Lisa Shuneson

When Lisa Shuneson talks about accounting, it makes you want to be an accountant. Her passion for the industry is all the more notable given her path to it — while she studied accounting in school, she took a long break to have a couple kids before finally taking the CPA exam. But in the years since she’s risen quickly, and now leads Whalen CPAs as its CEO. Lisa recently visited our office to chat about her path, her role at the firm today and what people misunderstand about the industry she loves. 

When Lisa Shuneson talks about accounting, it makes you want to be an accountant. Her passion for the industry is all the more notable given her path to it — while she studied accounting in school, she took a long break to have a couple kids before finally taking the CPA exam. But in the years since she’s risen quickly, and now leads Whalen CPAs as its CEO. Lisa recently visited our office to chat about her path, her role at the firm today and what people misunderstand about the industry she loves.

71. Lisa Shuneson, CEO, Whalen CPAs

Christy Farnbauch

Christy Farnbauch serves as executive director of the Contemporary Theatre of Ohio. If that name's not familiar to you, perhaps you might know the organization by its former brand: CATCO.The just-completed and revealed rebranding is one of the first major projects undertaken by Farnbaugh since she joined amid the uncertainty of Spring 2020.She recently visited our office to talk about that experience, what's on the schedule for this year, and much more.

Christy Farnbauch serves as executive director of the Contemporary Theatre of Ohio. If that name's not familiar to you, perhaps you might know the organization by its former brand: CATCO.The just-completed and revealed rebranding is one of the first major projects undertaken by Farnbaugh since she joined amid the uncertainty of Spring 2020.She recently visited our office to talk about that experience, what's on the schedule for this year, and much more.

70. Christy Farnbauch, Exec. Director, Contemporary Theatre of Ohio

Melody Birmingham was a bit of a “unicorn” early in her career. There weren’t many young Black women from the Midwest in management at the Rochester, New York car factory she started her career at after college. But while she did stand out during her time there and later in the utilities industry, that didn’t change anything about the way she approached her work. Today, Melody serves as executive vice president of Nisource. During a recent visit to our office, she talked about her experience with gender parity – and the lack thereof – in the utilities industry, plus a whole lot more.

Melody Birmingham was a bit of a “unicorn” early in her career. There weren’t many young Black women from the Midwest in management at the Rochester, New York car factory she started her career at after college. But while she did stand out during her time there and later in the utilities industry, that didn’t change anything about the way she approached her work. Today, Melody serves as executive vice president of Nisource. During a recent visit to our office, she talked about her experience with gender parity – and the lack thereof – in the utilities industry, plus a whole lot more.

69. Melody Birmingham, Executive VP, NiSource & Group President, NiSource Utilities

Sarah Perez

Perez Morris

Sarah Perez thinks people should be lawyers, if that’s what they really want to do with their lives. That might seem obvious, but talk to enough lawyers and you’ll hear plenty that discourage following in their footsteps. But Perez, who today leads Columbus law firm Perez Morris, says law school is the right path for someone who actually wants to practice law. But for those who go into the field with different aspirations in mind, it could be a mistake. On the latest episode of our Women of Influence podcast, Perez talked about her own journey into the law, and her experience taking over her father-in-law’s law firm, among other topics. 

Sarah Perez thinks people should be lawyers, if that’s what they really want to do with their lives. That might seem obvious, but talk to enough lawyers and you’ll hear plenty that discourage following in their footsteps. But Perez, who today leads Columbus law firm Perez Morris, says law school is the right path for someone who actually wants to practice law. But for those who go into the field with different aspirations in mind, it could be a mistake. On the latest episode of our Women of Influence podcast, Perez talked about her own journey into the law, and her experience taking over her father-in-law’s law firm, among other topics.

68. Sarah Perez, Managing Partner, Perez Morris

Darci Congrove

For the first time in more than 31 years, Darci Congrove isn’t spending this tax season doing taxes.  The longtime Columbus CPA and managing director of GBQ Partners retired from the firm’s tax department at the end of last year. That doesn’t mean she’s not busy, of course; there’s still plenty to fill her schedule as managing director of Central Ohio’s sixth-largest accounting firm. But she’s no longer working the crazy hours tax professionals often find themselves doing this time of year. That said, neither are many team members at GBQ. In the latest episode of our Women of Influence podcast, Congrove talked about how the firm has found new ways to embrace flexibility and make tax season more bearable for employees at all levels. She also talked about GBQ’s international approach to finding enough staffers, the ways she makes decisions about community involvement and more.

