Climb Higher with Her is a podcast about women in leadership, career growth and professional development. Hosted by Darlene Repollet, First Lady of Kean University and a former corporate HR executive with 25 years of experience, the podcast features conversations with women leaders in business, government, higher education and public service. Each episode includes real-world lessons and actionable insights for emerging and established women leaders navigating today’s workplace, executive roles and leadership careers.
Latest episodes
-
32 min
The Power of “Yet” - Empathy in Leadership with Dr. Marian Stuart
Explore how empathy, communication and human connection can shape how we lead and connect with others with Kean University alumna and psychologist Dr. Marian Stuart ’71 . Get insig…
-
47 min
Adenah Bayoh on Building Businesses, Community Wealth and Leading with Purpose
Climb Higher with Her launches Season 2 with Adenah Bayoh, who shares her journey to building a successful career as an entrepreneur and real estate developer. She discusses persev…
-
16 min
Courage and Perseverance: Leadership Lessons from Season One
Courage, perseverance and authentic leadership take center stage in this Climb Higher With Her season one recap. Revisit powerful insights from season one guests on moving through…
-
2 min
Bonus! Leadership Advice For New Leaders with Michelle Velez-Jonte
In this bonus conversation, Michelle Velez-Jonte shares advice for first-time leaders, including the importance of listening, asking questions and staying connected to the purpose…
-
5 min
Bonus! How to Build Connections with Amanda Gardiner
In this bonus conversation, Darlene Repollet and Amanda Gardiner discuss the importance of persistence, strengthening relationships and how networking and human connection can open…
-
36 min
Michelle Velez-Jonte on Finding Her Voice and Leading Through Language
Michelle Velez-Jonte shares lessons from her 25-year career in K-12 education and the experiences that shaped her as a leader. She reflects on how mentorship helped her find her vo…
-
36 min
Sustainability and Better Business: Amanda Gardiner on Values-Based Leadership and the Work of Change
Sustainability leader Amanda Gardiner shares the winding path of her career, from studying opera and international affairs to advancing social impact and sustainability for global…
-
38 min
Disney’s Christina Carey Dunleavy on Leadership, Change and Inclusive Storytelling
Alumna Christina Carey Dunleavy ’98, reflects on her journey from Kean University to Disney, earning an MBA in Ireland and the value of inclusive storytelling, mentorship and trust…
-
39 min
Women Leaders on AI, Confidence and Career Growth
Three accomplished leaders, Kean University alumna Alexa Canas ’13, Tiffany Perkins-Munn, Ph.D., and Dr. Karma Brown Warren, continue their candid conversation on leadership, caree…
-
56 min
Career Growth, Pivots and Purpose - Panel Discussion Part 1
Three accomplished leaders, Kean University alumna Alexa Canas ’13, Tiffany Perkins-Munn, Ph.D., and Dr. Karma Brown Warren, reflect on the pivotal moments that shaped their career…
-
2 min
Bonus! How to Be Authentic
In this bonus conversation, Brigitte Jean-Louis and Darlene talk about the value of being authentic and embracing who you are. They share thoughts on how authenticity can influence…
-
39 min
Leading with Heart and Building a Legacy with Patricia Barksdale
Kean alumna Patricia Barksdale ’95 shares how her high-touch, people-first leadership style helped create a team that feels like family and a client base that spans generations. Sh…
-
39 min
Leading with Heart and Building a Legacy with Patricia Barksdale
Kean alumna Patricia Barksdale ’95 shares how her high-touch, people-first leadership style helped create a team that feels like family and a client base that spans generations. Sh…
-
51 min
Building a Career Aligned with Your Values with Brigitte Jean-Louis
Brigitte Jean-Louis, director of mission advancement at YWCA Princeton, shares her journey from uncertainty to purpose-driven leadership. She opens up about the impacts of grief, e…
-
53 min
Karla Elrod on Self-Advocacy and Career Growth
Karla Elrod shares her journey from engineering to Wall Street and beyond, highlighting the power of transferable skills, self-advocacy and resilience in overcoming bias.
-
48 min
Robin Landa: The Power of an Authentic Brand
Kean University Distinguished Professor Robin Landa discusses how authenticity, differentiation and intentional design shape powerful, values-driven leadership. The best-selling au…
-
50 min
From Chemistry to C-Suite: Felicia Bourke’s Career Evolution
Felicia Bourke shares lessons of her journey from chemist to award-winning senior executive at Quest Diagnostics. She reflects on how courage, clarity and confidence have shaped he…
-
47 min
Former NJ Assemblywoman Shavonda E. Sumter on Leadership and Legacy
Former NJ State Assemblywoman and Kean alumna Shavonda E. Sumter ’96 joins Darlene Repollet, First Lady of Kean University, to discuss her bold path from student government to the…
-
41 min
Sara Peña’s Journey from First-Gen Student to State Leader
Kean alumna Sara Peña ’96 reflects on her path from being a first-generation college student to serving in Governor Phil Murphy’s administration. In this candid conversation with D…