The Power Within

Live from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 54th Annual Legislative Conference, host Alethia Jackson — founder of The Ultimate PowerPlay — sits down with Olympic Gold Medalist and CEO Benita Fitzgerald Mosley for a powerful conversation on purpose, resilience, and the true meaning of power.In this inspiring episode, Benita shares how she transformed vision into action, led with unwavering confidence, and built a lasting legacy. She reflects on her journey from Olympic champion to leading national organizations and empowering women through her consultancy, LeadLeg LLC — offering wisdom shaped by experience at the highest levels.Together, Alethia and Benita explore:• Recognizing and harnessing your inner power• Turning vision into meaningful action and impact• The role of community and connection in sustaining success• Overcoming setbacks and reclaiming your power through resilience• Why asking “Why not me?” can change everythingThis episode is a masterclass in confidence, leadership, and the quiet strength that defines true power.🎧 Listen now — and be reminded that the most powerful force you have is already within you.

In this episode of The Power Within Podcast, host Alethia Jackson, founder of The Ultimate PowerPlay, sits down with Paige Soya, Managing Partner at K Street Capital. With two unicorns and over a decade of investing in high-growth, regulated industries, Paige offers a powerful perspective on innovation and leadership in the startup world.Together, Alethia and Paige explore the true meaning of power—beyond financial capital—to include vision, relationships, and resilience. They discuss how community and connection sustain lasting success, and how government and policy, when embraced, can accelerate growth rather than hinder it. Paige also shares lessons from her journey as both founder and investor, along with her favorite well-being practices: unplugging, dedicating time for family, and reading for renewal.An inspiring conversation on power, community, and momentum.

Join The Power Within host Alethia Jackson as she sits down with Barbara Best to talk about redefining power and using it to uplift others. Barbara shares how she helps women connect, collaborate, and build community, while also challenging them to claim their seat at the financial table.From negotiating salaries with confidence to letting go of shame around past money mistakes, Barbara offers practical insights on creating impact, expanding your network, and leveraging your resources to advance both yourself and others. You’ll hear why community is a force multiplier, how to tap into authentic connection, and why true power comes from using your influence for the greater good.This episode will inspire you to embrace the power within—boldly, unapologetically, and on your own terms. No matter where you are on your professional journey—whether a high-flying executive making complex financial decisions or just starting out and learning to navigate compensation and personal wealth building—you’ll walk away with strategies to own your financial voice and create a future defined by both purpose and prosperity.

In this masterclass episode of The Power Within Podcast, host Alethia Jackson engages in a dynamic and thought-provoking conversation with Karen Ignagni, Executive Board Chair of EmblemHealth—one of the most respected voices in healthcare leadership.Together, they unpack what it truly means to lead at the intersection of innovation, policy, and service—where executive decision-making is anchored in the real needs people. Karen brings a wealth of experience and wisdom, offering a blueprint for transformative leadership that is grounded in integrity, purpose, and the courage to navigate complexity with clarity.This conversation explores how authentic influence is cultivated through rigorous preparation, cross-functional collaboration, and fostering environments that encourage diverse perspectives and constructive challenge. Karen shares practical strategies for leading through uncertainty, building resilient and mission-aligned teams, and driving innovation in a highly technical, high-stakes industry—without losing sight of the human impact at every level.Designed for executives, emerging leaders, and changemakers, this episode offers deep insights into how to lead boldly, think creatively, and drive sustainable impact—always with people at the center.

In this compelling episode of The Power Within, host Alethia Jackson sits down with Congresswoman Robin Kelly, who represents Illinois’s 2nd District and is a candidate for the U.S. Senate. Their candid and thoughtful conversation explores what power and public service truly mean in today’s world.Together, they challenge traditional notions of power—often mistaken for volume, status, or force—and instead spotlight a more grounded, authentic form of leadership rooted in trust, collaboration, and quiet confidence. Congresswoman Kelly reflects on her personal journey of discovering inner strength, the power of relationships, and leading with unwavering principle and a deep commitment to service.She shares how she consistently shows up, does the work, and makes a lasting impact—on her constituents, her state, and the nation.This episode will expand your understanding of leadership, inspire you to embrace your own voice, and remind you that true power doesn’t need to shout—it leads with purpose.

In this powerful episode of The Power Within, Alethia Jackson sits down with dynamic CEO and master convener Keenan Austin Reid for an authentic and energizing conversation about building community, owning your power, and navigating spaces with intention. Keenan shares hard-earned lessons on sponsorship, driving impact, and protecting your power — from overcoming the doubts of others early in her career to leading at the highest levels today. She offers a sharp perspective on how opportunities can be stunted if you don’t know the rules of engagement and why community is a true game changer, stretching your thinking and pushing you to the next level. Known for her action-oriented approach, Keenan also reminds us that joy and authentic connection are vital sources of power. Tune in and feel inspired to move boldly and thrive.

