Extraordinary Women Radio

Connection has been at the heart of my success—it’s been the fuel behind my biggest business moves, the foundation of my growth, and the source of some of my deepest friendships. And when I met today’s guest, I knew we shared a belief in the power of women lifting other women.



Jean LaVallie is the founder of WESOS – Women Entrepreneurs Secrets of Success, a thriving network that started as a single chapter in the suburbs of Chicago and has since expanded across multiple states. Her belief in collaboration over competition has brought thousands of women together, proving that when we rise, we rise together.







In This Episode:



Jean LaVallie shares how being overlooked in the corporate world at age 50 sparked her entrepreneurial journey and inspired the founding of WESOS (Women Entrepreneurs Secrets of Success)—a powerful women’s business network built on trust, support, and authentic relationships.



Discover how WESOS grew from a local women’s networking meetup in Illinois to nearly 20 nationwide chapters, all rooted in community-building, meaningful collaboration, and a culture of generosity.



Why collaboration over competition isn’t just a feel-good phrase—it’s a strategic mindset for women entrepreneurs who thrive in abundant, connected business ecosystems.



Learn why treating your network like a community—not a customer list—is the secret to authentic business growth and deeper entrepreneurial fulfillment.



Why introverted women in business still need community, especially when friends and family don't fully understand the path of entrepreneurship.



The importance of exploring multiple women’s entrepreneur communities, especially low-cost, high-value networks that help you expand your reach and grow with intention.



Jean’s bold mission to connect one million women entrepreneurs through feminine leadership, heart-centered community-building, and the continued expansion of WESOS across the U.S. and beyond.



Jean LaVallie is the owner and founder of the WESOS Network (Women Entrepreneurs’ Secrets of Success). What began as a single chapter in the suburbs of Chicago has blossomed into a widespread network across several states. Jean’s belief in collaboration over competition has been the driving force behind WESOS's popularity among women seeking mutual support and empowerment. With a unique perspective on business dynamics, Jean passionately speaks about the differences between feminine and masculine energy in the business world. She highlights how masculine energy focuses on transactions, while feminine energy emphasizes relationship building. Under her leadership, WESOS aims to connect one million women, fostering an environment where they can all achieve success together. Known for her empathetic nature and heart-forward leadership, Jean embodies the principle of wearing her heart on her sleeve.



“Surround yourself with the community.” ~Jean LaVallie



To learn more about Jean, visit her website. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.



Jean LaVallie's Show Notes

Today, we’re diving into a conversation that blends heart, purpose, and transformation with my friend, the incredible Kansas Carradine. She brings a unique perspective on the wisdom of horses and the power of connection. As a HeartMath Certified Trainer, she helps people tap into emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and deep presence—both in the equine world and beyond. Her work has taken her from the rodeo arena to global leadership spaces, including the C20 India Presidency, where she helped shape policy recommendations for gender equality, holistic health, and sustainable communities.







In This Episode:



Kansas Carradine shares how a 400-mile horseback expedition across Patagonia became a life-changing rite of passage that awakened deep resilience, spiritual connection, and a profound bond with motherhood, horses, and the natural world.



She reveals how her evolution from elite trick rider to equine-facilitated transformation coach led her to integrate HeartMath and energetic coherence into her work—helping others reconnect with themselves, their horses, and their heart-based wisdom.



Kansas explains how equine-guided coaching and heart-centered practices can unlock emotional intelligence, compassion, and meaningful transformation—no matter your experience with horses.



She opens up about the humility and surrender required in her rebranding journey, and how embodying the student mindset has been key to her authentic leadership and soul-aligned growth.



Hear how Kansas’s path from equestrian performer to C20 delegate in India reflects her commitment to emotional regulation, heart intelligence, and social impact—and how she grounds herself in heart-led practices amidst global change.



She offers a heartfelt look at her work with Indigenous communities and youth programs like Compton Junior Equestrians, and how the horses continue to teach that stillness in the chaos isn’t just healing—it’s a radical leadership skill.



Kansas Carradine is a professional Equestrian Artist well-known for her expertise in the rodeo arena and in global shows like Cavalia. She was a rider in the 2024 Gaucho Derby, a 400-mile endurance ride across the Patagonia of Argentina. With over 30 years bringing horsepower to entertainment venues, her current focus is bringing Heartpower to the world. As a HeartMath Certified Trainer, she shares tools for emotional self-regulation to benefit inter-species connections and promote animal welfare. Kansas has homeschooled her two daughters and uses HeartMath tools to make performing as a family troupe an act of service.



“Horsemanship has always been character building.” ~Kansas Carradine



To learn more about Kansas, visit her website. You can also connect with her on Facebook.



Kansas Carradine's Show Notes

I am thrilled to introduce you to someone who embodies what it means to lead with compassion, vision, and purpose—Tamra Ryan. For over 21 years, Tamra served as the CEO of Women’s Bean Project, a renowned social enterprise that has transformed countless lives by providing transitional employment to women seeking to break the cycle of chronic unemployment and poverty.



In today’s episode, we’ll dive into the concept of Followship, the subject of Tamra’s new book, and explore how this approach can help leaders build trust, inspire their teams, and create meaningful impact. Tamra will share her insights on why new leaders often struggle, how they can engage and motivate their followers, and what it truly means to become a leader worth following.







