What does it take to deliver $270 million in aid—securely, quickly, and with dignity—to people who need it most?

In this episode, I’m joined by Brittany Christenson, CEO of AidKit, whose platform has processed over 500,000 applications and is redefining how public benefits are delivered.

We talk about why dignity must be at the heart of aid delivery, and Brittany’s incredible journey from mathematics and organic farming to leading one of Fast Company’s “World Changing Ideas.”

See her bio below:

Brittany Christenson is the CEO of AidKit, a Public Benefits Corporation that helps government agencies and nonprofits administer aid programs efficiently and transparently. As CEO, she sets the company’s strategic direction, drives technology innovation and cultivates partnerships to transform aid delivery into an empowering act of community care.

Appointed CEO in 2023, Brittany previously served as AidKit’s director of partnerships and program development, where she played a key role in expanding the company’s impact through collaborations with governments and nonprofits nationwide. Recognized for her strategic vision and commitment to a people-centered approach, she has created a high-trust, data-driven culture that strengthens AidKit’s ability to provide critical relief in response to public health emergencies, natural disasters and financial hardships.

Since its founding in 2021, AidKit has helped over 200 agencies and nonprofits process over 500,000 applications and distribute more than $290 million in disaster relief, public benefits and cash assistance to more than 90,000 recipients.

Prior to joining AidKit, Brittany served as the executive director of AdkAction, a regional nonprofit focused on food security and community development. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a key role in launching one of the first pilots for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s (SNAP) online payments, expanding access to essential resources for low-income families. This experience sparked her passion for leveraging technology to drive systemic change.

Earlier in her career, Brittany managed a 90-acre organic vegetable farm, overseeing logistics and operations while deepening her commitment to food justice. Her journey into social impact began after pursuing graduate studies in epigenetics at McGill University. She also holds a degree in applied mathematics from Carroll College in Helena, Mont., where she developed a strong foundation in problem-solving and data analysis.

She currently serves as chair of the advisory board for the Cloudsplitter Foundation in New York, reinforcing her dedication to community-driven solutions.

“In this episode, Dr. Angela Jackson discusses why resilience might just be the new ROI with executive coach and author Beth Benatti Kennedy. Beth is the creator of the Benatti Resiliency Model®, a framework that has helped thousands of leaders recharge their careers, beat burnout, and thrive through change.

We’ll dive into powerful ideas like why burnout isn’t just exhaustion but identity erosion, how connection is both the antidote and the strategy, and why innovation isn’t optional—it’s the way forward. If you’re ready to recharge your career and lead with impact, this conversation is for you.”

*See her bio below:

Beth Benatti Kennedy brings more than twenty-five years of experience to her work as a leadership and executive coach, resiliency-training expert, and speaker. Her Benatti Resiliency Model® has helped thousands of people develop the resilience to adapt to changing career circumstances, take responsibility for their career and personal growth, and remain productive, engaged, and committed to their organization’s success.

Beth has a diverse client portfolio including individuals, small businesses, and major corporations such as Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA, The Gillette Company, Nautilus Biotechnology, and Amtrak. She guides leaders in developing resilience habits that support peak performance, maximize their professional and personal impact, and positively influence the people they work with while building their leadership brand.

Her training programs equip employees with tools to stay resilient, navigate organizational change, manage transitions, and continue to be productive and engaged. Clients consistently credit her dynamic training design and facilitation for measurable results and successes.

As a speaker at conferences, seminars, and symposiums, Beth has presented the Benatti Resiliency Model® around the world, including at TEDxNortheasternU. Her interactive style and infectious enthusiasm engage audiences and inspire them to take action to recharge their careers. Because of her expertise in resilience and burnout, she has been quoted in numerous articles, interviewed on podcasts, and contributed to a variety of publications.

