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Archives for November 2025

Be Inspired

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Mara Smith is the Founder of Inspiro Tequila, a women-owned- and led clean, additive-free tequila brand. A former attorney and corporate strategist, she began her legal career at a large law firm in Chicago before joining the corporate strategy team at McDonald’s. Mara launched Inspiro Tequila to bring more female perspectives into the spirits industry. 

Mara Smith
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • [3:42] Why Mara Smith transitioned from law to the tequila industry
  • [12:20] How Inspiro Tequila targets female consumers
  • [14:31] The inspiration behind Inspiro’s Rosa Reposado and its unique aging process
  • [16:57] What does it take to become a B Corp?
  • [20:06] Mara talks about the Purple Bicycle Project and its mission to support female entrepreneurs 
  • [23:24] How Inspiro Connectors Connective fosters community

In this episode...

Women entrepreneurs face unique challenges in breaking into male-dominated industries, but by amplifying their voices and championing each other, they can redefine entire markets. How can you foster systemic change to elevate opportunities for women?

Mara Smith, a former corporate attorney and strategist, founded Inspiro Tequila to disrupt the spirits industry by bringing more female voices to the forefront. Recognizing that women were a major segment of tequila consumers yet largely ignored by existing brands, she created a premium, additive-free tequila that speaks directly to them. Through initiatives like the Purple Bicycle Project and the Inspiro Connectors Collective, Mara uplifts female entrepreneurs, providing mentorship, funding, and community-building opportunities to support their journeys.

In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Mara Smith, the Founder of Inspiro Tequila, joins Andrea Heuston to discuss how she elevates women’s voices in the spirits industry. She shares her experience re-entering the workforce after 16 years, the challenges of launching a brand in a male-dominated space, and how to become a B Corp.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:
  • “I didn’t see a brand that spoke to women — so I created one.”
  • “Women make over 85% of purchasing decisions. It’s time brands reflect that.”
  • “Success isn’t just about profit; it’s about impact and lifting others up.”
  • “No one knows more about your business than you — own that confidence.”
  • “We need more women at the table, in leadership, and on the shelves.”
Action Steps:
  1. Identify gaps in your industry: Research overlooked demographics and unmet needs to create a product or service that fills a genuine market void.
  2. Build with purpose and authenticity: Ensure your business aligns with your values, incorporates social impact, and remains true to the audience you serve.
  3. Create opportunities for underrepresented voices: Intentionally hire, mentor, and collaborate with women and diverse professionals to bring fresh perspectives into your industry.
  4. Leverage community and networking: Engage in organizations, pitch competitions, and mentorship programs to build a strong support system and elevate others along the way.
  5. Embrace adaptability and resilience: Challenges will arise, but staying flexible and mission-focused allows you to navigate setbacks and turn obstacles into opportunities.

Sponsor for this episode…​

This episode is brought to you by Artitudes Design by Andrea Heuston. Artitudes Design is an award-winning creative agency that has been creating visual communication for Fortune 500 companies for over 25 years. They have worked with notable companies such as Microsoft, Starbucks, Expedia, and have also served startups and nonprofit organizations.

They specialize in connecting speakers with audiences by creating visual value with presentations and through the creation of motion graphics, video, and content.

To learn more about Artitudes Design, visit their website today. Checkout their portfolio to see their previous projects, and contact them today to find out how they can help you bring your business a cut above the rest.

Be Comfortable With Ambiguity

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Kathy Andrews is the Founder and Managing Director of Cinga Leadership & Learning Inc., a boutique leadership consultancy. With over 20 years of experience as a people and culture strategist, executive coach, and master facilitator across public, private, and nonprofit sectors, she specializes in aligning business strategy and culture through high-impact leadership programs. Before Cinga Leadership, Kathy held various senior HR and leadership development positions at several global organizations. She also hosts For Leaders By Leaders, a podcast featuring global thought leaders and executives. 

Kathy Andrews
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • [3:40] How Kathy Andrews transitioned from IT to founding a leadership development firm
  • [8:30] The meaning behind the name “Cinga” and its South African roots
  • [10:51] Why organizations should invest in leadership development programs
  • [14:52] What is the difference between healthy and unhealthy conflict in leadership?
  • [16:50] How to create an inclusive and positive work environment
  • [20:54] Addressing unconscious bias in hiring and promoting
  • [22:49] Kathy’s sustainable talent strategy for organizations
  • [26:36] Advice for women assuming leadership roles

In this episode...

Creating an inclusive workplace requires more than just hiring diverse talent; it demands a culture where every employee feels heard, valued, and empowered. When leaders foster psychological safety and open communication, they create an environment where diverse perspectives lead to stronger decision-making and innovation. How can organizations shape their cultures to eliminate bias and create lasting inclusion?

Leadership expert Kathy Andrews encourages leaders to make calculated hiring and promotion decisions. Unconscious biases often occur in rushed choices, so leaders must challenge their initial assumptions and seek diverse input. Additionally, storytelling is an influential leadership tool, as authentic narratives can allow leaders to communicate their values, build trust, and inspire action. By weaving personal and organizational stories into their leadership approach, executives can foster deeper connections with their teams and reinforce inclusive practices. 

Tune in to the latest episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as Andrea Heuston welcomes Kathy Andrews, the Founder and Managing Director of Cinga Leadership & Learning Inc., to talk about fostering inclusive leadership. Kathy shares how to build psychological safety within teams, her sustainable organizational talent strategy, and how to differentiate between healthy and unhealthy conflict in leadership.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:
  • “You don’t get the culture you wish for, you get the culture you deserve.”
  • “Healthy conflict is about attacking the problem, not the person. That’s where real progress happens.”
  • “Leaders who embrace self-awareness create workplaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued.”
  • “Storytelling is an irreplaceable leadership skill — it connects, persuades, and inspires in ways data alone never can.”
  • “If you’re making big decisions, slow down. Bias thrives in rushed decisions, but great leadership requires intention.”
Action Steps:
  1. Foster a culture of psychological safety: Encourage open and honest communication within teams to create an environment where employees feel safe expressing ideas and concerns. This builds trust and leads to better decision-making and collaboration.
  2. Develop conflict resolution skills: Recognize the difference between healthy and unhealthy conflict, ensuring that debates focus on problems rather than personal attacks. Leaders who manage conflict effectively can drive innovation and maintain a positive work environment.
  3. Slow down when making hiring and promotion decisions: Take time to check for unconscious biases when evaluating candidates for leadership roles. Thoughtful decision-making leads to stronger, more diverse teams that enhance organizational performance.
  4. Master storytelling as a leadership tool: Use compelling narratives to communicate vision, inspire teams, and influence key stakeholders. Leaders who tell impactful stories create stronger connections and drive engagement in ways that facts alone cannot.
  5. Invest in leadership development programs: Implement structured leadership training tailored to company culture and goals. Internal programs help build a shared language of leadership, increase engagement, and prepare high-potential employees for senior roles.

Sponsor for this episode…​

This episode is brought to you by Artitudes Design by Andrea Heuston. Artitudes Design is an award-winning creative agency that has been creating visual communication for Fortune 500 companies for over 25 years. They have worked with notable companies such as Microsoft, Starbucks, Expedia, and have also served startups and nonprofit organizations.

They specialize in connecting speakers with audiences by creating visual value with presentations and through the creation of motion graphics, video, and content.

To learn more about Artitudes Design, visit their website today. Checkout their portfolio to see their previous projects, and contact them today to find out how they can help you bring your business a cut above the rest.