Episode Description

What if the path to leadership was never meant to be a straight climb?

In this powerful episode of Exponentially Elevate Your Leadership Impact, Dr. Stephanie Duguid welcomes Dr. Diana for a transformative conversation on redefining leadership for women. Drawing from her research, The Secret Stairs, Dr. Diana shares the hidden strategies women use to rise into leadership roles—often without clear guidance, support, or access to traditional pathways.

Together, they explore:

• Why the "corporate ladder" is often missing steps for women
• The difference between mentorship and sponsorship—and why it matters
• How imposter syndrome shows up (even at the highest levels)
• The power of trusting your intuition and leading with emotional intelligence
• How COVID reshaped leadership, connection, and opportunity for women
• Practical strategies to advocate for yourself and increase visibility

This episode is a reminder that leadership is not about fitting into a mold—it's about creating your own path with clarity, courage, and connection.

If you've ever felt overlooked, uncertain, or unsure of your next step… this conversation will meet you exactly where you are—and help you move forward with purpose.

Listen in and discover how to take your next step—your way.

🎧 Listen now: https://www.drstephanieduguid.com/podcast

Guest Info:

Dr. Diana James, The Secret Stairs

Public Speaker/Founder of The Secret Stairs

Dr. Diana James is uniquely qualified to help women grow into confident, capable leaders because she has lived every layer of the leadership journey - from earning a PhD in Leadership Studies that generated published research focused on gender equity in the workplace to over 3 decades of experience leading corporate teams. Dr. James has navigated career reinventions and coached individuals through personal transformation while building a career across multiple industries, all rooted in empowering others to succeed.

Social Links and Websites

Guest: Dr. Diana James, Founder of the Secret Stairs

Website: www.secretstairs.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/diana-james-phd

Instagram: @djames0919

My keynote address/workshops and book: The Secret Stairs: An Alternative Pathway for Women in Leadership. The corporate ladder is not just broken - it was never built with women in mind.

Host: Dr. Stephanie Duguid, Owner, Do Good Leadership

Website: www.drstephanieduguid.com

Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.rectorduguid

Facebook (Group): https://www.facebook.com/DoGoodLeadership

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

Episode Description

What shapes a leader long before the title ever arrives?

In this meaningful and inspiring episode, Dr. Stephanie Duguid welcomes Dr. Kris Tolman to explore a leadership journey shaped by faith, mentorship, and authentic growth.

Kris shares how her early leadership experiences in her religious community, including organizing youth camps and leading volunteers, helped her develop vision, resilience, and a heart for serving others. Without formal training at first, she learned by doing, discovering that leadership is less about control and more about care, clarity, and empowering people to succeed.

A pivotal mentor helped Kris see her potential before she fully recognized it herself, preparing her for larger opportunities such as leading the NYSOT conference. There, she focused on creating a positive, collaborative experience built on trust, teamwork, and shared ownership of the vision.

Together, Stephanie and Kris discuss imposter syndrome, embracing mistakes as growth opportunities, and navigating leadership transitions with courage. Kris introduces the idea of tapping into her "wolf self," choosing paths that feel freeing rather than constrained and trusting her instincts when facing change.

They also reflect on the importance of boundaries, reconnecting with nature, daily habits that sustain strong leadership, and aligning decisions with personal values rather than external expectations.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership is not about perfection or performance. It is about alignment, service, growth, and trusting who you are becoming.

Serve with goodness. Lead with greatness. Educate with impact.

🎧 Listen now: https://www.drstephanieduguid.com/podcast

Guest Info:

Dr. Kris Tolman

Dr. Kris Tolman is a trained life coach and business owner of Life By Design Coaching and Training. Most recently she was the Interim Associate Director for the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) where she led programming that supported student success, faculty development, and inclusive educational practices, including organizing and directing The NISOD Conference. Before joining NISOD, Kris held roles in faculty development and served as a professor at Austin Community College (ACC). Kris completed her PhD in Adult, Professional, and Continuing Education at Texas State University, where her research focused on barriers to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training, the relationship between adult development and adult learning, and fostering mindset shifts through developmental programs. Through her work, Kris continues to champion empowering educational environments that support all learners. As a coach, she guides people in learning to listen to their inner voice and supports them in creating the life they want to live.

