The Feminist Exec Podcast

The Sustainable Life: Annie Kell on Whole-Person Leadership, Motherhood, & Work That Really Matters

In this episode of The Feminist Exec, KP sits down with Annie Kell, a sustainability leader whose career spans astrophysics, renewable energy research, consulting, and large-scale climate impact. Annie shares how she built a purpose-driven path rooted in systems thinking, human-centered design, and the belief that sustainability is ultimately about protecting the people and places we care about.
She opens up about navigating male-dominated fields, being labeled “intimidating” simply for holding boundaries, and growing into a leadership style that is direct, kind, and grounded in whole-person humanity. Annie also reflects on the realities of work-life tradeoffs, the “glass balls vs. rubber balls” framework that keeps her grounded, and what it means to raise two young girls in a world shaped by climate risk and evolving opportunities for women.
Together, we explore how sustainability intersects with leadership, motherhood, and the choices that shape a meaningful life. Annie’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to do it all—but you can do the work that truly matters, both at home and at scale.

The Art of War, the Power of Kindness: Cailin Radcliffe on Redefining Leadership

In this episode of The Feminist Exec, host KP talks with Cailin Radcliffe, VP of Revenue Operations and Marketing, whose unconventional journey from studying the history of warfare to leading growth in robotics reveals how strategy and resilience intersect with empathy and kindness. Cailin discusses intentional career choices, the art and science of marketing, and the role of mentorship, while sharing candid insights on leadership, authenticity, and the emotional burdens women face in male-dominated industries. From redefining “niceness” to building balance at home and creating space at the table for others, she offers a candid blueprint for women navigating leadership, resilience, and empowerment.

Words to Deeds: David Houser on Equity, Allyship, & Leading Across Cultures

Join global executive David Houser — our first male ally guest on The Feminist Exec — as he shares his journey in global leadership, DEI leadership, and inclusive leadership. Discover how reverse mentorship, continuous learning, and real action (not just words) drive equity. Plus, explore the transformation of business through AI in leadership and why ethical AI is vital for the future of work.

Grit, Growth, & Getting Back Up: Shari Christofferson on Solving the Crisis of Confidence

In this episode of the Feminist Exec podcast, Shari Christofferson shares her journey from a geology background to a leadership role in supply chain technology. She discusses the importance of understanding customer needs, navigating company culture, and the challenges women face in tech. Shari emphasizes the significance of building supportive communities, maintaining a proactive approach in business, and the necessity of resilience in the face of setbacks. She also highlights the value of leadership traits such as calmness under pressure and the importance of appreciating team contributions. The conversation concludes with advice for women in tech and the importance of staying true to one's vision.

Moxie, Mentorship, and Making Space: Kristi Hemmer on Leading Without Shrinking

In this episode of The Feminist Exec, host KP sits down with Kristi Hemmer—educator, author of ⁠Quit Being So Good,⁠ founder of the Academy for Women’s Empowerment, and solo traveler to 77 countries—for a bold conversation on leadership, identity, and choosing your own path.
Kristi shares her journey from classroom teacher to social entrepreneur, reflecting on the moment she left a six-figure job in Tokyo to launch her own empowerment academy. She opens up about the “moxie moments” that shaped her story, the invisible systems that cause girls and women to shrink, and the urgency of rediscovering our childhood dreams.
To learn more about Kristi, visit ⁠https://kristihemmer.com/⁠
To get Kristi's "Love Heals" shirt, visit ⁠https://thistlefarms.org/

Neurodiverse, Driven, and Disrupting Logistics: Natalia Gerasina’s Story

In this episode of the Feminist Exec podcast, host KP speaks with Natalia Gerasina, a logistics technology expert and entrepreneur. They discuss Natalia's journey into the logistics field, her decision to start her own business, and the importance of mentorship and networking in her career. Natalia shares insights on creating inclusive work environments, understanding neurodiversity, and the challenges women face in male-dominated industries. The conversation emphasizes the need for women to support each other and offers advice for young women aspiring to leadership roles in logistics and technology. Natalia also shares her future plans and the importance of lifelong learning in her career. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the meaning of feminism.

From Farm Roots to Industry Leader: Erin Horst on Women in Ag-Tech

In this episode of the Feminist Exec podcast, host KP interviews Erin Horst, a technical consultant for Elanco Animal Health. Erin shares her journey from growing up on a swine farm to becoming a leader in the dairy industry, discussing her educational background, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges she faces as a woman in a male-dominated field. The conversation explores themes of success, leadership, and the evolving dynamics of women in STEM, particularly in agriculture. Erin emphasizes the significance of stepping outside one's comfort zone, the impact of child-free choices in the workplace, and the importance of empathy and understanding in professional interactions. She concludes with valuable advice for personal growth and career development.

DEI, Disney, & Being Unapologetically Yourself: Breaking Barriers with Bern Datka

In this episode of The Feminist Exec podcast, Bern Datka shares her extensive career journey, highlighting her experiences in the corporate world, particularly in event management and marketing. She discusses the challenges of navigating a male-dominated industry, the impact of ageism, and the importance of flexibility in leadership. Bern emphasizes the significance of DEI initiatives and shares personal anecdotes about her leadership style, memorable experiences, and the lessons learned from career mistakes. The conversation concludes with valuable advice for women in business and reflections on the evolving landscape of leadership roles.