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What does it take to transform from a foster child and migrant farmworker's daughter into one of the most influential women in global aviation? Lillie Rentz never imagined herself breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry, but when opportunity knocked unexpectedly, she answered with a resounding "yes."

In this captivating conversation, Lillie reveals how being in the right place at the right time led to her role directing the first privatized air cargo commercial airport in the United States. With raw honesty, she shares the pivotal moments that shaped her leadership journey—from losing her father at age seven to being separated from her sisters in foster care, and ultimately finding her voice in aviation boardrooms where few women had ventured before.

But this episode extends far beyond personal triumph. Lillie takes us into the revolutionary world of Advanced Air Mobility, where electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) are poised to transform transportation as we know it. This isn't science fiction—it's happening now. By 2040, what's currently a billion-dollar industry will explode into a trillion-dollar economic powerhouse, creating "skyways in the sky" that could turn a three-hour commute into a twenty-minute flight.

The opportunities are boundless—from management positions to remote monitoring systems that resemble sophisticated gaming setups. For women contemplating career pivots or young professionals seeking emerging fields, Lillir offers profound wisdom: "Don't wait for permission. The world needs what only you can bring."

Whether you're fascinated by cutting-edge technology, searching for career inspiration, or simply love stories of unexpected success, this conversation will leave you looking skyward with newfound possibility. After all, as Lillie reminds us, the sky is not the limit—it's just the beginning.

Drive, Ambition, Doing, Leading, Creating... all good until we forget about our own self-care. This Village of All-Stars pays it forward with transparency about misses and celebration in winning. We cover many topics and keep it 100. We are Proven Not Perfect™️
https://www.provennotperfect.com

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What happens when you refuse to fit into someone else's box? For Bo Shepherd, the answer was nothing short of transformation. As just the third African-American female interior designer at General Motors, Bo found herself constantly battling expectations about everything from her natural hair to her tattoos. Despite achieving what many would consider career success, something was missing – the freedom to be authentically herself.

When Bo and her partner began exploring Detroit by bicycle, they discovered neighborhoods filled with illegally dumped materials – cabinets, doors, and lumber discarded during renovations. Drawing on construction skills learned from her West Indian father, Bo began salvaging these materials to create furniture for their apartment. This creative outlet quickly evolved into Woodward Throwbacks, a brand dedicated to transforming reclaimed materials into stunning furniture and home décor that caught the attention of retail giants like Nordstrom and Target.

The journey from corporate designer to entrepreneur wasn't sugar-coated. Bo candidly shares the reality behind the glossy success story – from living in their workshop for a year to make ends meet, to the anxiety-filled nights wondering if they'd made the right choice. "I've had night sweats, I've had bursting out of my bed shaking with anxiety," she reveals, pushing back against glamorized portrayals of entrepreneurship. Yet through these struggles, Bo's commitment to authenticity has proven sustainable, expanding beyond furniture into interior design and real estate development. Her recently published book, "Throwbacks Home Interiors," showcases fifteen Detroit homes embodying authentic design across different styles.

What makes Bo's story so compelling is its universal message: success comes not from following prescribed paths but from having the courage to trust your instincts. As she explains, "If you are really passionate and you believe in what you're doing, people will see it." For anyone feeling constrained by expectations or seeking the courage to pursue their authentic path, Bo Shepard's journey offers both inspiration and practical wisdom. Connect with Bo's designs and philosophy by exploring Woodward Throwbacks online or picking up her book to discover how authentic spaces truly transform lives.

Check out Woodward Throwbacks as well on their YouTube Channel where you can catch them "in action". As well, pick up a copy of their book to be inspired to new levels at: Amazon.

