InPowered Women Podcast

She Went to the Dark Side: From Insurance to Commercial Roofing CEO | Tomeka Thomas

In this episode of the InPowered Women Podcast, Sharon Lee sits down with Tomeka Thomas, owner of The Roof Clinic, for a fun, honest, and inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, family, and what it takes to build a successful business in a male-dominated industry.
Tomeka shares her unexpected path from the insurance world to becoming a commercial roofing CEO, including the moment she and her husband realized they might be ready to “go to the dark side” of construction. From insurance claims and government contracting to business development, job-site leadership, motherhood, marriage, and trusting relationships, this conversation is full of wisdom, laughter, and real-life perspective.
Tomeka’s story is a reminder that career paths are not always linear, opportunity often begins with a question, and leadership requires both strategy and heart. In this episode, we talk about:
How Tomeka transitioned from insurance to commercial roofing
What it’s like to build a business with your spouse
Why relationships matter in business development
Leading crews and managing commercial roofing projects
Government contracting and the value of mentorship
Balancing motherhood, marriage, and entrepreneurship
The courage to follow unexpected opportunities
Learn more about The Roof Clinic: https://theroofclinic.com/
Connect with Tomeka Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomekathomas/
Hosted by Sharon Lee, Principal of Pinnacle Strategic Advisors and co-founder of InPowered Women.

InPowered Women Podcast: Interview of Sharon Lee Thony

What started as a funny “same name” connection turned into a powerful conversation you won’t want to miss.
In this episode, I sit down with Sharon Lee Thony, founder and CEO of SLTC, to talk about her journey from corporate advertising to building a thriving digital marketing agency. We dive into the real moments behind the success—taking risks, navigating motherhood while earning her MBA, and learning to trust herself before everything felt “figured out.”
This conversation is honest, relatable, and full of perspective for any woman navigating career growth, big decisions, or the pull toward entrepreneurship.

InPowered Women: Interview of Rachael Horn

In this episode of the InPowered Women Podcast, Sharon Lee sits down with Rachael Horn, Growth Partner at Vye Agency, for a lively conversation about marketing, strategy, career pivots, and the power of building a strong foundation for growth. From her early work in the nonprofit world to teaching English in Italy during COVID, Rachael shares how each chapter shaped the marketing leader she is today.
Now based in Nashville, Rachael works with companies to create strategic marketing plans built around real business goals, target audience research, and measurable results. She and Sharon also dig into AI in marketing, CRM strategy, consistent messaging, and why businesses can’t afford to “set it and forget it” when it comes to growth.
And because this is InPowered Women, the conversation also gets personal. Rachael talks about becoming a yoga instructor, building a side wellness offering, and bringing energy, balance, and intention into both work and life. This episode is insightful, high-energy, and a whole lot of fun — with the added bonus that Sharon and Rachael also happen to be aunt and niece.
A special thank you to Megan Kuhl with Perfect Search for sponsoring this episode. Learn more at PerfectSearchInc.com.

InPowered Women Interview of Rebekah Black

In this episode of InPowered Women, Sharon Lee interviews Rebekah Black, Founder & CEO of Jambos, a non-profit organization providing pajamas to children in foster care. They have a fun conversation, as we learn how Rebekah launched this idea with $12 in the bank, it's growth and expansion...and a few bumps along the way. Join us for the full story. And, to learn more about Jambos, check out their website at www.JambosDonates.org. Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Schantz Home Improvement, providing siding, roofing, windows and doors to metro Atlanta homeowners for over 25 years. Look them up at www.SchantzHomeImprovement.com. 