For the first time in more than 31 years, Darci Congrove isn’t spending this tax season doing taxes. The longtime Columbus CPA and managing director of GBQ Partners retired from the firm’s tax department at the end of last year. That doesn’t mean she’s not busy, of course; there’s still plenty to fill her schedule as managing director of Central Ohio’s sixth-largest accounting firm. But she’s no longer working the crazy hours tax professionals often find themselves doing this time of year. That said, neither are many team members at GBQ. In the latest episode of our Women of Influence podcast, Congrove talked about how the firm has found new ways to embrace flexibility and make tax season more bearable for employees at all levels. She also talked about GBQ’s international approach to finding enough staffers, the ways she makes decisions about community involvement and more.

67. Darci Congrove, Managing Director, GBQ Partners

Courtney Falato was used to being on the side of the table asking for money. She had spent much of her career in education research, often seeking out dollars to fund that work. But in early 2020, just as the world changed, she made her way to the other side of the table. She joined JPMorgan Chase as vice president and program officer for global philanthropy, a role in which she oversees grant deployment for Ohio and Kentucky. During a recent conversation for our Women of Influence podcast, Falato talked about the pros and cons of making that shift, as well as the ways JPMorgan Chase’s funding interests align with her passions. She also shared insight into how nonprofits can land some of the financial giant’s funds.

Courtney Falato was used to being on the side of the table asking for money. She had spent much of her career in education research, often seeking out dollars to fund that work. But in early 2020, just as the world changed, she made her way to the other side of the table. She joined JPMorgan Chase as vice president and program officer for global philanthropy, a role in which she oversees grant deployment for Ohio and Kentucky. During a recent conversation for our Women of Influence podcast, Falato talked about the pros and cons of making that shift, as well as the ways JPMorgan Chase’s funding interests align with her passions. She also shared insight into how nonprofits can land some of the financial giant’s funds.

66. Courtney Falato, VP of Global Philanthropy, JPMorgan Chase

Jasmine de Gaia

Today's guest is Jasmine de Gaia, Head of Customer Data Strategy for Wells Fargo. We talked about what her role entails, how she views working in male-dominated fields and how she cultivates vital mentorship relationships.

Today's guest is Jasmine de Gaia, Head of Customer Data Strategy for Wells Fargo. We talked about what her role entails, how she views working in male-dominated fields and how she cultivates vital mentorship relationships.

65. Jasmine de Gaia, Head of Customer Data Strategy, Wells Fargo

Jane Higgins Marx

Jane Higgins Marx didn't spend her childhood dreaming of being a lawyer, but as she wrapped up college with an English degree in hand, she found herself searching for a way to apply it. An LSAT, law school and two decades with the same firm later, she now leads Carlile Patchen &amp; Murphy LLP as its managing partner, a job she started in early 2021.

Jane Higgins Marx didn't spend her childhood dreaming of being a lawyer, but as she wrapped up college with an English degree in hand, she found herself searching for a way to apply it. An LSAT, law school and two decades with the same firm later, she now leads Carlile Patchen &amp; Murphy LLP as its managing partner, a job she started in early 2021.

64. Jane Higgins Marx, Managing Partner, Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP

In some ways Kristina Johnson feels like she's just getting started at Ohio State University.She became president of the school–one of the largest in the country and the economic engine that drives central Ohio–in 2020. But the pandemic was still in full force back then, and its later waves and impacts have forced pivot after pivot in her brief tenure.But now a few months into the 2022-2023 school year, things are settling into something that looks a bit more like normalcy.Johnson joined Women Of Influence to talk all about her career path, her plans for OSU, and her early observations of football culture.

In some ways Kristina Johnson feels like she's just getting started at Ohio State University.She became president of the school–one of the largest in the country and the economic engine that drives central Ohio–in 2020. But the pandemic was still in full force back then, and its later waves and impacts have forced pivot after pivot in her brief tenure.But now a few months into the 2022-2023 school year, things are settling into something that looks a bit more like normalcy.Johnson joined Women Of Influence to talk all about her career path, her plans for OSU, and her early observations of football culture.

