Grit & Gravitas

In this episode of Grit & Gravitas, Anne and Anne sit down with Kait Gillis, Owner of Nour Coffee, and Sara Firestone, VP, Community and Public Relations, Members 1st Federal Credit Union, for a conversation that blends business with deep purpose.   Inspired by her daughter, Nour, who has Down syndrome, and driven by the reality that over 70% of people with disabilities are unemployed, Kait built a workplace where individuals with neurodiversity and typically developing peers work side-by-side, serve the community, and find belonging.    “I couldn’t change who Nour is because Nour is a perfect, beautiful angel, but I could try to fix the world for her a little bit,” Kait shares. With a strong financial relationship and support from Members 1st, Nour Coffee has become a true third space, sourcing from local, small businesses and now Kait has launched a nonprofit, Nouri’s Place, to foster social connection and family resources.   The conversation covers growth and grit beginning with Kait's path from Wall Street to workforce inclusion, to business vitamins about staffing and product standards that match the mission. You’ll also hear about recognition from PA Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro, and Kait's invitation to join PA's Workforce Development Board. As Members 1st proudly watches Nour flourish, Sara says, “I have the good fortune of seeing the good that’s happening in our community every day.”   “I think as more folks are exposed to the benefits of employing somebody with a disability, the timeliness, the desire to work, the never calling off, never showing up late—it’s really beautiful,” says Kait.

We're kicking off Season 5 with one of Anne and Anne's most important podcast topics—women and money! Grit & Gravitas is live in the Members 1st podcast studio welcoming Jacinda Webber and Kim Houck, Wealth Advisors, Members 1st Investment Services and Wealth Management. Women are expected to receive 70% of the estimated $124 trillion in the next 25 years—the largest transfer of wealth in history. Jacinda and Kim educate us on how to have a conversation about investing, how to feel comfortable talking about money, the importance of starting now, and why it's never too late to take control of your financial future. This season premiere is jam-packed with business vitamins so listen now! 

Cohosts Anne Carnathan and Anne Deeter Gallaher are fangirling big time over our Season 4 finale guest: Mariah Grumet Humbert, founder of Old Soul Etiquette! From the fashion industry to certified etiquette trainer, Mariah is redefining the idea of etiquette for our world today.  We may think of etiquette as table manners and wedding RSVPs, but it’s more than that. “Etiquette is about making people feel valued in your presence,” says Mariah. “Instead of rules, it’s tools. Tools for asserting your best self and conveying respect. How can I be the walking movie trailer for someone to say ‘I want to watch that movie?’ How can I make the intentional decision right now to convey that I care about your time?” Featuring business vitamins galore, this episode is one you’ll want to listen to on repeat all summer long!

Did you know? 1 small business opens every 4 minutes in the US! May is National Small Business Month, and in this episode of G&G we’re celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit! Meet our guests: Jacquie Ferentinos, co-owner of the locally owned and operated Bagel Boutique, and Brenna Anderson, VP of Relationship Management for Members 1st Federal Credit Union. In part 3 of our Limited Edition Members 1st series, Jacquie and Brenna sit down with co-hosts Anne and Anne to tell the story of entrepreneurial success and a growing bagel empire—including an incredible financial partner. “We are your people,” says Brenna. “Believe in yourself, take the risk, and we will help you every step of the way.” Other key ingredients? Hard work, relationships, and passion for what you do. “We’re sharing stories one bagel at a time,” says Jacquie. Her advice for entrepreneurs: “Do it scared, do it messy, but do it.” Jacquie and Brenna, welcome to the G&G tribe!

Our G&G co-hosts are excited to welcome Megan Simpson, co-founder of Two Sparks Media along with Kelly Parker, who graced the podcast in 2023. A resident of North Carolina, Megan grew up in New Jersey as the youngest of four powerhouse women, and she’s been in the people business ever since. From the fitness industry to the franchise world, Megan’s gift is making connections and creating collaborations. Megan’s Villanova University marketing professor sparked her passion for marketing. “She’s a powerhouse of a woman who had clarity and confidence and I wanted to be just like her,” Megan says. Megan enjoys returning to her alma mater to mentor today’s students on how to build tomorrow’s network. “It’s never too early to get on LinkedIn to let us know about you and start connecting,” Megan advises. This episode is packed with energetic, people-focused business vitamins perfect for young careerists and college students, and parents of high schoolers.