Interview of Gabrielle Mills

Episode Summary:
In this special first-ever video episode of the InPowered Women Podcast, Sharon Lee sits down with entrepreneur, speaker, and fellow Iron Forums member Gabrielle Mills, Founder & President of Sourced.
Gabrielle went from corporate marketing at brands like IHG and the PGA Tour to launching a company from her mother’s basement — and building it into a multi-award-winning, recession-resistant firm. But this episode goes much deeper than business strategy.
Gabrielle shares the real story: the grind, the tears, the moments of doubt, the “Year That Must Not Be Named,” and the faith that kept her going even when the odds said “quit.”
From scaling lessons to mental toughness to the importance of getting in rooms that stretch you, Gabrielle’s story is equal parts practical and powerful. If you're an entrepreneur, a builder, or a business leader pushing toward that next level — this conversation will leave you energized and ready to move.
Insights from this episode:
You don’t fail unless you quit — everything else is learning
Scaling requires structure: Systems, processes, and the right talent
Your “why” must be big enough to hold you through the hard days
Recession resistance is real — if your business is built intentionally
Mentorship matters: you can’t reach your full potential in isolation
Success is rarely a straight line — sometimes it’s Audis after a crisis
Entrepreneurship requires mental toughness and a willingness to pivot
Quotes from the show:
“Your why has to be big enough to sustain you from all you’re having to go through.” — Gabrielle Mills, InPowered Women Podcast
“You don’t ever fail unless you give up. Failure isn’t real… it’s a construct. You win or you learn something.” — Gabrielle Mills, InPowered Women Podcast
“I’m a huge proponent of mentorship. You can’t fully unlock your potential without someone who has walked the path in front of you.” — Gabrielle Mills, InPowered Women Podcast
“When God closes a door, it’s because He’s pushing you somewhere else — even when you don’t know where ‘somewhere else’ is yet.” — Gabrielle Mills, InPowered Women Podcast
About Gabrielle Mills
Gabrielle Mills is the Founder & President of Sourced., a multi-award-winning back-office services firm helping entrepreneurs scale with clarity, confidence, and systems that actually work. She specializes in helping companies under $5 million in revenue break ceilings and build sustainable, scalable operations.
She is known for her high-energy speaking style, actionable frameworks, and her belief that business owners deserve freedom — not just survival. Gabrielle has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs and is the author of the upcoming book S.C.A.L.E. Like You Mean It, focused on operations, resilience, and mindset for sustainable growth.
A former corporate marketer for major brands, Gabrielle left the boardroom for a calling: helping founders build businesses and lives they’re proud of. As a wife, mom of two toddlers, and business partner to her mother, she brings heart, humor, strategy, and a whole lot of grit to every stage she steps on.
About Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee is an accomplished entrepreneur and strategic marketing consultant who works with B2B and B2C organizations to strengthen branding, messaging, automation, and relationship-driven marketing. As the Principal of Pinnacle Strategic Advisors, she helps companies elevate their communications and connect authentically with customers.
She is also the founder of the InPowered Women networking group and host of the InPowered Women Podcast, where she spotlights unstoppable female leaders whose stories uplift others and open doors for women in business.

Interview of Pamela DeRitis

Episode Summary
In the newest episode of the InPowered Women Podcast, the host, Sharon Lee chats with the founder of Connect & Captivate, Pamela DeRits. 
 
From being in acting and improv to now having her own LLC that focuses on public-speaking, Pamela has plenty of wisdom nuggets to share. She’s worked with people across a plethora of avenues like medicine, sales, marketing, and more. Pamela’s work in acting has influenced the way she’s been growing Connect & Captivate. With a belief system rooted in authenticity, listening to the audience, and expressing better, she ensures you’re able to stand out.
 
Most of her lessons start from strengthening the foundational barriers speakers face and then slowly transitioning into building confidence and clarity. Tune in now to deliver your next on-camera conversation bigger and better.
 