Drive, Ambition, Doing, Leading, Creating... all good until we forget about our own self-care. This Village of All-Stars pays it forward with transparency about misses and celebration in winning. We cover many topics and keep it 100. We are Proven Not Perfect™️
https://www.provennotperfect.com

Follow me on Instagram at: shontrapowell_provennotperfect

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Reimagining coastal protection through revolutionary technology that preserves both our cities and oceans. Meet Anya Freeman, the visionary founder behind Kind Designs, who's transforming traditional seawalls into living marine habitats through cutting-edge 3D printing.

The urgency is clear: traditional concrete seawalls are destroying marine ecosystems at an alarming rate—50,000 miles of habitats will be lost by 2040. Meanwhile, coastal communities face increasingly severe flooding and prohibitive costs for protection. Anya's solution? The world's fastest concrete 3D printer creating biomimetic seawalls that serve dual purposes: safeguarding shorelines while fostering thriving underwater ecosystems.

What makes this story particularly compelling is Anya's unlikely journey. A Ukrainian immigrant and former lawyer with no background in science, construction, or oceanography, she built a diverse team largely through Craigslist—proving that innovation often comes from unexpected places. Her leadership philosophy prioritizes grit and hands-on skills over traditional credentials, resulting in a tight-knit team unified by their mission to transform coastal infrastructure.

The impact extends beyond environmental benefits. With 30% of the global population living directly on water, Kind Designs is making coastal protection more affordable and accessible. Their second-generation seawalls eliminate rebar entirely, further increasing cost efficiency, while extending lifespan from 30-40 years to over 100 years.

Discover how this groundbreaking approach to climate resilience is attracting major investment and changing how we think about infrastructure's relationship with nature. Also, I believe this thinking has the ability to inspire more breakthrough solutions and to be a catalyst for game-changing ideas in manufacturing, in total.

Follow Anya's mission to protect our coastlines while nurturing the ocean ecosystems we depend on.

www.kinddesigns.com

Instagram: @KindDesignsOfficial

Drive, Ambition, Doing, Leading, Creating... all good until we forget about our own self-care. This Village of All-Stars pays it forward with transparency about misses and celebration in winning. We cover many topics and keep it 100. We are Proven Not Perfect™️
https://www.provennotperfect.com

Follow me on Instagram at: shontrapowell_provennotperfect

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Ever wonder why your hard work isn't translating into the success you deserve? Allison Fragale, author of "Likable Badass," reveals the missing piece of the professional advancement puzzle that most women overlook.

While we've been taught to pursue power and control resources, Fragale introduces a game-changing perspective: status must come first. Unlike tangible power, status exists in other people's perceptions—it's how much they respect and value you. This critical currency determines whether others will grant you the resources and opportunities you've earned. As Fragale explains, "If you're trying to influence somebody who doesn't value you, you're sunk before you start."

The conversation explores how women often inadvertently sabotage their status through seemingly innocent behaviors. Self-deprecation, withholding accomplishments, and failure to strategically showcase expertise all chip away at how others perceive your value. Most surprising is the research showing that keeping achievements quiet doesn't make you appear humble—it actually damages relationships when people discover them later. "We think that when we keep good stuff to ourselves, people think we're humble," Fragale notes. "But the research shows it actually drives a wedge in relationships."

For those feeling undervalued in their current environment, Fragale offers practical hope. Status can be rebuilt over time, and leveraging allies—people who already respect you—can accelerate this process. She compares hoarding status to saving airline miles for a perfect trip that never materializes. Instead, she encourages viewing status as a renewable resource to be invested and spent strategically.

Whether you're just starting your career or looking to break through to the next level, this episode provides the framework and tactical approaches to ensure you receive the recognition and opportunities your capabilities deserve. Subscribe now and discover how balancing likability with badassery can transform your professional trajectory.

Drive, Ambition, Doing, Leading, Creating... all good until we forget about our own self-care. This Village of All-Stars pays it forward with transparency about misses and celebration in winning. We cover many topics and keep it 100. We are Proven Not Perfect™️
https://www.provennotperfect.com

Follow me on Instagram at: shontrapowell_provennotperfect

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Watch and listen on YouTube: Proven Not Perfect™️

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Have you ever found yourself breaking your neck to be in spaces where you simply don't fit? That's the powerful question at the heart of this spontaneous yet profound conversation with communication coach Denise Thomas.

