(un)conversations®
Welcome to the (un)conversations podcast with your host Dr. Alison—where comfort zones get left behind. This isn’t the show for playing it safe. Each episode brings you real, raw, and (un)scripted conversations with global CxOs, founders, and influential industry leaders who challenge norms, break barriers, and redefine leadership on their own terms. A signature moment in every episode? One unique part of every episode is my brainchild experience of The (UN)word Effect—where guests choose three words beginning with “UN” that hold deep personal, professional, and leadership significance.
Episodes
What does it really mean to have power—and to use it ethically?
Cult survivor, CEO, and leadership scholar Shanna Francesca joins Dr. Alison to share how she reclaimed her life from a high-control environment and transformed trauma into clarity, confidence, and ethical leadership.
Shanna unpacks the three (UN)words that reshaped her identity—Unfettered, Unleashed, and Unveiled—and reveals how unlearning psychological control beco...
Ready to stop playing small and step into your most powerful chapter?
In this (un)forgettable conversation, I sat down with Cathy Derksen, the Founder of Inspired Tenacity, who empowers midlife women to find their unstoppable confidence and reinvent their lives.
Cathy shares her deeply personal journey of having her conventional life “(un)ravel” in her mid-40s after a traumatic car accident served as a wake-up call. She reveals how ...
What happens when you mix a pro triathlete, rock musician, and rebel brand builder who’s survived seven car accidents—but keeps coming back stronger?
In this episode of the (un)conversations® podcast, Dr. Alison Schmidt sits down with Michael Marckx, Chief Branding Officer at Digital Union Marketing, endurance athlete, musician, and visionary brand strategist. They explore how the “(UN)word Effect” fuels authentic leadership, creati...
(un)conversations podcast | S1.E20 - Change Your Money Story Today | Diana Greshtchuk
Could financial freedom be more about emotional freedom — and rewriting the way you see yourself — than dollars and cents?
Dr. Alison L. Schmidt talks with Diana Greshtchuk, CEO of Fan Your Flame — a financial empowerment coach and your new financial best friend. After turning personal loss into purpose, Diana now helps people heal their relatio...
(un)conversations podcast | S1.E19 - Bottom-Up Innovation with Michael Bergmann | Nike to Changemaker
Hosted by Dr. Alison, this podcast is for the bold, curious, and (un)apologetically (un)conventional. If you’re seeking comfort zones or the safety of the stubborn quo — this isn’t your show.What if the best innovations don’t come from the top—but from the ground up?In this powerful episode, I sit down with Michael Bergmann, Founder...
(un)conversations podcast | S1.E18 – Leadership, Legacy & Giving: Deborah Goldstein’s Uncommon Philanthropy Journey
In this episode, Dr. Alison Schmidt sits down with Deborah Goldstein, Founder of Enlightened Philanthropy, to explore what it truly means to give with intention. With 25+ years in the nonprofit world, Deborah has helped individuals and families turn generosity into a conscious practice—building legacy, strengthenin...
(un)conversations podcast | S1.E17 - Latina Leadership: Bold, Real, (UN)apologeticIn this empowering episode of the (un)conversations podcast, Dr. Alison sits down with Adriana Ocampo Senior, a dynamic Latina aerospace engineer and entrepreneur, to (un)pack what it truly means to lead (un)apologetically and (un)conventionally.Adriana shares how redefining the word '(UN)' has shaped her story—from being the only Latina woman in the ...
(un)conversations Podcast | S1.E16
From Mother to Daughter: Cristina Torres on Leading a Legacy Winery into the Future
In this episode, Dr. Alison sits down with Cristina Torres — general manager of Marimar Estate and daughter of a legendary California winemaker — for an inspiring conversation about legacy, leadership, and innovation in the wine industry.
Cristina shares how she's honoring her family's rich winemaking heri...
(un)conversations podcast | S1.E15 - Beauty Brands on the Rise: From Billion-to-Million to Growth Phase Companies & Success Secrets
Join Dr. Alison as she sits down with Stacey Tank, CEO of Bespoke Beauty Brands, to explore her remarkable journey—from nuclear power and finance to communications, beer, and finally the vibrant world of beauty. Through the lens of 'the (UN)word effect™', Stacey reflects on the empowering &q...