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee is an accomplished entrepreneur and marketing expert dedicated to empowering female leaders. With a diverse background in sales and marketing across industries like advertising, magazine publishing, and solar energy, Sharon's journey showcases her versatility and determination. As the principal of Pinnacle Strategic Advisors, she assists businesses in enhancing their marketing strategies. Sharon's entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish her own consulting firm, reflecting her commitment to excellence. Alongside her professional pursuits, Sharon co-founded the InPowered Women's networking group, fostering mentorship and support for women in business. Through the InPowered Women Podcast, Sharon will share stories of resilient female leaders with listeners, encouraging them to pursue their aspirations fearlessly.
 
Pamela DeRits
Pamela draws on over fifteen years of experience in acting and improv to help you create authentic and influential communications with your peers, employees, or your audience. Through coaching that builds confidence and character, Pamela will help you become a trusted partner to your clients and customers, whether you are networking in person, giving a keynote speech, or creating video content to help sales conversions.
 
Insights From This Episode:
Don’t speak to the entire crowd, focus on your ideal persona
Separate your emotions and words while you’re working on relationship-building
Self-consciousness and nervousness is the death of delivery
If you’re a great listener, you’re one step closer to being a good speaker
Your words don’t matter as much as the way you deliver them to an audience
Go big, then go home
 
Quotes From the Show:
“Connect & Captivate is a result of years of evolution of me as an actor and a businessperson. In a nutshell, I offer on-camera speaking coaching for execs and it is based on my acting and improv background” - Pamela DeRits, InPowered Women, Episode #18
“The Meisener Method is rooted in learning to listen very intently to your scene partner and putting all of your intention on the other person as opposed to being all caught up with what’s going on inside your head”  - Pamela DeRits, InPowered Women, Episode #18
“It will help you to relax and be less self-conscious if you are imagining who you are talking to. Put your attention on the other person” - Pamela DeRits, InPowered Women, Episode #18
“The more you’re in your head, you start questioning and you have self-doubt” - Sharon Lee, InPowered Women, Episode #18
“We drilled and drilled and drilled those foundational skills of listening, of living in the moment, to the point where I could have a conversation if you would” - Pamela DeRits, InPowered Women, Episode #18
 
Resources Mentioned
Rober Mello Studio
Lessons in Chemistry
 
Sharon Lee
Email: sharon@pinnaclestrategicadvisors.net
LinkedIn: Sharon Lee
 
Michelle Wildenhaus
LinkedIn: Pamela DeRitis
Email ID: hello@connectandcaptivate.com
 
Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on Spotify, PodBean, and Listen Notes.
 
This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry.
 
Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Propser Performance and PT
 

The Interview of Michelle Wildenhaus

Episode Summary:
In the latest episode of the InPowered Women’s Podcast, host Sharon Lee interviews Pamela Williams-Lime, Executive Director of The Arts Council. Pamela shares an overview of the Council’s mission and her role within the organization. Coming from a background in retail, she explains how she successfully transferred her skills into the arts industry.
 
Building an arts centre was no easy feat. Pamela recounts how she began by working without pay, gradually assembling a team, generating revenue, and getting the organization off the ground.
 
She offers valuable insights into defining a clear vision, building a strong team through mentorship, and equipping team members with life-long skills. Pamela also highlights the summer music series, a major fundraiser featuring a big jazz orchestra.
 
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee is an accomplished entrepreneur and marketing expert dedicated to empowering female leaders. With a diverse background in sales and marketing across industries like advertising, magazine publishing, and solar energy, Sharon's journey showcases her versatility and determination. As the principal of Pinnacle Strategic Advisors, she assists businesses in enhancing their marketing strategies. Sharon's entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish her own consulting firm, reflecting her commitment to excellence. Alongside her professional pursuits, Sharon co-founded the InPowered Women's networking group, fostering mentorship and support for women in business. Through the InPowered Women Podcast, Sharon will share stories of resilient female leaders with listeners, encouraging them to pursue their aspirations fearlessly.
 
Pamela Williams-Lime
Pamela Williams-Lime is the new Executive Director of The Arts Council in Gainesville, Hall County, Georgia. She joined the organization in January 2022, following a year-long search for a successor to Gladys Wyant, who served as executive director from 1984 until March 2021. Williams-Lime previously served as the executive director of Milwaukee's Pabst Mansion.
 
