), and forcing yourself to experiment with new tools like AI before you feel “ready.”Practical ways to move into a new lane—before you’re an expert, including how Tracy taps her network, asks smart questions, and leverages subject-matter experts to fill her own gaps.A clear breakdown of podcast monetization today—ads, Apple/Spotify subscription channels, Patreon-style membership, and even donations and fiscal sponsorship—and how to think about diversifying your revenue so you’re not at the mercy of one market.How Tracy built and scaled The 10 News for kids, including the real origin story (NPR in the school pickup line + political ads on YouTube) and the tactics she used to secure high-caliber guests like Dr. Fauci.What makes a partnership last in a fickle industry, from being radically responsive and direct, to making every deal a “win-win” instead of a zero-sum transaction.Tracy’s leadership philosophy in high-pressure environments—how she pushes her team to grow while still rolling up her sleeves, taking on grunt work when needed, and making sure no one is left to fail alone.Hard-won career advice for women in media and podcasting, including why allies inside and outside your company matter, how to recognize when it’s time to leave a role you once loved, and why tearing other women down is a long-term losing strategy.Her big blue-sky vision for helping kids and families better understand the world—and why she dreams of a “domestic Peace Corps” style program that gets people outside their bubbles and into each other’s communities.If you’ve ever worried that your career looks “messy” on paper, or felt behind on the latest shifts in media, this conversation will give you both a roadmap and a serious permission slip to build something beautifully non-traditional.

11/18/25 • 50:18

In this episode, I sit down with mortgage industry veteran and coach Carrie Guarrero to trace a three-decade career built on service, community, and relentless growth. Carrie shares how an 11-year-old’s flyer route in her mom’s mortgage office became a billion-dollar origination career—and why the trophies eventually mattered less than the names and stories behind each loan. She opens up about a career “pause” that didn’t go as planned, the humbling return that led her to Fairway, and how that detour became the on-ramp to launching Fairway Ignite, an internal coaching organization now serving 600+ teammates with 80 coaches.We also get into how Carrie is building a multigenerational legacy; handing portions of her book of business to her daughter and longtime partner, and what “effective coaching” really looks like inside a high-performance culture: individualized matches, data-driven accountability, and an always-on community. Beyond business, Carrie reflects on being an Army mom (and former Army spouse), holding pride and fear at the same time, and the leadership lessons that come from service, ambiguity, and letting go. She previews her forthcoming guided journal Discovering WISE: Women in Search of Excellence—a 52-week journey designed to help women define success on their own terms—and shares the daily non-negotiables that keep her grounded in faith, family, gratitude, sweat, and stillness.Discussion Highlights:How a “failed” pivot can become the exact path you need nextThe core ingredients of coaching that actually moves numbers (and people)Why legacy leadership means empowering others, even before you feel ready to let goNavigating male-dominated rooms without dimming your light or your voiceThe power of holding two truths (proud and scared) and leading through uncertaintyA simple morning framework: gratitude, sweat, and reflective thinkingLinks & Mentions:Connect with Carrie Guarrero:  Instagram • LinkedIn Book: Discovering WISE: Women in Search of Excellence — 52-week guided journey - grab your copy here!If this conversation resonates, I’d love for you to subscribe, rate, and share. Tag me with your takeaways and the line that hit you hardest.

11/11/25 • 44:42