What does Empowering Women mean to you?
Empowering women means creating a world where every woman has the opportunity, resources, and confidence to reach her fullest potential, both personally and professionally. It’s about dismantling barriers—whether they are cultural, systemic, or self-imposed—that have historically held women back and replacing them with environments where women can thrive. Empowerment is multifaceted: it involves uplifting women’s voices, encouraging them to share their unique perspectives, and ensuring those voices are heard and respected in every space.
It also encompasses the support systems that allow women to make bold, informed decisions without fear. Whether it’s mentoring future leaders, providing education and resources, or championing women in male-dominated fields, empowerment means giving women the tools they need to lead and succeed. Beyond personal growth, it’s about fostering a culture of inclusivity and equality, where women feel not only valued but also celebrated for their contributions.
For us, empowering women also means encouraging authentic self-expression. It’s about reminding women that their experiences and journeys—complete with victories and challenges—are valuable. When women are supported in bringing their full, unfiltered selves to the table, they can drive innovation, influence positive change, and inspire others to do the same.
Ultimately, empowering women is about creating ripple effects that go beyond individual success. When women are empowered, families, communities, and entire industries benefit. It’s about ensuring that the next generation of girls sees a world where there are no limits to what they can achieve, and every woman feels capable and worthy of using her voice to advocate for herself and for others.
How did you get started working in your field?
Tara and Amanda both began their professional journeys in the demanding world of broadcast journalism, a field that requires confidence, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of the truth. Tara started as a TV news anchor in the Midwest, while Amanda made her mark as an award-winning journalist working in various states. From day one, they were thrust into high-pressure environments where they had to quickly adapt, think on their feet, and command attention in male-dominated newsrooms. Reporting live from the scene of breaking news and navigating complex interviews taught them the power of preparation, resilience, and clear communication.
As women in an industry where they were constantly under the microscope, they learned firsthand how to advocate for themselves and build credibility in spaces where their voices were often challenged or underestimated. This experience ignited a passion in both of them for helping other women find and use their voices, especially in environments that can be intimidating or exclusionary. After years of navigating the ups and downs of media careers—including public scrutiny and personal loss—they decided to pivot from reporting the news to making a broader impact by sharing their stories and insights.
Driven by a desire to inspire and uplift, Tara and Amanda launched Faith & Four Letter Words, a podcast and speaking tour focused on empowering women to lead authentically and overcome adversity. They transformed their “war stories” from the newsroom into lessons that resonate with a wide range of audiences, from corporate teams to women’s leadership conferences. This transition was fueled by a deep belief that every woman’s voice matters, and by leveraging their unique experiences, they could spark meaningful change and encourage women everywhere to step into their full potential.
What do you love most about your job? / What are you most proud of?
What we love most about our job is the transformative impact we get to witness in real time. There is nothing more rewarding than standing in front of an audience and seeing the moment when a message truly resonates—when someone realizes their voice matters, or they find a new way to approach a challenge they’ve been facing. It’s those moments of connection and understanding that drive us. Whether we’re sharing hard-earned lessons from our years in broadcast journalism or providing actionable strategies to empower women in leadership, we are constantly inspired by the courage and strength of those we engage with.
What makes our work fulfilling is the opportunity to blend humor, vulnerability, and authenticity to reach people on a deeper level. We invite others into a conversation that is raw, honest, and often transformative. We take pride in our ability to make people laugh, reflect, and feel understood all within the same session. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that by sharing our own stories—complete with victories and setbacks—we’re helping to create a culture of support and empowerment.
What we are most proud of is the community we’ve built through our Faith & Four Letter Words speaking tour. Starting from a simple idea to make a difference, we’ve grown into a movement that has inspired thousands across the Midwest and beyond. We’ve had the privilege of speaking at over 70 events, reaching a diverse array of audiences, from corporate teams to faith-based groups. Seeing women and men walk away from our sessions feeling more equipped, motivated, and ready to make positive changes in their lives is the ultimate reward.
We’re also proud of the impact we’ve had in challenging outdated workplace norms and encouraging both women and men to become allies in creating more inclusive environments. Our work is about more than just speaking—it’s about sparking a ripple effect that empowers people to lead authentically and live purposefully.
What advice would you give to someone considering this line of work?
If you’re considering a career in public speaking or consulting, our best piece of advice is to embrace authenticity and make it your greatest strength. Audiences today crave real, unfiltered stories and insights, so don’t be afraid to show vulnerability and share your personal journey—including the moments that weren’t so perfect. Your story is what sets you apart and makes your message memorable. Authenticity helps you build trust and connection, and these are the foundations for any successful speaking career.
Public speaking isn’t just about sharing information; it’s about crafting an experience that leaves a lasting impact. Invest time in understanding your audience’s needs and tailor your message to provide value and actionable takeaways. Practice is key, so take every opportunity to hone your skills.
We also recommend building a strong network of mentors and fellow speakers. The speaking and consulting world can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s also competitive. Having a support system can provide you with guidance, feedback, and opportunities. Attend conferences, participate in workshops, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people you admire in the field for advice. The more you immerse yourself in the community, the more you’ll grow.
Finally, always be open to learning and adapting. The landscape of public speaking and consulting is constantly evolving, with new technologies, platforms, and audience expectations. Stay curious and continuously educate yourself on trends, best practices, and ways to make your content more engaging and relevant. Being a lifelong learner will keep you at the top of your game and make your work even more impactful.
Most importantly, don’t let fear hold you back. It’s normal to feel intimidated or question your abilities, especially when starting out. But remember: every expert was once a beginner. Take the leap, be persistent, and trust that your voice has the power to inspire and transform lives.
Anything else you would like to add?
We believe that storytelling has the power to transform lives and create real change. As women who have navigated both the highs and lows of public and professional life, we are committed to using our voices to uplift and empower others. We’re excited about the opportunity to connect with the Empowering Women in Industry community and continue making a meaningful impact together.
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