Guest: Dr. Kris Tolman

Website: www.kristolman.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kristine-tolman

Host: Dr. Stephanie Duguid, Owner, Do Good Leadership

Website: www.drstephanieduguid.com

Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.rectorduguid

Facebook (Group): https://www.facebook.com/DoGoodLeadership

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

Episode Description

What happens when capable, service-driven women realize the systems they've succeeded in no longer reflect how they want to lead or live?

In this episode of Exponentially Elevate Your Leadership Impact, Dr. Stephanie Duguid joins Megan and Ellie, co-owners of Zestful Media and Design, for an honest conversation about three parallel leadership journeys — each rooted in values, alignment, and courage.

Dr. Duguid shares her own shift from a long career in education into thought leadership, authorship, and entrepreneurship grounded in integrity and impact. Megan and Ellie reflect on their transitions from corporate real estate and corporate tech into value-driven entrepreneurship, where they now support women-owned businesses through authentic branding, website design, and strategic systems.

Together, they explore what it looks like to step away from burnout, redefine leadership beyond titles, and build businesses that honor clarity, collaboration, and sustainable growth. The conversation touches on imposter syndrome, market research, mentorship, and the importance of creating work that reflects who you are — not who the system expected you to be.

This episode is for women educators and leaders who are navigating change, questioning what's next, or feeling called to lead differently. It's a reminder that aligned leadership doesn't require abandoning your past — it asks you to build forward with intention.

🎧 Listen now: https://www.drstephanieduguid.com/podcast

Guest Info:

Megan Harrington and Ellie Johnson

Megan and Ellie are the co-owners of Zestful Media & Design, where they help
entrepreneurs build businesses that are both beautiful and profitable. After leaving
behind burnout, unpredictable income, and toxic 9–5 jobs, they each discovered the
power of systems, strategy, and design to create freedom and stability for their families.

In January 2025, they teamed up—Ellie bringing the backend strategy and automations,
and Megan bringing the brand identity, web design, and funnel expertise. Together,
they've built a six-figure business as brand, web design, and funnel experts doing done-
for-you services for female entrepreneurs—and now they're starting to teach other
service providers how to build a successful business of their own using the exact
strategies they used to scale to multi-6-figures.

Guests: Megan Harrington and Ellie Johnson

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zestfulmediadesign/

TikTok (JUST started it): https://www.tiktok.com/@zestfulmediadesign

30 Free Social Media Canva Templates: https://www.zestfulmediadesign.com/30-canva-temps

Marketing Megamind: https://www.zestfulmediadesign.com/megamind

Host: Dr. Stephanie Duguid, Owner, Do Good Leadership

Website: www.drstephanieduguid.com

Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.rectorduguid

Facebook (Group): https://www.facebook.com/DoGoodLeadership

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-duguid/

Free Leadership Mindset Quiz: https://www.drstephanieduguid.com/leadershipmindset-quiz

In this powerful episode of Exponentially Elevate Your Leadership Impact, Dr. Stephanie Duguid is joined by the dynamic Dr. Angela Diggs — an accomplished educational consultant, former school psychologist, special education director, and real estate professional. Together, they engage in a rich and authentic conversation about leadership growth, emotional intelligence, and the importance of legacy.

Dr. Diggs shares her personal and professional journey, from her beginnings in psychology to rising into school leadership. She discusses the challenges of stepping into supervisory roles, transitioning from peer to leader, and remaining consistent, fair, and grounded in her values. Her transparent storytelling offers practical guidance for leaders navigating new roles and responsibilities.

The conversation dives into what it means to lead with emotional intelligence — highlighting how self-awareness, emotional regulation, and genuine connection with others can elevate leadership effectiveness. Dr. Diggs also opens up about facing imposter syndrome and burnout, providing actionable strategies for overcoming both. Through reflection, journaling, and building supportive relationships, she's developed a framework that helps others lead with clarity, courage, and confidence.

Together, Dr. Duguid and Dr. Diggs emphasize the critical role of trust, honest communication, and modeling self-care in leadership. They discuss how creating safe spaces, offering consistent check-ins, and mentoring others can shape strong, people-centered teams. The episode concludes with a call for women leaders to embrace their purpose, protect their well-being, and step into leadership that leaves a lasting impact.

Whether you're an aspiring leader, an experienced administrator, or somewhere in between, this episode is filled with relatable experiences, empowering insights, and practical takeaways to help you lead with greater emotional intelligence, resilience, and authenticity.

Guest Info:

Dr. Angela Diggs

Dr. Angela Diggs brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of education, specializing in the field of special education and student support services. With a robust background in leadership, school psychology, and educational programming, Dr. Diggs currently serves as a Director of Special Services at an elementary school district. Dr. Diggs is known for her strong work ethic as well as her personable and her fair and down-to-earth leadership style. She enjoys diving deep into her work by learning the details of the logistics and supporting teams in being their best selves. In her work, Dr. Diggs seeks out ways to explore the root cause of students' needs, works alongside families, and ensures that the school team receives guidance while providing comprehensive services. Prior to her current role, Dr. Diggs established her educational consulting business, Leading Well, LLC., and held a pivotal administrative position within the high school setting, where she orchestrated comprehensive programs to enhance educational outcomes for students with diverse learning needs. Her leadership was instrumental in enhancing accessibility and equity for students with diverse learning needs, ensuring every student received the tailored support necessary to thrive academically, socially, and adaptively. In addition, Dr. Diggs is a leader who strives to create an atmosphere for teachers/ staff that encourages creativity, differentiation, and professional development.

Website: https://www.leadingwell.online/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-angela-diggs-332672201?trk=contact-info

Host: Dr. Stephanie Duguid, Owner, Do Good Leadership

Website: www.drstephanieduguid.com

Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.rectorduguid

Facebook (Group): https://www.facebook.com/DoGoodLeadership

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-duguid/

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Stephanie Duguid sits down with Angie Creel, Director of Library Services at Arizona Western College and newly elected Board Member of Arizona Women in Higher Education, to explore the intersection of authentic leadership, library advocacy, emotional resilience, and creative expression.

Angie shares her incredible journey from a young librarian unexpectedly placed in a leadership position to becoming a recognized advocate for inclusive, student-centered library services. From co-leading the Southwest Border Collection to her work with Arizona Library Association, Angie opens up about how she cultivated her leadership voice through self-reflection, safe mentorship spaces, and open communication.

Dr. Stephanie and Angie dive into meaningful topics like:

• How leadership is more about interaction than title
• The power of journaling, networking, and mentorship in decision-making
• Embracing emotional resilience by setting boundaries and staying connected
• Managing imposter syndrome while remaining authentic
• Finding joy, confidence, and community through belly dancing and creative outlets

Angie emphasizes the importance of creating safe environments for growth and encourages aspiring leaders to observe, listen, and lean on their support systems. She candidly shares her thoughts on perfectionism, self-care, and what she wishes someone had told her earlier in her leadership path. One takeaway: "You don't have to know it all—just lead with honesty, heart, and humility."

Whether you're a woman in higher education, a library advocate, or a leader navigating your own authenticity, this episode offers valuable insights on building a leadership legacy rooted in purpose and connection.

Guest Info:

Angie Creel

Angie Creel is the Director of Library Services at Arizona Western College in Yuma, Arizona, where she has served for over 26 years. An Indiana University graduate with a Master's in Library Science, Angie began her career in Arizona as a passionate advocate for access to education and community-centered library services.

She has held leadership roles including Vice President and President of the Arizona Library Association and is a founding member of the Association of Community College Library Directors. Angie was recently elected to the Board of Directors for Arizona Women in Higher Education, a statewide network supporting women's leadership and professional growth.

Under her leadership, AWC's library launched the Southwest Border Collection, highlighting the region's cultural and geographic identity, including works by local Mexican authors. Angie champions inclusive and student-centered learning.

A long-time yoga practitioner and dancer, Angie integrates creativity, community, and nature into her leadership. She is also a certified belly dance instructor and co-founder of Blue Dot Belly Dance, a professional troupe known for dynamic performances with swords, fire, and fierce feminine energy.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/academiclibrary

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awc_nauyuma_library/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-creel-580958145/

Host: Dr. Stephanie Duguid, Owner, Do Good Leadership

Website: www.drstephanieduguid.com

Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.rectorduguid

Facebook (Group): https://www.facebook.com/DoGoodLeadership

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-duguid/