In this episode of The Power Within, host Alethia Jackson sits down with Kristi Rogers — a dynamic executive, trailblazing founder, and bold risk-taker — for an unfiltered conversation about what it truly means to own your power. Kristi challenges the myth that power is defined by titles or status, instead revealing how it’s rooted in authenticity and the courage to take on challenges others might avoid.She reflects on her journey through high-stakes industries like global supply chain and defense, the highs and lows of launching startups, and how embracing failure has shaped her leadership. Kristi believes failure isn’t something to fear — it’s where resilience is built and leadership is sharpened.This episode is a powerful reminder that taking risks isn’t reckless — it’s often the path to realizing your full potential. Tune in for a bold and inspiring exploration of purpose, risk, and leading on your own terms.

The Power Within Podcast: Hana S. Sharif on Manifestation, Intention & Writing Your Own StoryIn this inspiring episode of The Power Within, Arena Stage Artistic Director Hana F. Sharif shares a heartfelt conversation about living with intention, leading with purpose, and the power of choice. Hana reflects on her leadership journey, shaped by clarity of vision and a deep commitment to service through art.With wisdom passed down from her mother and a gift for reading emotional cues, Hana reminds us that our voice, thoughts, and dreams all carry energy—and that energy can be manifested into reality. She also explores the communal nature of art as a sacred exchange that elevates humanity and connects us across time and experience.Tune in to hear this powerful call to write your own story, honor your truth, and manifest your purpose. Oh, and there’s also a story about a college president’s stolen couch. You’ll have to listen to learn more.

On this episode of The Power Within, Alethia sits down with media executive and Emmy award-winning executive producer Kathy O’Hearn — a powerhouse behind some of television’s most pivotal moments.  With honesty and wisdom, Kathy shares what it truly means to lead from the power within.She reveals her leadership “superpowers”: emotional intelligence, the humility to keep learning, and the courage to make bold decisions — even in uncertainty. Kathy emphasizes the importance of intergenerational learning, owning your story before others do, and never second-guessing yourself just because someone else is.Most powerfully, she reminds us that “power is a quiet thing” — rooted not in volume, but in clarity, confidence, and calm.This episode is a masterclass in transformational leadership and grounded strength. Whether you’re just starting out or evolving in your journey, Kathy’s insights will inspire you to lead from within.Listen now.

On this episode of The Power Within, Alethia sits down with Kate Goodall—trailblazing Co-founder & Managing Partner of Halcyon Venture Partners (HVP) and Co-founder of Halcyon. HVP backs seed-stage startups in climate, health and equitytech.  Kate shares her journey from incubating impact-driven startups to reshaping the investment landscape. With her signature blend of humility and bold vision, she reflects on leadership rooted in communication, resilience, and shared power. Kate discusses building flat organizations, setting boundaries, and staying true to her values. Her story is a blueprint for sustainable success and purposeful reinvention.This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to tap into their own power, navigate change with purpose and build a future rooted in both impact and joy. As Kate reminds us, “The energy you enter a room with is everything.”

On this episode of The Power Within, Alethia sits down with Cleve Mesidor— Executive Director of the Blockchain Foundation. Cleve shares her remarkable journey from political strategist to blockchain pioneer and early crypto adopter. Drawing from her Haitian heritage and personal superpower of taking risks, Cleve reflects on how she has reinvented herself over the years, reminding us that “Power is doing something even though you’re afraid." She also reveals how reclaiming her power has meant negotiating the terms of her engagement with others and setting clear boundaries—critical skills for anyone looking to thrive in fast-moving, uncertain spaces.Whether you’re passionate about blockchain, inspired by innovation, or just seeking a fresh way to own your narrative, this episode is packed with bold insights to help spark your Power Within.

This week on The Power Within, we sit down with the incomparable Shelley Zalis—founder and CEO of The Female Quotient, renowned entrepreneur, and advocate for gender equality. Shelley has been at the forefront of creating inclusive spaces for women for over 20 years. Her journey began with a groundbreaking moment at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2013, where she led a group of over 50 women in walking the convention floor—a bold statement in a traditionally male-dominated space. Since then, that group has grown exponentially, symbolizing the increasing presence and influence of women in the tech industry. Shelley has a remarkable talent for forging impactful partnerships with some of the business world’s most powerful figures, creating spaces for genuine connection and collaboration in FQ’s Equality Lounges In our conversation, Shelley emphasizes the importance of recognizing and embracing one’s unique inner strengths. She shares how tapping into the Power Within enabled her to carve out new pathways for women in the workplace. By owning the Power Within, Shelley has been instrumental in creating inclusive spaces and advocating for gender equality across industries.