In this episode of The Trailblazer Chronicles, we explore the kind of resilience that doesn’t just help us bounce back…but propels us forward. My guest, Vanessa Burks, is a bold and brilliant woman, who has faced unexpected challenges in both her personal and professional life. From career pivots to personal turning points, she’s had to navigate uncertainty, rebuild confidence and redefine what success looks like.
We talk about mindset shifts required to turn adversity into opportunity, how to lead when you’re still healing and why resilience is a muscle, not a moment. Her story is both powerful and practical, and whether you’re navigating change or supporting others through it, this conversation will give you the inspiration and clarity to rise with purpose.
You’ll walk away with:

A fresh perspective on what it really means to be resilient

Strategies for turning setbacks into launchpads

Powerful reminders that you’re not alone on the hard days

Permission to rewrite your story on your own terms

Because bounding forward isn’t about perfection…it’s about choosing growth when it’s hard. And that’s what bold women do.
#BounceForward #WomenInLeadership #TrailblazerChronicles #Resilence #BoldWomen

Vanessa Bio:
Vanessa is a marketing professional and community connector who has been working in the Keller area since 2015. In 2023, she took on her current role with The Greater Keller Chamber of Commerce, where she helps local businesses grow through strategic marketing, community engagement, and strong relationships.
She brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as Marketing Director for both Chick-fil-A and Las Palapas, and is known for leading with heart, creativity, and purpose.
Outside of work, she’s a proud wife of 7 years to her husband, an entrepreneur and owner of So Fresh So Clean Auto Spa, and a devoted mom in a blended family of five boys. Whether she’s organizing events or building connections, she shows up with passion and authenticity.

You’re driven. Successful. Still, something’s off…maybe it’s your energy, your clarity or your joy. Too often, we chase outward accomplishments and forget what fuels within.

In this episode, I sit down with Emma Lloyd, founder of Conscious Success. After earning seven figures as a tech executive, Emma hit burnout and realized she’d climbed someone else’s mountain. She responded by creating a soul-aligned approach to leadership, rooted in nervous system regulation and a five-step methodology that brings purpose, freedom and strategic growth together.
If you’ve ever lived in overdrive or felt out of step with your success, this conversation is your reset…and your clarifying map forward.

Listen now and lead from your center
#TrailblazerChronicles #WomenInLeadership #NervousSystem #CareerGold #ConsciousSuccess #BoldMoves

Bio
Emma Lloyd is a former tech executive turned leadership coach and the founder of Conscious Success. After climbing the corporate ladder and earning seven figures before 30, she hit clinical burnout and realized she’d climbed someone else’s mountain. That reckoning sparked a journey to regulate her nervous system, redefine success on her own terms, and rebuild a career that felt as good on the inside as it looked on the outside. With over a decade of experience in coaching, business strategy, and corporate leadership, Emma now helps high-achieving women create more success with less stress through her Conscious Success Method—a holistic framework that empowers women to build their careers from an unshakeable foundation of calm, clarity, and confidence.

Conscious Success Instagram
Conscious Success Website
Download Your Free 'Activated to Regulated' Regulation Guide

You’ve done everything right. You’ve hit the milestones. Built the career. Managed the home. Checked every box.

And yet…there’s that quiet question whispering behind the scenes… “Is this there is? Is this really it?”

In this episode of The Trailblazer Chronicles, I’m joined by Mary Lyons, a financial planner who helps high-achieving women stop trading time for money and start building lives that actually feel like success…not just one that looks good on paper.

We talk about:

Why women are rethinking “having it all” post-pandemic

How to use money as a tool to close the gap between dream life and real life

What it means to show up differently when the old definition of success no longer fits

How to design a life of intention, impact and legacy

This one’s for every woman who’s achieved everything…and is still searching for something more.

Listen now and start rewriting the rules of success!

#TrailblazerChronicles #WomenAndWealth #RedefiningSuccess #TheUnspokenQuestion #LegacyLeadership #DreamLifeRealLife

Mary’s Bio

Times have changed. Your financial planning strategy should too. What worked for our grandparents and parents won’t necessarily work for us today when it comes to developing a strong financial portfolio.

That’s why you need a financial coach by your side, one who can guide you past every milestone toward the financial goal you set for yourself. I want you to experience the wealth you deserve.

I help clients optimize their income potential by using the financial products that are right for their unique circumstances. I call that a smart strategy. My clients call it success.

Work with me, and I’ll teach you how to expand your legacy without sacrificing the ability to enjoy the wealth you’ve created. I believe that each generation should be unapologetically better off than the previous one and should pave the path for the generation ahead. Together we’ll develop the intentional strategies that will unlock your potential for unparalleled abundance.

My clients are already successful; they hire me to help them get to the next level of financial prosperity. It’s about creating meaningful significance while preparing for the future.