Insights from this episode:
Overview of the Arts Council and its mission
Pamela’s role as Executive Director
Transitioning from the retail industry to the arts sector
Building and staffing an arts and cultural facility from the ground up
Defining a clear vision for the organization
The value of mentorship in the workplace
Supporting team growth through skill development and guidance
 
Quotes from the show:
“When people think about starting an arts and cultural facility, they think this is gonna be easy. But they really don’t know what kind of talent you need to staff it to build it.” – Pamela Williams-Lime, InPowered Women, Episode #16
“I love looking at a community and gaining an understanding of the community and where an asset like this could better serve the community” – Pamela Williams-Lime, InPowered Women, Episode #16
“I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason, but you have to be aware, and not rigid in what you want your career path should be. You cannot limit yourself, you have to be very open-minded.” – Pamela Williams-Lime, InPowered Women, Episode #16
“Coming in from outside, you want to absorb all the information that a community has, to develop what that vision is for going forward. It’s not about me, it’s not about what I like or don’t like, it’s what the community would like.” – Pamela Williams-Lime, InPowered Women, Episode #16
“You tend to gravitate with people that you feel comfortable with, and sometimes that mentorship organically happens just based on that comfort level” – Pamela Williams-Lime, InPowered Women, Episode #16
“If you have fun in the workplace, I think you absorb more organically”  – Pamela Williams-Lime, InPowered Women, Episode #16
 
Sharon Lee
Email: sharon@pinnaclestrategicadvisors.net
LinkedIn: Sharon Lee
 
Pamela Williams-Lime
Contact: 770-534-2787
Instagram: The Arts Council
The Arts Council
Summer Concert Series
 
Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on Spotify, PodBean, and Listen Notes.
 
This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry.

Interview of Pamela Williams-Lime

Episode Summary:
In the latest episode of the InPowered Women’s Podcast, host Sharon Lee interviews Pamela Williams-Lime, Executive Director of The Arts Council. Pamela shares an overview of the Council’s mission and her role within the organization. Coming from a background in retail, she explains how she successfully transferred her skills into the arts industry.
 
Building an arts centre was no easy feat. Pamela recounts how she began by working without pay, gradually assembling a team, generating revenue, and getting the organization off the ground.
 
She offers valuable insights into defining a clear vision, building a strong team through mentorship, and equipping team members with life-long skills. Pamela also highlights the summer music series, a major fundraiser featuring a big jazz orchestra.
 
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee is an accomplished entrepreneur and marketing expert dedicated to empowering female leaders. With a diverse background in sales and marketing across industries like advertising, magazine publishing, and solar energy, Sharon's journey showcases her versatility and determination. As the principal of Pinnacle Strategic Advisors, she assists businesses in enhancing their marketing strategies. Sharon's entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish her own consulting firm, reflecting her commitment to excellence. Alongside her professional pursuits, Sharon co-founded the InPowered Women's networking group, fostering mentorship and support for women in business. Through the InPowered Women Podcast, Sharon will share stories of resilient female leaders with listeners, encouraging them to pursue their aspirations fearlessly.
 
Pamela Williams-Lime
Pamela Williams-Lime is the new Executive Director of The Arts Council in Gainesville, Hall County, Georgia. She joined the organization in January 2022, following a year-long search for a successor to Gladys Wyant, who served as executive director from 1984 until March 2021. Williams-Lime previously served as the executive director of Milwaukee's Pabst Mansion.
 