(un)conversations podcast | S1.E14 - Investing in Women: Julie Castro Abrams on Leadership & Empowering Change | (un)conversations
Join us for a powerful episode of (un)conversations with Julie Castro Abrams, founder and managing partner of How Women Invest. In this inspiring discussion, we explore what it truly means to invest in women, build confidence as leaders, and create long-lasting impact through values-driven investment...
(un)conversations podcast | S1.E13 - Overcoming Trauma & Betrayal: How to Rebuild Trust | Dr. Debi SilberHave you ever felt broken by someone you trusted?In this powerful episode, Dr. Debi Silber, founder of The PBT Institute, uncovers the truth about Post-Betrayal Syndrome. This unique and harrowing trauma affects your mind, body, relationships, and identity.
How to heal after betrayal, emotional recovery journey, scientificall...
(un)conversations podcast | S1.E12 - The Future of Battery Tech & Climate ImpactIf you're ready to challenge the status quo, champion women in leadership, and dive deep into the future of climate tech—don’t miss this episode. Tune in, get inspired, and be part of the movement driving bold innovation for a more sustainable world.Join us for a powerful conversation with Virginia Klausmeier, visionary founder and CEO of Sylvat...
(un)conversations podcast | S1.E11 - (Un)Heard Voices: Power of Inclusive Leadership
In this powerful episode of (un)conversations, we explore what it truly means to lead, live, and build through what’s (un)common, (un)comfortable, and (un)stoppable. Meet Dylan Rafaty, MADR, CPD (deaf/HOH), who is the President and CEO of the North Texas Disability Chamber—and a powerful voice for disability rights nationwide. With a personal missio...
(un)conversations podcast | S1.E10 - From CBS to CEO: Purpose Was Her Only Guide
In this energetic, no excuse episode of the (un)conversations podcast, host Dr. Alison sits down with Cathy Murphy, Founder and CEO of Venus Media, to explore her inspiring journey from a high-powered media career to becoming a trailblazing Latina entrepreneur. Cathy shares how she walked away from corporate life, confronted misogyny and racism, and lau...
(un)conversations podcast | S1.E09 - No Timeouts Left: From Pro Sports Exec to (UN)convinced Entrepreneur| (un)conversations Podcast
What drives someone to walk away from two executive roles in professional sports to launch a women's luxury fashion brand?Meet Alana C. Matthews, former EVP of Business Operations and the youngest General Counsel for the NHL's Dallas Stars— Founder & CEO of Alautus, a purpose-driven women&#...
(un)conversations podcast | S1.E08 - An (un)selfish AI World: A Misfit's Quest for Purpose
Welcome to another episode of (un)conversations, the podcast where groundbreaking change and bold innovation collide. In this episode, Dr. Alison chats with Veronica Orvalho, a trailblazing leader in tech innovation and digital inclusion. As the founder and CEO of DIDIMO, Veronica is pioneering the creation of digital avatars for virtual r...
(un)conversations podcast | S1.E07 - Breaking Boundaries in Neurodiversity: Leadership, Behavior Analysis, and NonBinary Thinking Thrives
Don’t miss this (un)ruly episode with Amanda "Mandy" Ralston where she is breaking boundaries in neurodiversity and nonbinary thinking. She is the Founder and CEO of NonBinary Solutions and The Centre for Neurodiversity Innovation (CNDI). Mandy, a certified behavior analyst and neurodive...
(un)conversations podcast | S1.E06 - Denielle Finkelstein Reveals The SECRET to Building a UNICORN Company
In this compelling video, featuring Denielle Finkelstein, the visionary Co-Founder and Co-CEO of UNICORN, who is at the forefront of a groundbreaking initiative for women’s empowerment and innovative period care solutions. With a rich executive background in the fashion industry, Denielle, alongside her cousin Thyme Sullivan, a...
(un)conversations podcast | S1.E05 - The Surprising Connection Between RISK and Business SUCCESS
Tune into this episode where Dr. Alison sits down with Tara Turkington, the visionary CEO of Flow Communications—one of South Africa's top marketing and communications agencies—and founder of Flow Travel. Tara shares her powerful journey, revealing the bold moves, raw realities, and essential strategies that have helped her build a h...
(un)conversations podcast | S1.E04 - Stop Self-Created Misery & Finding Your Mental Freedom
Are you ready to stop self-created misery and find your mental freedom?
In this video, we'll explore how to break free from negative thought patterns and create a more positive mindset.Dr. Alison is joined by Kim Olver, #founder of Olver International, LLC, and creator of the #transformativeteachings of #mentalfreedom experience. With...
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