Beth is the author of Career ReCharge: Five Strategies to Boost Resilience and Beat Burnout, continuing her mission to help individuals re-energize their careers and lives. She is also the co-author of the best-selling ReThink Resilience: 99 Ways to ReCharge Your Career and Life, with Karthik Venkatakrishnan, PhD, FCP, and Songmao (Ben) Zheng, PhD.

Beth is designated as a qualified board candidate by Corporate Directors International and serves as a board member of PathWise, a multi-faceted career management company. She is a certified Executive and Leadership Development Coach, a 360Reach Analyst, and certified in the Leadership Circle Profile. She is also qualified to administer the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® instrument, TypeCoach resources, and the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument.

Beth holds a BS from Bethany College, an MS in Human Resource Counseling from Northeastern University, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Marriage & Family Therapy from the University of Massachusetts Boston.

On this episode, expert Christine Wzorek joins us for an in-depth conversation about amplifying impact in business leadership, advancing equity on governing boards, and empowering women and diverse professionals in the workplace. See her bio below.

Christine Wzorek, awarded the prestigious 40 Over 40 designation in 2024 and named a Human Capital industry 'Disruptor' in 2019 by Utah Magazine, has redefined how Human Capital functions in modern business. Through her firm, White Label Advisors, which she founded in 2019, Christine helps companies design and implement human-centric people strategies that accelerate growth and increase valuation multiples.

Christine has successfully guided CEOs and executives through her methodology to optimize relationships, enhance cultural cohesion, and achieve critical financial milestones. Her unique approach integrates Human Capital systems with organizational goals, improving engagement, efficiency, and productivity. By aligning the employee experience with financial outcomes, her work delivers higher profits, sustainable growth, and expanded market share.

Beyond her industry impact, Christine is recognized for her commitment to female workforce development. As Chair of ACG Utah’s Women’s Professional Network, she is elevating transactions, deal-making, and investment opportunities for women in business throughout Utah. A former Women Business Highlight in Utah Valley Magazine, Christine has dedicated her career to inspiring and supporting the next generation of women leaders. Her personal experiences as a single mother fuel her mission to break down social and economic barriers, empowering women to achieve independence, drive revenue, and influence decision-making at the highest levels.

Christine’s coaching, training, and professional network encompass three key areas: • Executive Coaching • Female-Founder Mentorship • Concierge Recruitment for select candidates

Christine holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Utah Valley University and earned her SPHR designation from the Society of Human Resource Management in Alexandria, VA. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Humane Society of Utah and is a former Forbes Human Resource Council member and contributor.

Christine lives in South Jordan, Utah, with her son and their adventurous 4 lb. MaltiPoo. She enjoys cycling, paddle boarding, hot yoga, skating, and alpine skiing in nearby Park City.

In this episode of the Business Impact Lab Podcast, host Angela Jackson sits down with Holly Oldham — a freelance writer, author, environmentalist, and proud LGBTQ+ entrepreneur from Hobe Sound, Florida. Holly shares her remarkable journey from selling Blow Pops in middle school to building PRMF Luxury Cleaning, a six-figure, eco-conscious business run entirely part-time.

Through candid storytelling, Holly opens up about overcoming a toxic marriage, navigating financial setbacks, and reinventing herself as a solopreneur with a signature service and a powerful mantra: Pause, Reflect, Move Forward. Tune in to hear how Holly built trust with clients, raised her rates with confidence, and turned personal adversity into entrepreneurial impact.

In this episode of the Impact Business Lab Podcast, Dr. Angela Jackson sits down with Dr. Lahana Vigliano, CEO and founder of Nuvitru Wellness, to explore how functional health can transform the way we can lead and thrive in business. From stress-induced health crashes to harnessing your energy, Dr. Vigliano shares science-backed strategies that help professionals protect their energy, prevent burnout, and redefine self-care. We dive into the connection between personal wellness and organizational success, and how leaders can foster environments that support holistic growth. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or emerging leader, this conversation will inspire you to view health as your greatest asset in creating lasting impact.