In This Episode:



How the Women’s Bean Project helps women break the cycle of chronic unemployment by providing meaningful work, personal development, and a path to self-sufficiency.



The impact the Women’s Bean Project has had on 5,000+ women, creating a ripple effect that uplifts families and communities for generations.



The importance of honoring each woman’s unique journey, offering resources—not solutions, and respecting every woman’s right to choose her own path.



Why now is the perfect time for Tamra to pass the torch at the Women’s Bean Project and embark on a new chapter through writing, executive coaching, and thought leadership—a “portfolio career.”



The inspiration behind her new book, FollowShip: 16 Lessons to Become a Leader Worth Following, which promotes a more human-centered, empowering approach to leadership.



Why leadership is about who you are, not what you do—and how FollowShip empowers leaders to be worth following.



The critical role of trust in leadership and how leaders can build trust to inspire engagement.



Tamra Ryan is a highly respected leader and social entrepreneur with a legacy of impact. Named one of the Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Colorado, a Titan100 CEO, and Social Entrepreneur of the Year by the Colorado Institute for Social Impact, she was also honored in 2023 as one of the Ten Most Influential Women in Business and Most Influential CEO. A TEDx speaker and passionate advocate for compassionate leadership, Tamra is the author of The Third Law and her newest book, Followship: 16 Lessons to Become a Leader Worth Following. Her insights inspire and empower.



“When you change a woman's life, you change her family's life.” ~Tamra Ryan



To learn more about Tamra, visit her website. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn.



Tamra Ryan's Show Notes

Today's conversation is one we all need—trusting ourselves and allowing support to elevate us. As women, we often carry the weight of the world, but what if receiving support is actually the key to unlocking our greatest potential?



I’m thrilled to welcome Shoshanna French to the show. She believes that nothing extraordinary is accomplished alone. This conversation is about owning your power, stepping into leadership, and realizing you don’t have to do it all alone.







In This Episode:



Shoshanna French shares how a chance encounter with a bookstore owner who recognized her from a dream led her to metaphysics, mentorship, and the creation of her Intuitive Blueprint for leaders.



She reveals how embracing support, overcoming people-pleasing, and saying yes to unexpected opportunities transformed her life and can do the same for you.



Learn how trusting your intuition starts with recognizing where you already feel confident.



Discover how the right influences can shape you into the leader you’re meant to be.



Explore how visionary women leaders can blend intuition with logic to make high-stakes decisions with confidence, trust themselves more deeply, and align their choices with their greater purpose.



Gain insights on how women leaders can speak their truth with clarity, set firm boundaries, and navigate difficult conversations with both kindness and strength.



Shoshanna French helps visionary leaders and entrepreneurs develop deep, unwavering self-trust so they can make bold, intuitive decisions without hesitation, overthinking, or burnout. She lives in Colorado with her beloved of 20 years. When she isn’t working with clients, you are likely to find her reading, riding her peloton, or sipping her favorite cold brew.



“Do no harm, but take no crap.” ~Shoshanna French



To learn more about Shoshanna, visit her website. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.



Shoshanna French's Show Notes

We’re changing things up today, diving into a conversation that looks at our role as women in a different way—specifically, how we can play a pivotal role in fostering healthy masculinity in both the workplace and at home. It’s a topic that’s becoming increasingly important in today’s world, and who better to explore it with than my dear friend Moe Carrick.



In this episode, Moe shares her powerful insights on emotional intelligence, the connection advantage, and what’s happening with men right now as an identity group. We’ll explore how women can show up as leaders in creating workplaces where everyone thrives, and why emotional intelligence plays out differently for men and women.



Moe’s guiding belief that “when we thrive at work, everybody wins” couldn’t be more relevant, and I’m so excited for you to hear her wisdom on how we can build healthier, more connected workplaces.







In This Episode:



What does healthy masculinity look like—and how can women help cultivate it in the workplace and beyond?



Understand why supporting men’s emotional growth is essential for creating more balanced, inclusive environments where everyone thrives.



Explore how women can foster open, authentic conversations that encourage vulnerability and emotional intelligence in leadership.



Discover how validating men’s caregiving roles and encouraging balance in work and life contributes to greater equity at home and in the office.



Learn why challenging outdated models of leadership—and embracing a more human-centered approach—creates stronger, more connected teams.



Uncover how embracing a balance of masculine and feminine leadership traits leads to more resilient, compassionate, and effective leaders.



Gain powerful insights into how women can influence positive change by advocating for emotionally healthy, high-performing workplace cultures.



Moe Carrick is a renowned workplace culture expert, leadership coach, and bestselling author. With over two decades of experience, she has helped major brands like Nike, Amazon, and Reddit build inclusive, innovative, and high-performing workplaces. Her award-winning frameworks reduce burnout, boost engagement, and drive results. A TEDx speaker and Thinkers 360 Award winner, Moe’s insights on leadership and culture are sought after globally. She’s the author of Fit Matters, Brave Space Workplace, and When Work is Good. Passionate about the outdoors, Moe lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband, embracing adventure and lifelong learning.



“Until we see men as competent caregivers and validate their need to be primary in their families emotionally the way women are, we won't get equity or equality at work.” ~Moe Carrick



To learn more about Moe, visit her website. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn.



Moe Carrick's Show Notes