In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Velinda Cox, President of Sound Horizon LLC and former Vice President of eCommerce and Digital Transformation at Konica Minolta. Velinda joins Liz Brohan and Mary Olivieri for an inspiring and no-nonsense conversation about what it means to be a kick ass woman—and how to truly own your space.

The conversation kicks off with a nod to Eleanor Roosevelt—one of the original trailblazers. Velinda shares a quote that’s shaped her perspective: “Well-behaved women seldom make history.”

Velinda opens up about being the only woman in a room full of men early in her career, and how that experience shaped her approach to leadership. Her practical tips? Show up early, do your research, and find someone to connect with ahead of time. Oh—and if you’re ever at a traditional Japanese business table, she’ll even tell you where the most powerful seats are.

She’s got stories—great ones—from the conference room and beyond. And she shares hard-earned advice on how to walk into meetings prepared, confident, and ready to lead.

For younger women trying to find their voice, Velinda offers guidance rooted in mentorship. Coaches, mentors, and a willingness to listen can make all the difference. Speaking of listening, she explains the power of active listening—not just waiting to talk but really hearing and understanding.

The team takes a moment to define what a kick ass woman really is—with strong, pithy responses from Velinda, Liz, and Mary. They also reflect on key moments that helped build their confidence over the years.

Velinda dives into the reality of imposter syndrome. Yes, it’s real—but she believes it can be useful, too. She shares her own journey of learning to be her own best supporter, embracing mistakes. Hear about Liz and Mary’s very awkward and long-ago interaction about a Johnson Box.

As the episode wraps up, Liz expresses her ongoing passion for helping the next generation of women thrive—and Mary brings it home by reminding us that this podcast exists to do exactly that.

Velinda’s final message is clear: Work hard. Show up early. Make friends. Share your ideas. Don’t hide who you are.

Thanks to The Motion Agency and EMBAS for supporting Kick Ass Women.

Follow along on social media and at www.kick-ass-women.com!