Boss Babes of the Bluegrass

39 - Lessons in Letting Go: Katie Neal on Perfectionism and Career Growth

Katie Neal is a certified executive coach, speaker, and communications consultant who shares about her career path from journalism and public relations to launching Katie Neal Coaching and Consulting. Katie opens up about overcoming perfectionism, shares her experiences preparing for a TEDx talk, and discusses how executive coaching is shifting from a remedial service to a tool for growth and development. The episode covers practical strategies for balancing professional and personal life, the significance of self-care and clarifying personal values, and the lasting impact of mentorship and relationships on career advancement. Katie Neal recommends Michael Bungay Stanier’s book "The Coaching Habit" for leaders wanting to adopt a coaching mindset. Listeners can connect with Katie, subscribe to her newsletter, or learn more about her consulting services at www.katienealconsulting.com.

38 - Career Pivots, Personal Growth, and Community Impact: Michelle Smock’s Story

Michelle Smock is a dynamic business coach and state trainer with the Small Business Development Center. Michelle shares her journey from massage therapist and spa owner to her current role supporting entrepreneurs in Lexington, discusses the importance of networking and overcoming imposter syndrome, and offers actionable tips for harmonizing personal and professional life. The conversation highlights local resources for business owners, the power of women supporting women, and Michelle Smock’s passion project, Dancing with the Lexington Stars, which raises funds for community health initiatives. Tune in for inspiring insights, encouragement, and practical advice from two women dedicated to uplifting the Kentucky business community.

37 - Adventures with Paws and Pillows w/ Renee Chew

Renee Chew of Paws and Pillows discusses her inspiring journey from a 35-year corporate career to caring for animals and supporting the local community in Kentucky. Renee shares how her business provides loving care for pets and small farm animals, her passion for animal rescue, and her adventures with Marshmallow, her celebrity Nigerian dwarf goat. The conversation also touches on finding work-life balance, the importance of volunteering, and advice for embracing life's unexpected turns. Plus, Renee offers podcast recommendations and practical tips for managing schedules and self-care. If you want to connect with Renee Chew, follow her and Marshmallow on Facebook or reach out via email for pet care or volunteer opportunities.

36 - The Power of Self-Care in Marriage with Cristie Cerniglia

In this episode of Boss Babes of the Bluegrass, Kris Castle sits down with marriage coach Cristie Cerniglia to discuss her journey from homeschooling mom to transformative relationship coach in Nicholasville, Kentucky. Cristie shares how personal challenges led her to discover and train in intimate relationship skills, ultimately sparking her passion to help women improve their marriages and family lives. The conversation covers practical coaching tips, the importance of women’s influence in the home, valuable self-care strategies, and why investing in relationships pays big dividends for families and society. Cristie also recommends “The Empowered Wife” book and podcast, and invites listeners to access her free download at relationshipswithamap.com or join her private Facebook group, “Save My Marriage Relationships with a Map,” for weekly live content and support on building thriving relationships.

35 - Building a Better Bar: Female Attorneys, Collaboration, and Advocacy with Lauren Brooke

Lauren Brooke is a partner at Brooke and Mills Law Firm in Richmond, KY. Lauren shared her journey from New Jersey to Kentucky, her passion for helping others through family and criminal law, and the importance of leading with kindness both in and out of the courtroom. We also talked about the power of women supporting women, balancing work and life, and making a positive impact in the community—whether that’s running a law firm, rescuing dogs, or simply lifting others up. Tune in for inspiration and practical advice from one of the Bluegrass’s true boss babes!

34 - How Ashley Nunn Kept Her Irish Pub Thriving During Tough Times in Kentucky

Ashley Nunn is owner of Sláinte Public House in Georgetown, Kentucky. Ashley Nunn discusses her journey from falling in love with Irish pub culture to building her own thriving local business, including inventive ways she kept Sláinte afloat during the COVID-19 shutdown through community auctions and creative hot dog sales. She shares insight into her leadership style, striving for balance between family, faith, and community involvement, and candid advice for women starting out in business. Ashley Nunn also recommends The Aggressive Life podcast by Brian Tome and several favorite books, such as "All the Light You Cannot See" and "Forty Acres and No Mule." The episode wraps up with details on Sláinte’s charitable efforts, including the annual Toys for Tots drive, and invites listeners to connect via Facebook for updates and events.

33 - Fusing Latin Dance, Fitness, and Culture: The Inspiring Journey of Libby Cortez

Libby Cortez is owner of Sassy Wellness, a Latin dance company focused on empowering women and bridging studio-trained and culturally trained dancers in Lexington, Kentucky. Libby Cortez shares her personal fitness journey, the inspiration behind starting her business, and the challenges she faced in building an inclusive dance community. The conversation also touches on wellness trends post-COVID, work-life harmony, and the impact of Sassy Wellness’s outreach efforts, including hosting charity events and supporting community members in need. Libby offers practical advice for women pursuing their passions and emphasizes the importance of being open to unexpected opportunities. To connect or learn more about her classes and events, visit SassyWellnesswithLibby.com or find her on Facebook as Sassy Wellness with Libby.

32 - Navigating Senior Care and Business Development with Kris Ramsey of Elder Care Law

Kris Ramsey is Business Development Director at Elder Care Law of Kentucky. Kris Ramsey shares her journey from being an occupational therapist to her current role in elder law, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and being open to new opportunities. The conversation touches on the growing needs of the elder community in Kentucky, the importance of connecting families with resources, and practical tips for harmonizing personal and professional life—including embracing quiet time, time blocking, and making use of modern tools like ChatGPT. The episode also includes favorite podcast and book recommendations, and advice for women starting their business journeys. For more information or to connect with Kris Ramsey, you can visit Elder Care Law of Kentucky at eclk-y.com or call their office at 859-298-2150.

31 - From Country Hams to Community Impact: Nell Anne Gossett’s Story of Growth and Giving

Nell Anne Gossett explores her inspiring and eclectic career journey—from ropes course trainer and country ham store owner to event venue manager and more! She candidly shares the lessons learned along the way, including the importance of kindness in business, finding the right people for your team, and embracing change with curiosity and resilience. She reflects on her leadership philosophy, the joy and challenges of managing life transitions, and her passion for music and writing as ways to recharge. Alongside practical advice for women balancing personal and professional demands, Nell Anne offers insights into legacy, community involvement in the arts, and living with intention. Books and podcasts recommended in the episode include The Chronicles of Narnia, Atlas Shrugged, and Hardcore History. 

30 - Central Kentucky Voices: How Allie Daniel Creates Balance, Gives Back, and Stays Inspired

Allie Daniel is a dynamic young sales rep from Lamar Advertising who shares her journey from pursuing teaching at Asbury University to diving into sales, inspired by her powerhouse mom. She discusses the importance of finding mentors, harmonizing work-life demands, and being a good steward of your time. Allie also offers tips about embracing positivity, recharging through exercise, volunteering at Georgetown’s Gathering Place, and her love for interior design and pickleball. Recommended resources include the Next Level podcast with Jeremy Miner for sales advice and the Mel Robbins podcast for nuggets of inspiration. Follow Allie on social, Allie at Lamar. For community involvement, learn more about The Gathering Place Mission and Amen House.