Meet the Women
Shining a Light on the Ladies: Insights from Tara Parris, Kelly Howe, Hannah Holzum, Kristen Graham Brown, and Brandi Spurling
The "Don’t Waste the Chaos" podcast has always been about meaningful conversations that inspire and empower professionals navigating the challenges of business and leadership. In recent episodes, we had the privilege of hosting five incredible women, Tara Parris, Kelly Howe, Hannah Holzum, Kristen Graham Brown, and Brandi Spurling, whose insights are reshaping perspectives in their respective fields.
Tara Parris: Debunking HR Myths
Tara Parris brings a refreshing perspective to the world of human resources, challenging long-standing stereotypes that have often painted HR as the "policy police." With a diverse background spanning healthcare, security, real estate, and logistics, Tara has proven time and again that HR can be both strategic and deeply human.
In her episode, Tara discusses the importance of breaking free from outdated perceptions of HR professionals as mere enforcers of rules or individuals detached from business strategy. Instead, she highlights the vital role HR plays in aligning people strategies with organizational goals, fostering a culture of trust, and driving tangible business outcomes.
Listeners will gain practical insights from Tara’s journey—from her corporate career to consulting—including how to:
Approach HR as a strategic partner rather than a compliance function.
Build credibility in industries that demand a strong blend of business acumen and people skills.
Navigate the complexities of workforce management with empathy and efficiency.
Tara’s wisdom is a must-hear for HR professionals, business leaders, and anyone looking to bridge the gap between humanity and strategy in the workplace.
Kelly Howe: Empowering Leaders with Emotional Freedom
Kelly Howe is a multi-faceted leader who has seamlessly transitioned from a career in nursing to becoming a podcast host, leadership coach, intuitive mentor, and expert in Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). Her work combines modern psychology, ancient healing practices, and her deep understanding of the human body to empower soul-driven leaders.
In her episode, Kelly shares how EFT, a powerful tool for emotional regulation, can help leaders:
Overcome limiting beliefs and imposter syndrome.
Manage burnout by addressing stress at a foundational nervous system level.
Unlock untapped potential for greater authenticity and purpose-driven leadership.
Kelly’s practical examples, such as using tapping to prepare for high-stakes presentations or navigate financial challenges, make her approach accessible and actionable. Her episode serves as a guide for anyone seeking to align their personal and professional lives with greater confidence and clarity.
Hannah Holzum: Nourishing Your Potential
Hannah Holzum, a registered dietitian and founder of Wholesome Nutrition Co, joins the podcast to share her expertise on integrating sustainable, healthy habits into the busy lives of moms and businesswomen. As a wife and mom of three, Hannah understands the unique challenges faced by women juggling multiple roles.
In her episode, Hannah dives into the idea that food is more than just fuel—it’s a tool to help you show up as your most confident, successful self. Together with Kerri, she explores:
The impact of nutrition on productivity and overall success.
Common nutritional pitfalls for busy professionals.
How business owners can set an example of wellness in the workplace.
Whether you’re a business owner or a busy mom, Hannah’s practical advice offers effective ways to prioritize nutrition without compromising your time. Her insights are a reminder that small, sustainable changes can lead to significant transformations in both personal and professional life.
Kristen Graham Brown: Transforming Brands, Shaping Culture
Kristen Graham Brown, Founder and CEO of Hoot Design Company, has spent over 14 years redefining how businesses approach branding. Her culture-driven agency crafts powerful brand identities that not only stand out but also drive cultural shifts.
In her episode, Kristen shares:
The core principles behind her disruptive branding philosophy.
A behind-the-scenes look at her client process—from start to finish.
Common mistakes companies make in branding and how to avoid them.
The role of AI in the future of branding and how to measure a brand campaign's success.
Whether you’re a business owner, a marketing professional, or simply curious about the role branding plays in shaping culture, Kristen’s insights are invaluable. Her episode is a masterclass in leveraging branding to create lasting impact.
Brandi Spurling: Building Thriving Workplace Cultures
Brandi Spurling, founder of Sage Culture Co., blends her master’s in strategic leadership with her background in theatre and stand-up comedy to deliver a unique approach to leadership and workplace culture. As a dynamic keynote speaker, Brandi focuses on transforming employee culture with insight and humor.
In her episode, Brandi discusses:
The journey to founding Sage Culture Co. and her passion for workplace transformation.
Key elements that define a strong workplace environment.
Leadership’s role in shaping culture.
Practical strategies to create empowered, thriving teams.
Brandi’s episode is packed with actionable advice for HR professionals and business leaders who want to build supportive and high-performing workplace cultures.
Why These Conversations Matter
Tara, Kelly, Hannah, Kristen, and Brandi highlight themes that resonate deeply with women in business and leadership. From challenging stereotypes to embracing innovative tools for personal growth, their stories remind us of the importance of resilience, authenticity, and lifelong learning.
Whether you’re an HR professional seeking to redefine your role, a leader looking to manage stress and unlock potential, or someone navigating the complexities of work and life, these episodes offer inspiration and actionable advice to help you thrive.
Tune into these episodes of "Don’t Waste the Chaos" to hear Tara, Kelly, Hannah, Kristen, and Brandi’s full stories. They are packed with wisdom and practical takeaways that will leave you inspired to lead with humanity and purpose.
Ready to listen? Visit Don’t Waste the Chaos or find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
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