As a second-generation financial advisor, I began my fascination with investment planning in childhood, where I often had dinner conversations with my parents about using wealth as a tool rather than an end goal. Currently, I’m in the top 1% of the industry nationwide. That recognition has allowed me to teach at several national conferences, and nationally-

Known financial firms have hired me to train their advisors on the remarkable strategies my clients get to take advantage of. I’ve had the honor of working with a diverse array of clients around the country…those who look outside of the status quo. Called “one of the most innovative financial advisors in the country” by USA Today, “the Brené Brown of personal finance” by my clients, and most importantly, “Mom” by my kids, I understand the working professional who wants to have it all, and it’s my mission to show you how you can make that dream a reality.

When you’re one of the few women at the top, your presence isn’t just powerful…it’s transformative.

In this episode of The Trailblazer Chronicles, I sit down with Kimberlee Centera a dynamic and trailblazing CEO leading in a male-dominated industry. She’s doing things differently not because she’s trying to prove herself, but because she’s exceptional at what she does.

We dive into what it takes to lead when the rules weren’t made with you in mind…and hos to create new ones along the way. We talk about what it really takes to lead with confidence, shift outdated perceptions, and stay true to yourself when the room doesn’t quite look like you.

Inside this conversation:
💡 The subtle shifts in how women leaders are seen and what still needs to change
💡 How to lead without apology or explanation
💡 Why influence matters more than proving a point

If you’ve ever walked into a room and had to own your space, this episode will resonate deeply.

🎧 Listen now and lead where few do: [Insert Link]

#TrailblazerChronicles #WomenInLeadership #CleanEnergyLeadership #BreakingTheMold #PowerMoves

BIO

Kimberlee Centera

President & CEO, TerraPro Solutions

Kimberlee Centera is a leading risk management expert for the development and financing of utility-scale wind, solar, storage and transmission line projects. A pioneer in renewable energy project development, she possesses real-world knowledge and expertise to identify, manage and mitigate risk. Her expertise in engaging and leading stakeholders in the analysis and resolution of legal issues consistently delivers positive results on complex high-value projects.

An enthusiastic champion of women, Kimberlee encourages and mentors’ women from around the world, by offering them actionable skills that help them to achieve their goals.

Under Kimberlee's leadership, TerraPro Solutions has generated over 24 GWs in solar, wind, and energy storage. With a total financed value of over $25 billion, TerraPro Solutions is a leading development consultancy in the renewables market.

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlee-centera/

Website: https://terraprosolutions.com/

What happens when doing everything “right” still doesn’t feel quite right? In this episode of The Trailblazer Chronicles, I am joined by Julie Fedele, an unconventional business mentor who left the C-suite behind to create a career aligned with who she truly is and now helps other high-achieving women do the same.

From discovering the power of Human Design to building income streams that honor freedom and fulfillment, she shares how redefining success can lead to a life that actually fits. If you’ve ever felt like you’re forcing yourself into a mold you’ve outgrown, this conversation is your permission to pivot.

Listen now and take your next bold step!

#TrailblazerChronicles #HumanDesign #WomenInLeadership #BoldMovesBigDreams #DesigningACareer

Bio

Julie Fedele is revolutionizing how women think about career success. As founder of The Portfolio Career Club and author of The Portfolio Careerist newsletter, she's helping thousands of professionals abandon the outdated corporate ladder for portfolio careers that deliver both financial security and personal fulfillment.

After 20 years climbing to the C-suite - only to discover she'd climbed the wrong ladder entirely, Julie pioneered a methodology that combines Human Design with strategic business building. Her approach helps accomplished women escape the "success trap" of prestigious roles that drain their energy, instead building multiple income streams aligned with their natural design.

Since 2019, Julie has mentored hundreds of women through her sold-out programs, proving that the future of work isn't about choosing between money and meaning. Her clients regularly double their corporate salaries while working fewer hours, creating the flexibility and freedom that traditional careers promise but rarely deliver.

Julie's work challenges the fundamental assumption that career success requires sacrifice, showing instead that sustainable prosperity comes from working with - not against- your innate strengths.

When your calendar is packed and your mind is spinning, the answer isn’t to do more… it’s to focus on what actually matters.

In this episode of The Trailblazer Chronicles, I sit down with Kelley Bonsall, a powerhouse leader who believes that simplification isn’t just a strategy…it’s a leadership superpower.

We dive into:

💡Why saying no is a bold leadership move

💡How to clear the mental clutter and lead with intention

💡The difference between being busy and being impactful

Whether you’re running a business, leading a team or managing your life, this conversation will help you cut through the noise and get back to what truly matters.

Listen now and reclaim your focus.

#TrailblazerChronicles #WomenInLeadership #BoldMoves #SimplifyToAmplify

Bio

Kelley Bonsall started her career in communications, coaching Senators and CEOs on messaging and storytelling. She has built teams with dynamic communications professionals for companies such as Yahoo! and Levi Strauss.

For almost a decade, Kelley led communications and marketing for the Port of Portland, shepherding the storytelling for the most ambitious public works project in Oregon’s history – the new PDX airport.

Kelley’s superpower is taking complicated things and making them simple. As a certified leadership coach, she helps people get to the heart of what matters and what’s in their way. Kelley helps people create simple, actionable plans to achieve their goals and message platforms that are unique, memorable and effective. Kelley lives in beautiful Portland, Oregon with her husband and two daughters. She loves reading, hiking and women’s soccer. Coffee is her love language.

https://www.threethingscollective.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelley-bonsall-a51a312/

Success doesn’t have to look a certain way…and in this episode of The Trailblazer Chronicles, we’re flipping the script.

I’m joined by Trisha Stetzel, a powerhouse who has gone from military service to corporate leadership to building not one, but two six-figure businesses. But what she’s most passionate about? Helping high-achieving women finally break the beliefs that have kept them small.

We talk about:

💥Choosing worthiness over perfection

💥Redefining what it means to rise in leadership and life

💥Building your own table…and not waiting for a seat at someone else’s

This conversation is about grit, growth and the freedom that comes from owning your voice and your value. You will feel empowered after this one.

Listen now and take your next bold step.

#TrailblazerChronicles #WomenInLeadership #BoldMoves #GritAndGrowth

Bio

Trisha Stetzel is a dynamic leader, entrepreneur, and business strategist with a passion for service, personal growth, and community impact. As an international master business and executive coach, trainer, speaker, emcee, and author, she brings decades of experience across military, corporate, and entrepreneurial landscapes.

Trisha served eight years in the U.S. Navy as a Communications Technician and Protocol Petty Officer, managing high-level operations and coordinating specialized tours and briefings for senior officials across the U.S., Japan, and Hawaii. Her military service shaped her signature leadership style—rooted in discipline, adaptability, and integrity. Thank you for your service.

Following her military career, Trisha spent over a decade in Corporate America as an IT Manager for a global services company. She led diverse teams across end-user experience, server infrastructure, web development, and business operations, managing multimillion-dollar budgets and delivering strategic solutions for internal and commercial clients.

In 2007, she transitioned into entrepreneurship, founding Fetch! Pet Care of Clear Lake, a thriving professional pet-sitting business. Her dedication to animal welfare led her to become a certified Pet CPR and First Aid Instructor through PetTech. Alongside her business success, she pursued a deep interest in wellness, earning certifications in Personal Training, Senior Fitness, and Fitness Nutrition.

Today, Trisha is the Chairman of the Board for the Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce (HRVCC), where she champions veteran entrepreneurs and business owners. She is also the host of Houston Business Radio, giving a voice to entrepreneurs, veterans, and industry leaders across Texas and beyond.

As a Brian Tracy International Certified Sales Trainer and a preferred coach facilitator for the Focal Point coach certification program, Trisha specializes in helping business owners achieve sustainable growth by blending behavioral science, strategic planning, and personal development. She believes in leading with trust, serving with heart, and building success that lasts.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/trisha-stetzel/

https://trishastetzel.focalpointcoaching.com/

What does it take to walk away from the corporate safety net and build a life, and a business you truly love?
In this episode of The Trailblazer Chronicles, I sit down with Laura Maurer, a powerhouse digital strategist who helps women create financial security on their terms. From leaving behind the illusion of “stability” to building something bold, sustainable and aligned, Laura shares the bold moves that transformed her career and the lives of the women she mentors.
We talk about:
Trusting yourself when there’s no roadmap

The mindset shift from employee to entrepreneur

What financial freedom really means for women today

How to create security and success without waiting for permission

This episode is for every women who’s ever asked, “What if there’s more for me than this?” Spoiler…There is. And it starts with one bold step.
Listen now and get inspired to build something on your terms.

#TrailblazerChronicles #BoldMovesBigDreams #WomenInBusiness #DigitalStrategy #FinancialFreedom

About Laura:

Laura Maurer is a marketing strategist, business coach, and community builder with 15 years of experience helping Fortune 100s, startups, and solopreneurs grow with intention. After leaving the corporate world to go out on her own at 26, she built a thriving business, and now helps other women solopreneurs do the same. Through coaching and advisory work, she supports her clients in building businesses rooted in clarity, confidence, and a clear path to attracting ideal clients. She’s also the co-founder of Weak Ties/Strong Bonds, a virtual community and NYC-based dinner series for women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs. It’s a space for strategic support, honest conversations, and support to build the kind of business—and life—you actually want.

Website: https://www.lauramaurer.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauramaurer1/
Weak Ties/Strong Bonds: https://www.wt-sb.com/