It’s a milestone day here at Grit & Gravitas as Anne & Anne welcome their first male guest on the podcast in four years—Mike Wilson, President & CEO of Members 1st Federal Credit Union. “Members 1st comes from humble beginnings,” Mike says. “Seventy-five years ago, 9 people put money into a pot to lend each other money to buy appliances during the war, and that’s how Members 1st got started.” By harnessing what Mike calls the Culture of We, this community-favorite credit union is 600,000 members strong and has $8 billion in assets.  As an Army Brat, Mike learned from an early age the value of building relationships. “I speak to every single person the first day they start at Members 1st,” he says. Come along with us for an action-packed 30 minutes on leadership, communication, and inspiration. “Always talk to strangers,” Mike advises. “If I ever wrote a book, that would be the title.” Welcome to the G&G Tribe, Mike!

Join us for an inspiring, can-do conversation with Kelly Palmer, Regional Affairs Director for PPL Electric Utilities. Passionate about the built environment, meeting new people, and increasing opportunities for women and girls through her service on the Cumberland County Commission for Women by working to solve issues like the child care crisis, Kelly believes that planning is a system for the future. “Roads, bridges, wastewater—they’re all mechanisms to connect with one another,” she says. Kelly applies this not only to infrastructure planning, but to community service. Start small, she encourages. You can make a difference by just going to a meeting. The business vitamins Kelly and our co-hosts share this episode will not soon be forgotten. “Speak your mind even if your voice shakes,” Kelly says.

Team G&G is pleased to welcome the incredibly vibrant and energetic Jasmine Brooks, TV News Anchor and Storyteller for CBS21 to the podcast studio. In this episode, Jasmine takes a break from being the interviewer to sit on the other side of the microphone. From how she landed her first anchor job to how motherhood has changed her approach to news reporting, Jasmine shares her secrets to persistence, resilience, and consistency with our listeners and cohosts Anne Deeter Gallaher and Anne Carnathan. What would Jasmine tell her younger self? “You are valuable. And there are opportunities everywhere.” This half hour is bursting with #businessvitamins for young professionals, moms, and mentors.

Today, our G&G co-hosts are excited to welcome fellow Shippensburg University graduate Betsy Hamm, former CEO of Duck Donuts. After four years of leading a donut empire—opening in 9 international countries and 200 locations in 26 days—Betsy is exploring a new challenge as an independent consultant for emerging brands. From figuring out what’s next, to raising your hand and determining your P.I.E., join Anne, Anne, and Betsy for business vitamins for every stage of your career.

In a new year, we often ask ourselves what success looks like. But what does success feel like? As we explore the goals we’ve set for 2025, co-hosts Anne Gallaher and Anne Carnathan discuss not only achieving these goals but how to look back on what we have accomplished with peace, satisfaction, and contentment, rather than always asking ourselves, "What's next?"

DYK? Women send themselves 500 negative or limiting messages each day! In honor of National Mentoring Month, G&G co-hosts Anne Deeter Gallaher and Anne Carnathan invited Gillian Byerly, Executive Director of Girls on the Run Mid State PA, to talk about mentorship and the Power of Yet. Using running as a tool, Girls on the Run is equipping girls from elementary through middle school to be authentic and learn to navigate life with confidence and joy. “Nobody knows where you started from, so how can they criticize where you finish?” says Gillian. Run along with us and pick up loads of business vitamins in this fantastic episode!

Team G&G is putting a bow on 2024 with Episode 86! Co-hosts Anne Deeter Gallaher and Anne Carnathan are honored to celebrate four years of broadcasting this podcast with some outstanding guests sharing unforgettable business vitamins. Thank you to each one of you, our listeners and friends, for sharing this experience and growing along with us. For our last podcast of the year, we’re talking about what we’re putting down and picking up in 2025. “What we put down opens some space for what we pick up. There must be room to pick up new ideas, new people, and new opportunities,” says Gallaher. Happy New Year! We look forward to more learning, laughter, and adventure in 2025!

Ever catch yourself doubting your abilities or thinking you’re not skilled enough to tackle a new challenge? You’re not alone. In this episode of Grit & Gravitas, co-hosts Anne Deeter Gallaher and Anne Carnathan dive into a universal struggle: Imposter Syndrome. Join the conversation as they share personal stories and advice on overcoming what Carnathan calls “a crisis of confidence.” For those moments when you feel like an imposter, let’s offer each other business vitamins to banish those doubts!