Dr. Lahana Vigliano is the CEO and founder of Nuvitru, a leading concierge functional wellness practice. As a doctor of clinical nutrition, Dr. Vigliano specializes in women’s health, gut function, and metabolic optimization. At Nuvitru, she combines functional medicine lab testing with personalized care to uncover each patient’s unique health profile, aiming to enhance both well-bringing and longevity. Through a holistic, science-driven approach, Dr. Vigliano empowers her clients to achieve optimal health and balance.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Angela Schill and Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talk with Twanda Young about encouraging women to invest in themselves to strengthen their leadership acumen.

Retired Brigadier General Twanda Young is a widely recognized leader, coach, author, and speaker. A decorated veteran with over three decades of service focused in human resources. Twanda aims to empower others through leadership development, conflict management, and career coaching. As a sought-after speaker, she inspires audiences at prestigious institutions and leadership conferences, including the Leadership Experience Tour. She founded LT3 Leads to guide inspiring leaders. A graduate-level professor, her dedication extends to education with a focus on leadership excellence. Her extensive list of military honors highlights the Distinguished Service Medal. Outside of her military and professional achievements, Twanda’s impact has been recognized through the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and the incorporation of her autobiography into the Library of Congress collection, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in leadership and empowerment.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Angela Schill and Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talk with Ali Cox about lessons in leadership.

Ali Cox is an agriculture and food ingredient marketing visionary and founder of Noble West, an award-winning marketing consultancy that specializes in the entire agricultural ecosystem. From fresh produce and nuts to dairy and ag Tech, Noble West works in all aspects of agriculture. As a fifth generation farmer, Cox returned home to California’s Central Valley in 2007 with the singular goal of making world-class marketing services available to the abundance of farmers and growers in the area. A fierce advocate for farmers, Ali’s blend of a deep personal connection to the land and business acumen has made her a highly sought after strategist by her clients. With an eye on the future of farming and the climate crisis, Cox regularly consults with her clients on upcycling, regenerative water use, and hydroponic & organic farming practices. Cox was a walk-on rower at the University of San Diego and went on to win a Silver Medal in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. A Turlock native, she is a graduate of Turlock Senior High School and University of San Diego where she majored in Communications and minored in business. She happily purchased her childhood home where she resides with husband Tony and their two sons.

https://wearenoblewest.com/ideas/10-lessons-in-leadership-from-an-olympic-medalist

In this podcast episode, Dr. Angela Schill and Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talk with Lisa-Maree Blumenfeld about the Impact of AI in the workplace.

Lisa-Maree Blumenfeld is a seasoned HR leader with over 25+ years of experience across fast-growing startups and established corporations. As the founder and CEO of Retain she and her incredible team have helped founders scale their businesses while building a solid and compliant HR foundation for them. Concurrently, Lisa-Maree is the co-founder and COO of Eleven (getelevenapp.com), where she has played a pivotal role in scaling innovative solutions to get their communication platform into the hands of leaders- empowering them to up level their communications with their teams.

Before launching Eleven and Retain, Lisa was the VP of People at Expa, where she spearheaded HR and recruiting for a portfolio of 20+ startups, helping them scale with strong people-first cultures. Her career also includes leadership positions at Lyft, NinthDecimal, and Aria Systems, as well as positions within PG&E and Blue Shield of California.

Lisa is deeply passionate about helping startups navigate the exhilarating (and sometimes chaotic!) journey of building high-performing teams. Whether it's crafting scalable HR strategies, providing executive coaching, or guiding founders through the ups and downs of growth, she brings a rare combination of hands-on expertise and empathy to her work.

Outside of work, Lisa is a proud mom of four and a big fan of live music, often found at concerts whenever she can carve out a moment of downtime. Currently she is trying different strategies to talk her husband into getting another puppy (so far unsuccessful but she believes only temporarily). She brings the same energy, creativity, and drive from her personal life to everything she does professionally, making her an advocate for finding balance and joy amidst the hustle.