What began as a casual catch-up call transformed into a masterclass on recognizing your gifts, embracing divine timing, and understanding the crucial difference between fitting and forcing. Denise shares her journey as "a little Black girl growing up in a small Midwestern rural town" with extraordinary communication abilities, and how her mother's unwavering support helped her embrace rather than suppress her natural talents.

The wisdom flows effortlessly as Denise unpacks how our environment—defined as "the people, places, and things that have access to you"—shapes our gifts and purpose. She challenges listeners to move beyond merely being "products of their environment" to consciously deciding who deserves access to their energy and space.

Perhaps most striking is the conversation around networking and authentic connection. "Am I going into this room to chase or to attract?" Denise asks, offering a transformative perspective on how we approach relationships and opportunities. Rather than arriving with predetermined scripts and targets, she advocates for showing up authentically and trusting that you'll connect exactly with who you're meant to.

Faith emerges as the foundation for this trust-based approach to life. As Denise puts it, faith provides "the strength to move forward, even when the path isn't fully visible." This perspective allows you to replace "why me?" with "use me," shifting from questioning to purposeful action.

Listen in as these two friends share genuine insights that will help you strip away societal expectations, embrace your gifts, and find the spaces where your presence is truly valued without explanation. And stay tuned—there's already a Part Two in the works!

Drive, Ambition, Doing, Leading, Creating... all good until we forget about our own self-care. This Village of All-Stars pays it forward with transparency about misses and celebration in winning. We cover many topics and keep it 100. We are Proven Not Perfect™️
https://www.provennotperfect.com

Follow me on Instagram at: shontrapowell_provennotperfect

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Watch and listen on YouTube: Proven Not Perfect™️

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What happens when leaders drive without a license? When we race through leadership responsibilities at 180 miles per hour without first understanding ourselves, we miss critical details and create unnecessary risks—for ourselves and those we lead.

In this powerful exploration of mindful leadership, we unpack the fundamental difference between leading from performance versus purpose. For generations, we've been taught to focus on achievement, external validation, and technical expertise. We've become masters at interpersonal relationships while neglecting the crucial intrapersonal relationship with ourselves and our deeper purpose.

The conversation reveals a troubling reality: most organizational ecosystems are governed by wounded, unrealized individuals leading from places of unresolved trauma. Even successful executives struggle to answer simple questions like "Why are you here?" and "What do you want?" without resorting to rehearsed, performative answers. Professional trauma from microaggressions, discrimination, and demoralizing experiences becomes the playbook from which many determine their worth and ultimately lead others.

But there's a profound alternative. Mindful leadership begins with creating space for stillness—just five minutes daily to be quiet enough to hear yourself. This small practice initiates transformation that ripples outward, affecting every relationship and organization you touch. The most powerful question you can ask is simply: "What am I resisting?" This often reveals where your destiny clashes with your current paradigm.

The journey toward conscious leadership isn't about dismantling everything you've learned but rather integrating it while ensuring external validation doesn't drive your decisions. When we recognize our inherent value beyond our achievements, we create space for others to do the same—cultivating environments where excellence, authenticity, and grace coexist.

Take the first step today. Set a timer for five minutes of stillness. Your authentic self is waiting to be heard, and the world needs leaders who lead from within.

Drive, Ambition, Doing, Leading, Creating... all good until we forget about our own self-care. This Village of All-Stars pays it forward with transparency about misses and celebration in winning. We cover many topics and keep it 100. We are Proven Not Perfect™️
https://www.provennotperfect.com

Follow me on Instagram at: shontrapowell_provennotperfect

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What if the secret to navigating life's obstacles isn't finding the perfect map, but developing a mindset that always sees options? Janet's remarkable journey from unemployed 24-year-old to successful business founder and philanthropist offers powerful insights on leadership evolution that will transform how you approach challenges.