Insights from this episode:
Overview of the Arts Council and its mission
Pamela’s role as Executive Director
Transitioning from the retail industry to the arts sector
Building and staffing an arts and cultural facility from the ground up
Defining a clear vision for the organization
The value of mentorship in the workplace
Supporting team growth through skill development and guidance
 
Quotes from the show:
“When people think about starting an arts and cultural facility, they think this is gonna be easy. But they really don’t know what kind of talent you need to staff it to build it.” – Pamela Williams-Lime, InPowered Women, Episode #16
“I love looking at a community and gaining an understanding of the community and where an asset like this could better serve the community” – Pamela Williams-Lime, InPowered Women, Episode #16
“I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason, but you have to be aware, and not rigid in what you want your career path should be. You cannot limit yourself, you have to be very open-minded.” – Pamela Williams-Lime, InPowered Women, Episode #16
“Coming in from outside, you want to absorb all the information that a community has, to develop what that vision is for going forward. It’s not about me, it’s not about what I like or don’t like, it’s what the community would like.” – Pamela Williams-Lime, InPowered Women, Episode #16
“You tend to gravitate with people that you feel comfortable with, and sometimes that mentorship organically happens just based on that comfort level” – Pamela Williams-Lime, InPowered Women, Episode #16
“If you have fun in the workplace, I think you absorb more organically”  – Pamela Williams-Lime, InPowered Women, Episode #16
 
Sharon Lee
Email: sharon@pinnaclestrategicadvisors.net
LinkedIn: Sharon Lee
 
Pamela Williams-Lime
Contact: 770-534-2787
Instagram: The Arts Council
The Arts Council
Summer Concert Series
 
Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on Spotify, PodBean, and Listen Notes.
 
This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry.

Interview of Heidi Moore, General Manager of Skier’s Marine

Episode Summary:
In the latest episode of the InPowered Women’s Podcast, host Sharon Lee sits down with Heidi Moore, the General Manager of Skier’s Marine. 
 
Sharon starts by sharing how they first met and their initial interaction. Heidi Moore follows up by introducing the kind of boats they represent at Skier’s Marine and how she got into boating. Starting as a doctor, Heidi highlights how she shifted her focus to boating through her passion for boating and her love for scripture about water. With an upcoming event on April 20th, she gives details about the connections that the boating experience offers and how it is important to unplug. Finally, Heidi shares how she is using the boating experience to teach children how to overcome obstacles.
 
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee is an accomplished entrepreneur and marketing expert dedicated to empowering female leaders. With a diverse background in sales and marketing across industries like advertising, magazine publishing, and solar energy, Sharon's journey showcases her versatility and determination. As the principal of Pinnacle Strategic Advisors, she assists businesses in enhancing their marketing strategies. Sharon's entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish her own consulting firm, reflecting her commitment to excellence. Alongside her professional pursuits, Sharon co-founded the InPowered Women's networking group, fostering mentorship and support for women in business. Through the InPowered Women Podcast, Sharon will share stories of resilient female leaders with listeners, encouraging them to pursue their aspirations fearlessly.
 
Kara Willis
Heidi Moore is the General Manager at Skier’s Marine Atlanta, a family-owned dealership in the Southeast. She helps families create memories and connections on the ladder. 
Insights from this episode:
Details about Skiers Marine
What Heidi does at Skiers Marine
What kind of boats they represent at Skiers Marine
Heidi shares her journey of transitioning from being a doctor to boating
Heidi gives details about her upcoming event on April 20th
Heidi shares the misconceptions about boating
Giving back and helping the underserved
 
Quotes from the show:
“Mentorship means something different to just about anybody. For me, it’s been interesting to take a biblical perspective to business and how I can take that back as a leader and grow myself and my team” – Heidi Moore, InPowered Women, Episode #15 
On her upcoming event, “If you are not really sure where you fit but you’re dying to come and learn more, there is something for everyone” – Heidi Moore, InPowered Women, Episode #15 
“I mean that’s what boating is all about: it’s about unplugging, making all the connections, and making the memories” – Heidi Moore, InPowered Women, Episode #15 
“Community involvement and loving others is important to me, but not only that. It’s really fun that God has given me a voice to be around women.”  – Heidi Moore, InPowered Women, Episode #15 
“Instead, I am sharing life and encouragement in teaching children that they can be full and have victory getting off the dock, just like they can have victory in life and how they can overcome obstacles, and I am using boating as the vessel for that.” – Heidi Moore, InPowered Women, Episode #15 
 
Sharon Lee
Email: sharon@pinnaclestrategicadvisors.net
LinkedIn: Sharon Lee
 
Kara Willis
LinkedIn: Heidi Moore
Skier’s Marine
 
Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on Spotify, PodBean, and Listen Notes.
 