63. Kristina Johnson, President, Ohio State University

Megan Wood knows her Ohio history. She's been with Ohio History Connection for years, working in a variety of positions across the organization. This summer, she ascended to the top job at the nonprofit becoming the first female CEO in its history.She's overseeing the organization as it kicks off construction of a long awaited $17 million Collection Care Cear near the Ohio History Centers’s fairgrounds-area home, and as it watches economic conditions ahead of a potential recession. Megan joined women of influence just a few weeks into her tenure but already with plenty of ideas in mind for how she wants to shepherd the history-focused organization into its future.

Megan Wood knows her Ohio history. She's been with Ohio History Connection for years, working in a variety of positions across the organization. This summer, she ascended to the top job at the nonprofit becoming the first female CEO in its history.She's overseeing the organization as it kicks off construction of a long awaited $17 million Collection Care Cear near the Ohio History Centers’s fairgrounds-area home, and as it watches economic conditions ahead of a potential recession. Megan joined women of influence just a few weeks into her tenure but already with plenty of ideas in mind for how she wants to shepherd the history-focused organization into its future.

62. Megan Wood, Executive Director & CEO, Ohio History Connection

From Columbus Business First, Women of Influence is an interview series showcasing some of the most powerful women in the Central Ohio business community. Hosted by Eleanor Kennedy, Assistant Managing Editor.

Women Of Influence

Falon Donohue

Do you ever wonder how successful female executives climbed the corporate ladder? Do you have dreams to be at the top yourself one day, but don't know how to get there?Enter Women of Influence, the newest podcast from Columbus Business First.This bi-weekly podcast will feature in-depth interviews with some of the top women in Columbus. We'll be chatting about everything. From finding a mentor and negotiating for yourself to personal stories of trial and triumph, this podcast will cover it all.Falon Donohue, CEO of VentureOhio and one of CBF’s 2019 40 Under 40 honorees, recently sat down with us and told us her story. From being in the military to becoming a recognized leader in venture capital, Donohue never stops showing up and letting her voice be heard.In this episode, we also talk about the important stuff that every woman is dying to know about – like crying at work and how awkward networking can be for even the best of us.Tune in to hear get the whole rundown from the CEO herself.

Do you ever wonder how successful female executives climbed the corporate ladder? Do you have dreams to be at the top yourself one day, but don't know how to get there?Enter Women of Influence, the newest podcast from Columbus Business First.This bi-weekly podcast will feature in-depth interviews with some of the top women in Columbus. We'll be chatting about everything. From finding a mentor and negotiating for yourself to personal stories of trial and triumph, this podcast will cover it all.Falon Donohue, CEO of VentureOhio and one of CBF’s 2019 40 Under 40 honorees, recently sat down with us and told us her story. From being in the military to becoming a recognized leader in venture capital, Donohue never stops showing up and letting her voice be heard.In this episode, we also talk about the important stuff that every woman is dying to know about – like crying at work and how awkward networking can be for even the best of us.Tune in to hear get the whole rundown from the CEO herself.

Women of Influence #1: VentureOhio's Falon Donohue

Kelley Griesmer

Kelley Griesmer, the CEO of the Women's Fund of Central Ohio, has always been a dreamer.Griesmer went from wanting to be a journalist for Rolling Stone magazine, to being a trial lawyer for 15 years, to helping kickstart the $200 million nonprofit Peletonia to becoming the face of the largest foundation for women and girls in Columbus.On this week's episode of the Women of Influence podcast, Griesmer talks the times in her career when that dreamer mentality and "warrior spirit" was met with enthusiasm.But there were also times when it wasn't fully understood.We also talk about the good stuff, like wearing a red pantsuit to an interview, taking career risks, the truth behind gender bias and how everyone should get a law degree – even if they never end up practicing law.

Kelley Griesmer, the CEO of the Women's Fund of Central Ohio, has always been a dreamer.Griesmer went from wanting to be a journalist for Rolling Stone magazine, to being a trial lawyer for 15 years, to helping kickstart the $200 million nonprofit Peletonia to becoming the face of the largest foundation for women and girls in Columbus.On this week's episode of the Women of Influence podcast, Griesmer talks the times in her career when that dreamer mentality and "warrior spirit" was met with enthusiasm.But there were also times when it wasn't fully understood.We also talk about the good stuff, like wearing a red pantsuit to an interview, taking career risks, the truth behind gender bias and how everyone should get a law degree – even if they never end up practicing law.

