In this inspiring episode, host Demi-Lin sits down with Sarah Waller— an executive in the chemical industry —for a heartfelt conversation about navigating career transitions, showing up authentically, and embracing risk.

From humble beginnings in Southwest Virginia to executive leadership and entrepreneurship, Sarah shares the habits, mindset, and lessons that have shaped her personal and professional evolution.

In this episode, we explore:

• Sarah’s journey from mechanical engineer to executive and entrepreneur

• Why she believes authenticity is a cornerstone of leadership

• Her early struggles trying to fit into traditional leadership molds—and how she broke free

• The power of “daring assignments” to grow self-confidence and career momentum

• How mindfulness and self-leadership have become her secret weapons

• A refreshing mindset shift: why feeling stuck might be a good sign

• Why Sarah believes embodying the role you want is more powerful than chasing it

• Her take on failure, self-compassion, and the balance between ambition and peace

• The story behind her yoga certification—and how it symbolizes her love for growth

• The importance of building diverse and complementary teams

  
  

Connect with Sarah:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcupertino/

Executive Leader | Sales & Growth Strategist | Senior B2B Executive | Advisor

Sarah Waller is a global executive leader with a track record of driving revenue growth, leading large P&Ls, and transforming businesses. With a background spanning operations, sales, and innovation, she brings a unique perspective on how businesses can scale effectively while staying agile in competitive markets.

Sarah began her career in operations and engineering before transitioning into commercial leadership and strategy, where she led global teams through high-impact transformations. As a senior executive, she has successfully turned around operations, built high-performing sales organizations, led complex go-to-market strategies, and spearheaded innovation initiatives to drive sustainable growth.

She is passionate about turning great products into real, scalable revenue by aligning teams around a shared vision, strengthening customer relationships, and leading with authenticity and purpose. She believes the best strategies put the customer at the center, creating clarity, connection, and real value across the organization.

Connect with Demi:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/demi-lin/

Our guest today is the incredible Laura Meyer—a dynamic entrepreneur, growth strategist, and relationship-building expert. Laura and I first met in an unexpected yet fitting place: the tennis court, where we faced off in a friendly but competitive match. That game wasn’t just about the sport—it was the start of a meaningful connection, sparked by shared snacks and built on shared values of strategy, resilience, and continuous growth.

With over two decades of experience, Laura has successfully scaled multiple businesses, both online and offline. She’s also a seasoned podcaster and the author of the highly acclaimed book Win-Win, where she unpacks the power of strategic relationships in business growth. Her insights help entrepreneurs and business leaders cultivate mutually beneficial partnerships that drive lasting success.

In our conversation, Laura opened up about the different phases of her entrepreneurial journey, the importance of building authentic relationships, and the abundance mindset that fuels sustainable success. She also shared her unique approach to balancing health and wellness, particularly the role of mental well-being in an entrepreneurial lifestyle—something I truly admire.

This was such a valuable and inspiring conversation, and I can’t wait for you to hear it. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!

Connect with Laura:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-meyer-cr...

Connect with Demi:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/demi-lin/

Welcome to today’s episode! I’m thrilled to have Cyronne Counts joining us—a dynamic professional whose career journey is nothing short of inspiring. Cyronne and I first crossed paths when we worked together on a marketing research project for a growth technology platform that I was leading at my previous employer. I was immediately struck by the depth and quality of her work, and it was clear that she brought a unique perspective and dedication to everything she did. That initial collaboration was the start of a meaningful connection, and I’m so excited to share her story with you today.

Cyronne’s career is a testament to the power of reinvention and the courage to step outside of comfort zones. She has navigated a fascinating path—from engineering to business, and to the non-profit sector—each transition driven by a deep sense of purpose and faith. Along the way, she’s also embraced entrepreneurship, a chapter of her life that I’m eager to explore with her. Her insights on taking risks and embracing change are truly empowering. As Cyronne puts it, “You can’t be afraid to reinvent yourself. Every experience you have takes something with you.”

But Cyronne’s story isn’t just about professional growth—it’s also about the importance of self-care and creating spaces that nurture your well-being. She’ll share how she’s transformed her home into her favorite place, a sanctuary that reflects her values and supports her journey. For Cyronne, comfort zones can be deceptive, and true growth often lies just beyond them.

So, whether you’re contemplating a career pivot, seeking inspiration to take that next big leap, or simply looking for ways to prioritize self-care in your own life, this conversation is for you. Let’s dive into Cyronne’s incredible journey and uncover the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Welcome, Cyronne—we’re so glad to have you here!

Connect with Cyronne:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cyronne-counts-1315018/

Connect with Demi:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/demi-lin/

In today's episode, our guest is Peg Calvario, a certified executive coach and trusted advisor with a proven track record of developing top talent and guiding individuals to accelerate their career growth.

In this episode, we explore:

• The Power of Career Coaching: How working with a coach can provide clarity, direction, and confidence in your career.

• Mom Guilt & Work-Life Balance: Practical strategies to manage family responsibilities while prioritizing personal and professional growth.

• Taking Risks with Confidence: Why daring assignments and stepping outside your comfort zone can help expand your self-confidence and career opportunities.

• The Importance of External Interviews: How two external interviews a year can help you understand your market value, expand your network, and prepare for career transitions.

• Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling: The unique challenges women (especially those with international backgrounds) face in leadership roles and how to navigate workplace biases.

• Building a Strong Personal Brand: How to identify your strengths and communicate your value effectively.

• Expanding Your Professional Network: Where and how to start building meaningful business relationships.

• Managing Job Security in Uncertain Times: How to stay proactive, upskill, and make yourself indispensable in your organization.

• Finding Your Personal Vision: Why defining your long-term career vision is key to staying on track and avoiding burnout.

Connect with Peg:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pegcalvario/

Connect with Demi:
LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/demi-lin/

In today's episode, our guest is Chris Xu, Senior Director of Global Lead for Google Cloud Trust and Safety. Before joining Google, she worked at eBay and over the years, she’s built a reputation as a top expert in the field of Cloud Trust and Safety.

In this episode, we explore:

• The Dark Side of the Web: Chris reflects on her 25 years in trust and safety, navigating online abuse while holding onto her belief in the goodness of people.

• Breaking Bias: How Chris confronted unconscious gender and cultural biases as a female leader with a Chinese background in the tech industry.

• Leadership Lessons: Her transformative approach to avoiding bottlenecks, empowering her team, and focusing on outcomes rather than processes.

• Redefining Success: From chasing career progression to creating meaningful connections and positive memories for her team and community.

• Facing Challenges: Insights on navigating career setbacks, learning from failures, and staying determined in the face of unfair situations.

• Empowering Women in Business: Practical advice for breaking barriers, embracing growth, and redefining success on your own terms.

Connect with Demi:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/demi-lin/

Happy New Year, Amazing Women in Business! In this episode, your host, Demi Lin, kicks off 2025 with a thought-provoking story from the tennis court that dives deep into women, assertiveness, and self-reflection.

What starts as a simple game with a friend unravels into an unexpected lesson about standing your ground, handling conflict, and reflecting on our responses to challenging situations. Demi shares insights from friends and experts—Asian and Caucasian, men and women alike—on navigating assertiveness, discrimination, and the interplay of grace and strength in leadership and life.

Drawing from her personal reflections, professional experiences, and the wisdom of a trusted psychologist, Demi leaves us with empowering takeaways to start the year with purpose:

• Discrimination exists, but we can control how we respond. • Balance grace with assertiveness in moments that matter. • Practice self-compassion and let go of harsh self-judgments.

' Join Demi for this heartfelt and empowering episode that reminds us to rise above negativity, embrace our values, and carry both strength and kindness into the new year. Let’s thrive and rise together, one story at a time!

Tune in for inspiring lessons, relatable moments, and a mantra to empower you in 2025 and beyond.

In today's episode, our guest is Pooja Paliwal, an accomplished product leader with nearly 20 years of experience at the intersection of eCommerce and technology. Her career spans leadership roles in Fortune 500 companies, including Director of Product Management, Marketing, and Strategy Manager.

What makes Pooja's story truly unique is her fearless decision to redefine her career path. Despite her remarkable success in the corporate world, she chose to follow her heart, leaving behind the traditional trajectory to pursue her passion for interior design at an architectural school.

In this episode, we explore:

• Pivoting with Purpose: Why Pooja left her corporate career to follow her passion for interior design.

• Embracing Change: The role of growth and self-discovery in navigating life’s transitions.

• Redefining Success: Moving from a traditional path to a more holistic, balanced definition of success.

• Building Trust Through Vulnerability: How asking for help strengthens relationships and fosters trust.

• Integrating Work and Life: Shifting from “work-life balance” to “work-life integration” for a fulfilling life.

• Lessons from Parenthood: How her children have shaped her perspective on patience, creativity, and personal growth.

• Faith and Gratitude: Trusting the journey and believing in the support of others and the universe.

• Practical Tips: Strategies for overcoming fears and embracing a new career path.

Connect with Pooja:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/poojapaliwal/

Connect with Demi:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/demi-lin/

In today's episode, our guest is Rachel Chadwin, a motivated, energetic, and creative leader in the field of camping, recreation, and educational summer programs. She co-directs an all-boys overnight camp and co-owns a recreational company with her husband.

In this episode, we explore:

• From camper to camp owner, Rachel Chadwin shares her inspiring journey and deep-rooted passion for the camp industry.

• Uncover the many types of summer camps and how they offer unique experiences that go beyond the classroom.

• Rachel’s path from camper to counselor to owner is filled with moments of growth, resilience, and big dreams.

• How hands-on learning and adventure shaped Rachel’s love for camp and fueled her desire to make it her life’s work.

• Discover the invaluable lessons Rachel learned as a camp counselor—leadership, communication, and creating unforgettable experiences.

• Dive into the transformation of summer camps, from family-run legacies to corporate ownership, and what it means for kids today.

• Hear about the bold leap Rachel and her husband took to buy their own camp, facing financial challenges and finding creative ways to make it happen.

• Explore how empathy, inclusion, and a “family-first” mindset are at the core of Rachel’s mission to create a welcoming camp environment.

• Rachel’s advice for women in business: be authentic, use your voice, and support others on their journeys.

Connect with Rachel:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-chadwin-campmkn/

Connect with Demi:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/demi-lin/