This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry.

Interview of Kara Willis, owner of The Mastermind Collective

Episode Summary:
In the latest episode of the InPowered Women’s Podcast, host Sharon Lee sits down with Kara Willis, founder of The Mastermind Collective. Kara shares insights into what The Mastermind Collective is all about, her career journey, and what inspired her to start this movement.
 
Kara delves into how she’s building a community for women in business through her organization and curated supper clubs, designed to meet individual needs and foster deeper connections with like-minded people. She also highlights the power of a strong community and friendships when navigating major career changes. Finally, Kara wraps up by sharing how having a mentor in her corner made a difference — someone who cheered her on throughout her career.
 
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee is an accomplished entrepreneur and marketing expert dedicated to empowering female leaders. With a diverse background in sales and marketing across industries like advertising, magazine publishing, and solar energy, Sharon's journey showcases her versatility and determination. As the principal of Pinnacle Strategic Advisors, she assists businesses in enhancing their marketing strategies. Sharon's entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish her own consulting firm, reflecting her commitment to excellence. Alongside her professional pursuits, Sharon co-founded the InPowered Women's networking group, fostering mentorship and support for women in business. Through the InPowered Women Podcast, Sharon will share stories of resilient female leaders with listeners, encouraging them to pursue their aspirations fearlessly.
 
Kara Willis
Kara Willis is the founder of The Mastermind Collective. A former Fortune 100 global corporate professional turned community builder and coach, she now helps women in business achieve the same level of success and results that high-performing employees do in global companies.
 
Insights from this episode:
What the Masterminds Collective is
Kara’s career history
Establishing Kara’s networking events and why she started her supper clubs
What sets her supper clubs apart from the rest
The importance of creating solid relationships and community
Benefits of joining her online community
 
Quotes from the show:
“That’s the beautiful thing about having women in your inner circle; they can cheer you on and then back it up right with reassurance” – Kara Willis, InPowered Women, Episode #14 
“As an entrepreneur, you can be in consumption mode till eternity” – Kara Willis, InPowered Women, Episode #14 
“I feel like the best thing that could be said — that I would want anything I touch to be known for — is that there are kind people who are also high performers and go-getters in the room, and that they are approachable, collaborative, and easy to connect with” – Kara Willis, InPowered Women, Episode #14 
“[On the supper club] It nurtures that part of you that just wants that connection where you feel like you can go deeper and form relationships” – Kara Willis, InPowered Women, Episode #14 
“Your next job, your next client is gonna come from a relationship. Your next employee is gonna come from creating a relationship for your next opportunity” – Kara Willis, InPowered Women, Episode #14 
“If relationships are the foundational core of every aspect of me moving forward to hit my goals, how can I pull more of these relationships towards me?” – Kara Willis, InPowered Women, Episode #14 
“Having someone who believes in your highest self and maintains that vision for you, even when you don’t always see it yourself, is just so empowering” – Kara Willis, InPowered Women, Episode #14 
 
Sharon Lee
Email: sharon@pinnaclestrategicadvisors.net
LinkedIn: Sharon Lee
 
Kara Willis
LinkedIn: Kara Willis
Instagram: Kara Willis
Masterminds Collective
 
Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on Spotify, PodBean, and Listen Notes.
 
Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Perfect Search www.perfectsearch.com
 
This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry.