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Leadership isn't about having all the answers—it's about building bridges that connect people, perspectives, and possibilities. Just ask Carol Dover, who has spent three decades as the President and CEO of Florida's Restaurant and Lodging Association, steering the state's economic engine through hurricanes, economic downturns, and political shifts.

In this candid conversation with Shontra Powell, Carol reveals how her winding career path—from waiting tables to becoming Florida's Fire Marshall to serving in the Governor's office—prepared her for leading one of Florida's most powerful industry associations. With refreshing honesty, she shares that many of the challenges she faced when first entering the hospitality world (immigration reform, workforce housing, and minimum wage debates) remain unresolved today, reflecting the cyclical nature of policy work.

"Never burn a bridge," Carol advises, explaining how this principle guided her through three decades of changing administrations and political landscapes. Her integrity-first approach to lobbying helped her achieve what many considered impossible: the repeal of Florida's burdensome drink tax, a victory that took years of patience and compromise to accomplish. For women navigating male-dominated spaces, she offers clear-eyed counsel about maintaining boundaries and professional respect.

The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Carol courageously shares a deeply personal story she's rarely told publicly. "Giving up is not an option," she explains, a philosophy that has carried her through countless professional challenges.

Whether you're building your career, leading a team, or seeking to make meaningful change in your industry, Carol's wisdom about patience, integrity, and the lost art of compromise offers a masterclass in sustainable leadership. Listen in as two accomplished professionals discuss what it truly takes to transform personal tragedy into purposeful action.

Drive, Ambition, Doing, Leading, Creating... all good until we forget about our own self-care. This Village of All-Stars pays it forward with transparency about misses and celebration in winning. We cover many topics and keep it 100. We are Proven Not Perfect™️
https://www.provennotperfect.com

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What does it take to transform from a foster child and migrant farmworker's daughter into one of the most influential women in global aviation? Lillie Rentz never imagined herself breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry, but when opportunity knocked unexpectedly, she answered with a resounding "yes."

In this captivating conversation, Lillie reveals how being in the right place at the right time led to her role directing the first privatized air cargo commercial airport in the United States. With raw honesty, she shares the pivotal moments that shaped her leadership journey—from losing her father at age seven to being separated from her sisters in foster care, and ultimately finding her voice in aviation boardrooms where few women had ventured before.

But this episode extends far beyond personal triumph. Lillie takes us into the revolutionary world of Advanced Air Mobility, where electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) are poised to transform transportation as we know it. This isn't science fiction—it's happening now. By 2040, what's currently a billion-dollar industry will explode into a trillion-dollar economic powerhouse, creating "skyways in the sky" that could turn a three-hour commute into a twenty-minute flight.

The opportunities are boundless—from management positions to remote monitoring systems that resemble sophisticated gaming setups. For women contemplating career pivots or young professionals seeking emerging fields, Lillir offers profound wisdom: "Don't wait for permission. The world needs what only you can bring."

Whether you're fascinated by cutting-edge technology, searching for career inspiration, or simply love stories of unexpected success, this conversation will leave you looking skyward with newfound possibility. After all, as Lillie reminds us, the sky is not the limit—it's just the beginning.

Drive, Ambition, Doing, Leading, Creating... all good until we forget about our own self-care. This Village of All-Stars pays it forward with transparency about misses and celebration in winning. We cover many topics and keep it 100. We are Proven Not Perfect™️
https://www.provennotperfect.com

Follow me on Instagram at: shontrapowell_provennotperfect

Follow me on Facebook at: Proven Not Perfect™️

Watch and listen on YouTube: Proven Not Perfect™️

Join the community for ideas and events at www.provennotperfect.com.

I'd love to hear what you think!

Send us a text

What happens when you refuse to fit into someone else's box? For Bo Shepherd, the answer was nothing short of transformation. As just the third African-American female interior designer at General Motors, Bo found herself constantly battling expectations about everything from her natural hair to her tattoos. Despite achieving what many would consider career success, something was missing – the freedom to be authentically herself.

When Bo and her partner began exploring Detroit by bicycle, they discovered neighborhoods filled with illegally dumped materials – cabinets, doors, and lumber discarded during renovations. Drawing on construction skills learned from her West Indian father, Bo began salvaging these materials to create furniture for their apartment. This creative outlet quickly evolved into Woodward Throwbacks, a brand dedicated to transforming reclaimed materials into stunning furniture and home décor that caught the attention of retail giants like Nordstrom and Target.

The journey from corporate designer to entrepreneur wasn't sugar-coated. Bo candidly shares the reality behind the glossy success story – from living in their workshop for a year to make ends meet, to the anxiety-filled nights wondering if they'd made the right choice. "I've had night sweats, I've had bursting out of my bed shaking with anxiety," she reveals, pushing back against glamorized portrayals of entrepreneurship. Yet through these struggles, Bo's commitment to authenticity has proven sustainable, expanding beyond furniture into interior design and real estate development. Her recently published book, "Throwbacks Home Interiors," showcases fifteen Detroit homes embodying authentic design across different styles.

What makes Bo's story so compelling is its universal message: success comes not from following prescribed paths but from having the courage to trust your instincts. As she explains, "If you are really passionate and you believe in what you're doing, people will see it." For anyone feeling constrained by expectations or seeking the courage to pursue their authentic path, Bo Shepard's journey offers both inspiration and practical wisdom. Connect with Bo's designs and philosophy by exploring Woodward Throwbacks online or picking up her book to discover how authentic spaces truly transform lives.

Check out Woodward Throwbacks as well on their YouTube Channel where you can catch them "in action". As well, pick up a copy of their book to be inspired to new levels at: Amazon.

Drive, Ambition, Doing, Leading, Creating... all good until we forget about our own self-care. This Village of All-Stars pays it forward with transparency about misses and celebration in winning. We cover many topics and keep it 100. We are Proven Not Perfect™️
https://www.provennotperfect.com

Follow me on Instagram at: shontrapowell_provennotperfect

Follow me on Facebook at: Proven Not Perfect™️

Watch and listen on YouTube: Proven Not Perfect™️

Join the community for ideas and events at www.provennotperfect.com.

I'd love to hear what you think!