Women Of Influence #3: Kelley Griesmer of the Women's Fund of Central Ohio

Heather Brilliant

Heather Brilliant has had plenty of mentors. She's been a mentor herself. But there's a different type of relationship she thinks can be even more beneficial to women looking to rise in the workplace. "The thing we need to focus on setting up for ourselves as much as mentorship is sponsorship," said Brilliant, who earlier this year became CEO of Columbus-based Diamond Hill Capital Management. "We need to make sure we are cultivating relationships with people who are in the room when decisions are being made about things like promotions and compensation."It's the people who … stand up for you when you aren't there that really help you take your career to the next level." Brilliant shared her thoughts on the importance of those sponsorship relationships, something she said men are better at building than women are, during a recent taping of our Women of Influence podcast.

Heather Brilliant has had plenty of mentors. She's been a mentor herself. But there's a different type of relationship she thinks can be even more beneficial to women looking to rise in the workplace. "The thing we need to focus on setting up for ourselves as much as mentorship is sponsorship," said Brilliant, who earlier this year became CEO of Columbus-based Diamond Hill Capital Management. "We need to make sure we are cultivating relationships with people who are in the room when decisions are being made about things like promotions and compensation."It's the people who … stand up for you when you aren't there that really help you take your career to the next level." Brilliant shared her thoughts on the importance of those sponsorship relationships, something she said men are better at building than women are, during a recent taping of our Women of Influence podcast.

Women of Influence #19: Diamond Hill Capital Management CEO Heather Brilliant

Corrine Burger

A Canton native and Ohio State University graduate, Corrine Burger started her career with accounting giant Deloitte in Phoenix, a location she chose in part for the warm weather. She eventually returned home to the Buckeye State, though, taking on a variety of positions with the financial institution we today know as JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co., the country's largest bank and an employer of nearly 20,000 people in Central Ohio. As she advanced in her career, one of the biggest challenges Burger faced was figuring out how to break out of the accounting sphere and into the wider world of opportunities at the firm. Eventually, she said, she realized one action that could help get her where she wanted to go. "When we had some big problems that needed to be solved, I raised my hand," said Burger, who now serves as chief control manager, managing director and Columbus location leader for the financial giant. Burger's willingness to take on problems is perhaps best-evidenced by her work on JPMorgan's acquisition of Washington Mutual during the 2008 financial crisis. Check out the latest episode of our Women of Influence podcast to hear Burger talk about that experience and for more of the lessons she's learned throughout her career.

A Canton native and Ohio State University graduate, Corrine Burger started her career with accounting giant Deloitte in Phoenix, a location she chose in part for the warm weather. She eventually returned home to the Buckeye State, though, taking on a variety of positions with the financial institution we today know as JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co., the country's largest bank and an employer of nearly 20,000 people in Central Ohio. As she advanced in her career, one of the biggest challenges Burger faced was figuring out how to break out of the accounting sphere and into the wider world of opportunities at the firm. Eventually, she said, she realized one action that could help get her where she wanted to go. "When we had some big problems that needed to be solved, I raised my hand," said Burger, who now serves as chief control manager, managing director and Columbus location leader for the financial giant. Burger's willingness to take on problems is perhaps best-evidenced by her work on JPMorgan's acquisition of Washington Mutual during the 2008 financial crisis. Check out the latest episode of our Women of Influence podcast to hear Burger talk about that experience and for more of the lessons she's learned throughout her career.

Women of Influence #14: JPMorgan Chase & Co. Chief Control Manager Corrine Burger

Rachel Friedman

For Rachel Friedman, being an entrepreneur is a lot like being on a trapeze without a net – and knowing you don't have a net."But that's part of the exhilaration," she said. "The highs are really high, and the lows are really low."Friedman, the founder and CEO of Tenfold, knows a lot about the highs – she's successfully launched and scaled a business that recently made the Inc. 500 Companies List – and the business itself is only five years old.But she's no stranger to the lows, either.Friedman said that unfortunately, Tenfold, the local strategy and creative firm, is only part of 12% of businesses in the Fortune 500 that are owned by women. "That makes us proud, but also very concerned," she said. In this episode of the Women of Influence podcast, Friedman talks about the hurdles of being a woman business owner, gives the rundown on whether or not an MBA degree is worth the cost, and also who inspires her most – her restauranteur mother and jelly factory owner grandmother. "I think I learned from both my grandmother and my mother is that they were who they were," she said. "They weren't going to change who they were as a person, in whatever role they had  – whether that role was boss or mom – and they did it in their own style."

For Rachel Friedman, being an entrepreneur is a lot like being on a trapeze without a net – and knowing you don't have a net."But that's part of the exhilaration," she said. "The highs are really high, and the lows are really low."Friedman, the founder and CEO of Tenfold, knows a lot about the highs – she's successfully launched and scaled a business that recently made the Inc. 500 Companies List – and the business itself is only five years old.But she's no stranger to the lows, either.Friedman said that unfortunately, Tenfold, the local strategy and creative firm, is only part of 12% of businesses in the Fortune 500 that are owned by women. "That makes us proud, but also very concerned," she said. In this episode of the Women of Influence podcast, Friedman talks about the hurdles of being a woman business owner, gives the rundown on whether or not an MBA degree is worth the cost, and also who inspires her most – her restauranteur mother and jelly factory owner grandmother. "I think I learned from both my grandmother and my mother is that they were who they were," she said. "They weren't going to change who they were as a person, in whatever role they had – whether that role was boss or mom – and they did it in their own style."

Women of Influence #9: Tenfold founder Rachel Friedman

Kate Finley

Belle Communication isn't just run by women. Its entire staff is women. Kate Finley, who founded the public relations firm in 2013, didn't necessarily set out to do that. Men have worked for the firm, and she's open to the idea and would make the necessary cultural adjustments if one joined. But there's another factor driving her as she builds her company. "I love investing in women," Finley said. "There are not enough opportunities, still, for women." In the latest episode of our Women of Influence podcast, Finley talks about how that female-dominated environment leads to a sisterly vibe, and how her team avoids the cattiness that some picture when envisioning such a group. The key, she says, is a philosophy called radical candor.

Belle Communication isn't just run by women. Its entire staff is women. Kate Finley, who founded the public relations firm in 2013, didn't necessarily set out to do that. Men have worked for the firm, and she's open to the idea and would make the necessary cultural adjustments if one joined. But there's another factor driving her as she builds her company. "I love investing in women," Finley said. "There are not enough opportunities, still, for women." In the latest episode of our Women of Influence podcast, Finley talks about how that female-dominated environment leads to a sisterly vibe, and how her team avoids the cattiness that some picture when envisioning such a group. The key, she says, is a philosophy called radical candor.

Women Of Influence #13: Belle Communication CEO Kate Finley

Renee Cacchillo

Safelite AutoGlass

What's the biggest mistake Renee Cacchillo has made in her career? "Not making enough mistakes," Cacchillo, chief experience officer at Safelite AutoGlass, said during a recent taping of our Women of Influence podcast. Early in her career, Cacchillo said, she was perhaps "more (of a) perfectionist than (she) need to be." She's since realized that it's important not only to take risks, but also to let go of some of the details that can hold back success. That's become even more important, Cacchillo said, since she took on her new role at Safelite this March."With the expanded responsibility I've had to learn to really trust my team, and to earn their trust, so I can help guide more and do less, and build their capability," Cacchillo said. "I probably held on to the details longer than I should have. … It's okay not to be in the details." Check out the full interview to hear Cacchillo talk more about the ways she's learned to let go of those details as well as her career journey, which has included stops at Accenture and L Brands.

What's the biggest mistake Renee Cacchillo has made in her career? "Not making enough mistakes," Cacchillo, chief experience officer at Safelite AutoGlass, said during a recent taping of our Women of Influence podcast. Early in her career, Cacchillo said, she was perhaps "more (of a) perfectionist than (she) need to be." She's since realized that it's important not only to take risks, but also to let go of some of the details that can hold back success. That's become even more important, Cacchillo said, since she took on her new role at Safelite this March."With the expanded responsibility I've had to learn to really trust my team, and to earn their trust, so I can help guide more and do less, and build their capability," Cacchillo said. "I probably held on to the details longer than I should have. … It's okay not to be in the details." Check out the full interview to hear Cacchillo talk more about the ways she's learned to let go of those details as well as her career journey, which has included stops at Accenture and L Brands.

Women of Influence #18: Safelite AutoGlass Chief Experience Officer Renee Cacchillo

Amy Heintz

About five years ago, several of Amy Heintz's friends and colleagues at Battelle started moving into management positions. But that's not what Heintz wanted to do. The chemist and materials scientist had her sights set on a pair of recognitions within the company: Inventor of the Year and Distinguished Inventor, the latter of which requires 14 U.S. patents. So she eschewed the management path, stayed the course on the technical side, earning the Inventor of the Year recognition in 2016 and ultimately crossing that 14 patent-threshold. Then she decided she wanted to do more. In 2018 she was named Battelle's first technical fellow, a position she herself had proposed. (The company has since added a second fellow and Heintz expects there will be more.) In her role, she sets the technical direction for the $5 billion research nonprofit's material science work, and is fulfilling her desire to "do something bigger." Heintz talked about her career path during a recent taping of our Women of Influence podcast while sharing her best advice for other women in their careers. It's important to know when the time is right for a new position or a potential promotion, she said, or when you'd be better served by staying where you are.

About five years ago, several of Amy Heintz's friends and colleagues at Battelle started moving into management positions. But that's not what Heintz wanted to do. The chemist and materials scientist had her sights set on a pair of recognitions within the company: Inventor of the Year and Distinguished Inventor, the latter of which requires 14 U.S. patents. So she eschewed the management path, stayed the course on the technical side, earning the Inventor of the Year recognition in 2016 and ultimately crossing that 14 patent-threshold. Then she decided she wanted to do more. In 2018 she was named Battelle's first technical fellow, a position she herself had proposed. (The company has since added a second fellow and Heintz expects there will be more.) In her role, she sets the technical direction for the $5 billion research nonprofit's material science work, and is fulfilling her desire to "do something bigger." Heintz talked about her career path during a recent taping of our Women of Influence podcast while sharing her best advice for other women in their careers. It's important to know when the time is right for a new position or a potential promotion, she said, or when you'd be better served by staying where you are.

Preview: Amy Heintz (plus my thoughts on the L Brand breakup)

Growing up, Amy Heintz wasn't totally sure what she wanted to do with her life. A lover of learning, she knew she wanted to go to college, and she knew she wanted to be "smart." But with the limited worldview of a child, she had an unusual role model for what that might mean. "As a child of the 80s, I really knew everything I knew from sitcoms," Heintz said during a recent taping of our Women of Influence podcast. "And probably what I looked at the most was Alex P. Keaton from Family Ties.With the iconic Michael J. Fox character in mind, Heintz went to college at the University of Michigan (you'll have to listen to the episode for her surprising take on Ohio State football fans) and tried out a few different areas of study before falling in love with chemistry. Today, she serves as a technical fellow at Battelle, a position in which she sets the technical direction for material sciences work at the Columbus-based research giant. Check out our full interview to hear more from Heintz about how she's handled working in a male-dominated industry, why she opted for a job at Battelle over seeking out a professorial gig in the world of academia and more.

Growing up, Amy Heintz wasn't totally sure what she wanted to do with her life. A lover of learning, she knew she wanted to go to college, and she knew she wanted to be "smart." But with the limited worldview of a child, she had an unusual role model for what that might mean. "As a child of the 80s, I really knew everything I knew from sitcoms," Heintz said during a recent taping of our Women of Influence podcast. "And probably what I looked at the most was Alex P. Keaton from Family Ties.With the iconic Michael J. Fox character in mind, Heintz went to college at the University of Michigan (you'll have to listen to the episode for her surprising take on Ohio State football fans) and tried out a few different areas of study before falling in love with chemistry. Today, she serves as a technical fellow at Battelle, a position in which she sets the technical direction for material sciences work at the Columbus-based research giant. Check out our full interview to hear more from Heintz about how she's handled working in a male-dominated industry, why she opted for a job at Battelle over seeking out a professorial gig in the world of academia and more.

26. Battelle Technical Fellow Amy Heintz

Trudy Bartley

There aren't many power centers in Columbus that Trudy Bartley isn't somehow connected to. Now the associate vice president of local government and community relations at Ohio State University, Bartley's resume includes time spent with both city and state government, in the nonprofit world and in the private development community. She's been closely involved with Franklin County's Rise Together anti-poverty initiative and serves on several boards across the region. In short, Bartley has made her voice heard in a variety of spheres that influence the future of Central Ohio. That's something she's never been afraid to do, as she shared during a recent taping of our Women of Influence podcast. Her educational path, which went from the Columbus School for Girls (where she was the first African American student) to Wellesley College(one of the Seven Sisters), instilled in Bartley a sense not only that her "opinion was valid," but also that it was important to make share whatever opinion she shared had purpose. “I am a very observant person, I listen a lot, but I feel my opinion is as valid as any other woman or man," Bartley said. “I think that has really been very integral in my success moving forward, being diplomatic in what I say, but being impactful and intentional. … It’s not about chatter, it’s about making a difference.”Check out the full episode to hear more from Bartley on how her childhood in Columbus, her parents' focus on education and her biggest failure ever helped make her the power player she is today.

There aren't many power centers in Columbus that Trudy Bartley isn't somehow connected to. Now the associate vice president of local government and community relations at Ohio State University, Bartley's resume includes time spent with both city and state government, in the nonprofit world and in the private development community. She's been closely involved with Franklin County's Rise Together anti-poverty initiative and serves on several boards across the region. In short, Bartley has made her voice heard in a variety of spheres that influence the future of Central Ohio. That's something she's never been afraid to do, as she shared during a recent taping of our Women of Influence podcast. Her educational path, which went from the Columbus School for Girls (where she was the first African American student) to Wellesley College(one of the Seven Sisters), instilled in Bartley a sense not only that her "opinion was valid," but also that it was important to make share whatever opinion she shared had purpose. “I am a very observant person, I listen a lot, but I feel my opinion is as valid as any other woman or man," Bartley said. “I think that has really been very integral in my success moving forward, being diplomatic in what I say, but being impactful and intentional. … It’s not about chatter, it’s about making a difference.”Check out the full episode to hear more from Bartley on how her childhood in Columbus, her parents' focus on education and her biggest failure ever helped make her the power player she is today.

Women of Influence #21: Ohio State University's Trudy Bartley

Hinda Mitchell

Don't use the word "spin" when talking to Hinda Mitchell about her career in public relations. "That's … the sort of thing that really just gets my ire up," Mitchell, president of Inspire PR Group, said during a recent taping of our Women of Influence podcast. In Mitchell's view, her line of work does involve working with reporters to share stories, but she can't "snap (her) fingers" and make a negative story go away, nor can she immediately place any positive one. The idea that she can is "frustrating," and something she works to educate her clients and others about regularly. "There's no silver bullet," Mitchell said. "Marketing can't fix operations. … You can’t just fix something away with PR. You have to work through it."In our interview for the podcast, Mitchell talked about the ways she helps clients work through crises, as well as how an internship got her into the field as a college student and still continues to impact her today. Check out the full conversation to hear more on those topics and more.

Don't use the word "spin" when talking to Hinda Mitchell about her career in public relations. "That's … the sort of thing that really just gets my ire up," Mitchell, president of Inspire PR Group, said during a recent taping of our Women of Influence podcast. In Mitchell's view, her line of work does involve working with reporters to share stories, but she can't "snap (her) fingers" and make a negative story go away, nor can she immediately place any positive one. The idea that she can is "frustrating," and something she works to educate her clients and others about regularly. "There's no silver bullet," Mitchell said. "Marketing can't fix operations. … You can’t just fix something away with PR. You have to work through it."In our interview for the podcast, Mitchell talked about the ways she helps clients work through crises, as well as how an internship got her into the field as a college student and still continues to impact her today. Check out the full conversation to hear more on those topics and more.

Women of Influence #22: Inspire PR Group President Hinda Mitchell

For Corrine Burger, even bad managers could be good role models. The reason? They show you what not to do. Burger, who leads JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co.'s Columbus operation and also serves as a managing director and chief control manager for the financial giant, talked about her good and bad mentors during a recent taping of the Women of Influence podcast. She shared some of the worst advice she's ever received, as well as the No. 1 tip she'd give to others looking to follow in her footsteps. Today's teaser also includes the first installment of a new feature I'm bringing the these biweekly episodes: some news you can use or otherwise interesting information related to women in business. This week, we're talking about Dolly Parton, because, well, shouldn't we all always be talking about Dolly?

For Corrine Burger, even bad managers could be good role models. The reason? They show you what not to do. Burger, who leads JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co.'s Columbus operation and also serves as a managing director and chief control manager for the financial giant, talked about her good and bad mentors during a recent taping of the Women of Influence podcast. She shared some of the worst advice she's ever received, as well as the No. 1 tip she'd give to others looking to follow in her footsteps. Today's teaser also includes the first installment of a new feature I'm bringing the these biweekly episodes: some news you can use or otherwise interesting information related to women in business. This week, we're talking about Dolly Parton, because, well, shouldn't we all always be talking about Dolly?

Women of Influence Preview #14: Corrine Burger (plus 3 fast facts about Dolly Parton)

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