From Radio Waves to Leadership Stages: The Power of Raising Your Hand with Dr. Linda Fedrizzi-Williams

In this episode, Dr. Linda Fedrizzi-Williams, President and CEO of Central Penn College and Kirsten, discuss Linda's remarkable journey from radio personality "Lynn Kelly" to leading a $19 million educational institution forging a new path in today’s changing secondary education landscape. This conversation explores the intersection of motherhood and executive leadership, the power of vulnerability in building authentic partnerships, and practical strategies for navigating the executive hustle while maintaining work-life integration.

Listen as we dive deeper into the following: 

1. Raise Your Hand and Stay Open to Opportunities – a means to getting to the top.

2. Most Leadership Stress is Self-Imposed – the path inward is the longest.

3. Ask for Help and Integrate, Don't Separate – the narratives that hold us back.

4. Vulnerability Creates Connection, Not Weakness – use this as a superpower.

5. No One Tells Your Story Better Than You – a lesson every leader must learn.

 

Dr. Fedrizzi-Williams BIO: 

Dr. Linda Fedrizzi-Williams became Central Penn College’s 10th president in June 2018, bringing with her a renewed vitality and commitment to excellence. Dr. Fedrizzi-Williams has focused on improving the student learning experience inside and outside the classroom. Dr. Fedrizzi-Williams artfully navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthened the college's financial position despite a universally challenging time for higher education. She also developed innovative new programs and certificates to help meet local workforce needs. Dr. Fedrizzi-Willliams addressed systemic concerns about college affordability by having Central Penn College pioneer a free housing scholarship to students in good academic and judicial standing. Dr. Fedrizzi was named one of the “Top 20 Leaders in Career Education” by the national Career Education Review in 2022 and was one of three people to receive the Top People Changing Career Education Award in September 2025. She was honored as one of the region's “Power 100” by Central Penn Business Journal in 2023, 2024, and 2025, she serves on the boards of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber, the Presidents’ Advisory Board for the United States Collegiate Athletic Association, and Career Education Colleges and Universities Legislative Committee, and she was chosen as a 2021 recipient of the “Woman of Influence Award” from Central Penn Business Journal. Dr. Fedrizzi earned a Doctor of Education from Benedictine University, a Master of Arts in Organizational Communication and a Bachelors of Arts in Communication from Marist College, and an associate of arts from SUNY Orange. Dr. Fedrizzi is married to Glen Williams, and they have two sons, Jake, 17 and Luke 15, and a spoiled Weimaraner named Oakley.

For more info on Linda:

Linked In

Website

[e-mail] 

KIRSTEN YURICH BIO:

Kirsten is a licensed behavior analyst, speaker, author, and retired CEO who partners with business leaders to help them achieve more of what matters most to them. Kirsten’s clients are high performing CEOs, founders, and executives looking to “level up” in life and business.

Kirsten share’s her expertise in leadership, performance management, and learning with executives through coaching or consulting, peer groups, and speaking.

For more info, check out Kirsten Yurich HERE.