Janet didn't set out with a grand strategic vision when founding BevSource. She simply needed a job after being laid off from a brewery. This necessity-driven beginning evolved into a thriving business that would eventually attract private equity investment. Along the way, she transformed from someone "super driven, somewhat selfish" into a leader described as patient, empathetic, and focused on serving others.

The cornerstone of Janet's success? A mindset that consistently sees paths forward when others see only walls. "My mom always said you always have an option," she explains. This foundation became her leadership superpower—being what she calls an "unstucker," someone who helps people navigate life's maze by showing them strengths they haven't yet recognized in themselves.

During our conversation, Janet shares the profound advice that changed her approach to business challenges: "You can turn a company around in 90 days or kill it in 90 days. Make a decision." She reveals how a leader's energy dramatically influences an entire organization, why self-care isn't selfish but essential for effective leadership, and how her definition of success evolved from financial wealth to witnessing others thrive.

Whether you're starting a new venture, facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles, or wondering what your next chapter holds, Janet's story offers a masterclass in viewing difficulties not as burdens but as opportunities to develop skills you'll need later. Her journey reminds us that true success comes not from accumulating wealth, but from helping others discover their own potential while navigating life with curiosity, resilience, and an unwavering belief that options always exist—even when we can't immediately see them.

Drive, Ambition, Doing, Leading, Creating... all good until we forget about our own self-care. This Village of All-Stars pays it forward with transparency about misses and celebration in winning. We cover many topics and keep it 100. We are Proven Not Perfect™️
https://www.provennotperfect.com

Follow me on Instagram at: shontrapowell_provennotperfect

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Watch and listen on YouTube: Proven Not Perfect™️

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What does it truly mean to lead authentically in today's corporate landscape? Kim Seymour, a seasoned executive with decades of leadership experience, breaks down this question with refreshing clarity and hard-won wisdom.

"Leading people in a way that is sustainable for you, that you can believe in" forms the cornerstone of authentic leadership, according to Seymour. But this isn't just about showing up as your unfiltered self. Throughout this powerful conversation, she reveals the delicate balance between bringing your authentic voice to the table while understanding the ecosystem you're operating within.

Drawing from her impressive career journey, Seymour shares three essential unwritten rules that have guided her success: "Relationships are everything," "Always stay curious," and "Feedback is not optional." These principles aren't just platitudes—they're practical guideposts for navigating complex organizational dynamics while maintaining your integrity.

Perhaps most valuably, Seymour challenges conventional wisdom about the crucial first 90 days in any new role. Her counterintuitive advice? "Go hard for the first six months, then you never have to go hard again." This approach establishes your reputation and creates what she calls a "flywheel effect," where your initial investment continues generating momentum long after those intensive first months.

The conversation takes a particularly meaningful turn when discussing vulnerability in leadership—a quality that emerged as a superpower during pandemic challenges. Seymour reflects on how leaders who could blend strategic thinking with emotional intelligence created psychological safety while still delivering results during unprecedented uncertainty.

Whether you're just beginning your career journey or sitting in the C-suite, this episode offers invaluable insights on defining success on your own terms. As Seymour powerfully states, true success means having options—the freedom to choose your path forward rather than feeling trapped by circumstances. Subscribe now to continue growing as an authentic, effective leader who remains true to their core values.

Drive, Ambition, Doing, Leading, Creating... all good until we forget about our own self-care. This Village of All-Stars pays it forward with transparency about misses and celebration in winning. We cover many topics and keep it 100. We are Proven Not Perfect™️
https://www.provennotperfect.com

Follow me on Instagram at: shontrapowell_provennotperfect

Follow me on Facebook at: Proven Not Perfect™️

Watch and listen on YouTube: Proven Not Perfect™️

Join the community for ideas and events at www.provennotperfect.com.

I'd love to hear what you think!