Leadership is often discussed through the lens of strategy, execution, and influence, yet the experience of women in leadership reveals a deeper, more complex narrative. Many women leaders navigate unique challenges - balancing empathy with authority, breaking stereotypes, and reshaping leadership norms to foster inclusion and innovation.
This conversation series will spotlight inspiring female leaders who have redefined leadership with authenticity, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Through candid discussions, we will explore the critical question:
What does it truly mean to lead as a woman today? And what can we learn from it?
Kelly Hendricks’s leadership journey is rooted in courage, not just the courage to lead others, but the courage to bet on herself. After a successful Tech career, Kelly made the bold decision to pivot industries entirely -launching her first Club Pilates studio while raising three young children and navigating profound personal loss. Today, she leads four studios across Colorado with clarity, compassion, and purpose.
In this powerful conversation, Kelly shares the mindset shifts that shaped her leadership: From reframing “I have to” as “I get to,” to viewing judgment not as a roadblock, but as fuel. She challenges the idea that real leaders must have it all figured out, instead showing how intentional delegation, humility, and emotional honesty create thriving teams. Her mantra is clear: “Don’t be afraid to teach someone your job. That’s how we all grow.”
Kelly’s story reminds us that leadership isn’t about doing it all, it’s about knowing what to let go of, and when. Whether building a business, growing a team, or navigating the messiness of life, Kelly leads with intention and trust. Her story offers a roadmap for women who want to lead with both strength and softness—and redefine success on their own terms.
Carla McIntosh is a trailblazing leader whose journey spans the U.S. Air Force, entrepreneurship, Google, and Reddit - where she made history as the company’s first Black executive. In every role, Carla has brought fierce clarity, strategic vision, and deep empathy. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in one powerful belief: we grow stronger not in spite of our scars, but because of them.
Carla leads with empathy and experience, using lessons from her toughest seasons to guide others with compassion and clarity. She doesn’t believe in shielding her teams from challenges - instead, she equips them with the mindset and tools to meet difficulty head-on. As she puts it, “I don’t want to pull my team away from the wolf, I want to teach them how to handle the wolf.”
In this conversation, Carla shares hard-won insights on building resilience, prioritizing well-being, and managing the polarities of modern leadership. Her story is a powerful reminder that real leadership isn’t about doing it all, it’s about showing up fully, owning your story, and lifting others as you rise.
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