Today, Grit & Gravitas co-hosts Anne Deeter Gallaher and Anne Carnathan welcome Jillian Susi, PR and Communications Senior Manager for Discord. Joining Team G&G virtually from sunny San Diego, Jillian shares her inspiring career journey from her early beginnings as a Deeter Gallaher Group high school intern to working for a US Senator to Discord, a communication app that allows you to talk with friends via text chat, voice, and video.  Emphasizing the importance of seeking mentorship, embracing feedback, and following your inner knowing, Jillian offers actionable insights on navigating the workforce with passion for what you love and a willingness to be agile. Packed with business vitamins, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to grow, pivot, or take that first big leap. “Find what you’re good at and chase after that,” says Susi.

Join us for a special LIVE edition of Grit & Gravitas at the Conference for Women in Camp Hill, PA, where co-hosts Anne Carnathan and Anne Deeter Gallaher dive into the real-life stories of resilience, reinvention, and embracing the unexpected twists that shape our personal and professional journeys. Through candid conversation with 300+ women in a fireside chat setting, Anne & Anne share 10 “Unstoppable" moments. The session ends with a dynamic Q&A offering real-time advice for women in business on saying Yes to hard things, the value of your network, and conquering your fears. Expect actionable insights, powerful reflections, and business vitamins you can apply immediately.

Join co-hosts Anne Carnathan and Anne Deeter Gallaher for an insightful 30 minutes with Oralia Garcia Dominic, the President and Founder of the National Institute of Rural & Minority Health (NIRMH). Discover what inspired Oralia to launch NIRMH as she shares invaluable wisdom on trusting your instincts, pursuing your dreams, and making a difference. “The time is now,” says Oralia. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation filled with actionable insights and business vitamins you won’t forget.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, G&G co-hosts Anne Carnathan and Anne Deeter Gallaher chat with Leigh Hurst, founder of Feel Your Boobies. Diagnosed with breast cancer at age 33, Leigh recalls how a fun idea to make a t-shirt with the slogan “Feel Your Boobies” unexpectedly went viral, leading her to create a foundation dedicated to breast cancer awareness. Leigh details her journey from corporate training and consulting to pursuing a passion that truly matters to her. “I am finally getting to work on something that I love, that I care about,” she says. They also dive into her book, “Say Something Big,” which encourages women to find their voice. Leigh’s business vitamins are not to be missed!

Have you ever found yourself wishing the workweek away or only living for the weekend? Patty Sibbach, co-owner of Precision Training Concepts and co-founder of the just-launched GIVING WELLNESS community health program, once felt the same. Then she took a leap of faith and pursued her passion for fitness. In this episode, Patty shares the pivotal “aha” moment she experienced in the gym, which ignited her mission to help others achieve lasting health and fitness results. Join Patty, along with cohosts Anne Carnathan and Anne Deeter Gallaher, as she reveals how she built a successful fitness business to help others transform into their best selves. Fun Fact: 3 Shippensburg University grads found a new level of energy in this ep. Shout out to Patty’s co-owner and husband Bryan Sibbach, who is also a Ship alum!

In this much-anticipated kickoff to Season 4, co-hosts Anne Carnathan and Anne Deeter Gallaher are joined by Tracy Pawelski, a woman who understands the beauty and bravery of reinvention. Tracy shares her journey of finding courage, overcoming fear, and the rewards she discovered through long-distance walking. Tune in as she shares the life lessons she learned along the way, and why “it takes a lot of courage, a lot of discernment to reinvent yourself.” Whether you’re contemplating a career change or simply looking for inspiration, this episode offers valuable insights and business vitamins for anyone seeking to embrace a reinvention journey.

From the age of eight, Danielle Breezy knew she wanted to be a meteorologist. She set a goal to be a Chief Meteorologist for a broadcast network by age 40, and through strategic connections, hard work, and a positive attitude, she made her dream a reality at age 31.     Today serving as Nashville WKRN News 2 Chief Meteorologist, Danielle joins Grit & Gravitas hosts Anne Deeter Gallaher and Anne Carnathan virtually from Nashville. Danielle shares her STEM journey, tips for young professionals seeking a career in meteorology, and a few interesting moments from her time on live television. This Season 2 premiere episode is loaded with business vitamins, big energy, and laughs!