Julia Stewart, founder and CEO of Alurx, joins Dr. Nancy for a discussion about her career path, forging a place for herself as a business leader in the hospitality industry, eventually becoming CEO at IHOP, then buying Applebee’s and creating Dine Brands Global. Her story traces what happens when barriers to advancement appear, and the choice is to endure or leave to keep growing. Stewart chose to leave companies that didn’t support her advancement and advises others to find a culture that supports them, values them, and cares about their growth. The culture will help you make a difference or block your way with the glass ceiling.

Founding Alurx is Stewart’s second career. Raised to take care of herself, she watched so many women in the food service business put themselves last, often in the midst of burnout and overwhelm. She had a vision of what would make self-care easy and available, and that led to the development of the Alura AI app, the first voice-activated wellness coach designed to shift health and wellness from reactive to proactive, preventive solutions.

As a female entrepreneur, Stewart faces many of the same barriers as she did while pursuing advancement in corporations. Pointing out that since less than 2% of venture capital goes to women startups, she is again on the leading edge of a pioneering trend, pursuing another CEO path as a woman. Determined not to take no for an answer, Stewart is pursuing a long-held desire to make a difference and build something that will change people’s lives—a personalized wellness coach to adapt to your daily needs. Sign up for the launch this summer, Alura.

About:

Julia Stewart is an entrepreneur and former public-company CEO with extensive experience in creating and building global businesses and brands across hospitality and wellness. She is recognized for increasing sales, profits, and shareholder value through accelerated innovation, high-performance cultures, bold leadership, and results-driven strategies. She is currently the Founder and CEO of Alurx, leading the development of Alura AI, an AI-powered wellness platform designed to deliver science-backed activities that support sustained habit changes and improve health outcomes for individuals and enterprises alike.

Her leadership drove the rejuvenation and growth at companies such as Taco Bell, Applebee’s, and IHOP. Through her strategic vision, IHOP acquired Applebee’s, resulting in the creation of Dine Brands, the world’s largest sit-down restaurant chain

She has also served on numerous public, private, and nonprofit boards, is a sought-after consultant and speaker, and regularly shares insights with executive audiences on how purpose, culture, resilience, and disciplined decision-making drive long-term value creation.

She has received numerous awards recognizing her leadership, innovation, and impact across industries, including being named by Fortune magazine as one of the 50 Most Powerful Women in the U.S.

Lifelong broadcaster Ann Thomas joins Dr. Nancy in a conversation about her journey as a professional woman in a field that has seen numerous changes for women since she began as an intern at WJR 760 in Detroit. Lucky to be in a business that she instantly loved, Thomas pursued her dream in many capacities as producer, news reporter, anchor, executive producer of the award-winning “Paul W. Smith Show,” and creator and host of “Women Who Lead.” In its eleventh year, “Women Who Lead” has three components: a podcast that features women making a difference, a monthly award recognizing outstanding women in Michigan, culminating with a special show in their honor.

Thomas discussed various aspects of her career, including the importance of mentorship. Since there were so few women in the profession when she started, she felt fortunate to have men willing to mentor her from the start. Her advice for young people starting out is not to be afraid to ask for what you want. Management will respect you for speaking up for yourself. She also advises young people to be willing to work hard, have a plan, and don’t be afraid to fail. When you make a mistake, learn from it, and move on.

About Ann Thomas:

Ann Thomas is the radio program director for WJR 760 AM, known as the Great Voice of the Great Lakes. For more than four decades, Thomas has shaped conversations and informed audiences at Detroit’s legendary news, talk, and sports station. From an internship in 1982, Thomas built an extraordinary broadcasting career as a producer, reporter, anchor, host, and executive producer, winning numerous awards, including several Associated Press, United Press International, and Detroit Press Club awards as a reporter, and several Best Morning Show awards for the Paul W. Smith Show, as executive producer. Thomas is also the creator and host of “Women Who Lead,” a long-running program featuring women who are making a difference in their communities and professions. Her commitment to elevating women’s voices has earned her induction into the Michigan Businesswomen’s Hall of Fame, along with multiple honors recognizing her contributions to communications, leadership and workplace excellence.

Welcome to Smart, Amazing Conversations with Dr. Nancy, a podcast that examines the stories of life and leadership for smart, amazing women (and men). Each episode features powerful conversations with people who are changing the world and making a difference in their communities. Our guests share their personal stories, insights, and advice on how to break through barriers and achieve success and, in the process, provide access to new ideas, resources, and expertise that can expand opportunities for us all.

Show Notes:

Dr. Nancy talks with Tony Porter and Kimya Motley about domestic violence and abuse – and how their work with A Call to Men is changing the conversation around violence against women and girls. Porter traces the problem to the “Man Box,” a set of social rules, laid down early, that dictates how men are supposed to treat women and each other. From boyhood, he explains, boys are taught they are strong, and girls are weak; that women have less value, and that men can own women. Violence, in this view, is rooted in the patriarchy itself – a system that boxes men in, cutting them off from developing emotional intelligence, from dealing with trauma in healthy ways, and from becoming whole.

Kimya Motley shares her own story – shot by her abusive spouse. She survived and vowed that no one else would endure what she did. As Chief Advancement Officer of A Call to Men, she works as a lead facilitator in domestic violence prevention, male socialization, and trauma-informed care. Her message to parents is direct: give your sons permission to be human, to be tender, to ask for help, to cry, and to feel fear. Pay attention to the lessons you’re teaching your children. Don’t raise them to perpetrate violence or accept abuse as natural.

Porter is clear: men who perpetrate violence are in the minority, which means the majority have a responsibility to call it out. While they have made great progress in raising awareness, the numbers tell a harder story. Domestic violence remains the single most common emergency call to police departments in the U.S. We haven’t reached critical mass yet, either, he says. Until we do, the work is to keep reaching out to men and women, to dismantle the “Man Box,” to back our words with action, and to build a healthier model of what it means to be a man or a woman as they form those gender identities as children.

About Tony Porter:

Tony Porter, CEO of A Call to Men, is an author, educator, and activist working to advance gender and racial justice and create a more equitable society. Internationally recognized for his efforts to prevent violence against women while promoting a healthy, respectful manhood, he is a leading voice on issues of manhood, male socialization, and preventing violence against all women and girls. GQ Magazine named Porter’s 2010 TED Talk as one of the “Top 10 TED Talks Every Man Should See.”

Author of Breaking Out of the Man Box and the visionary for NFL Dads: Dedicated to Daughters, Porter is sought after for his in-depth understanding of the collective socialization of men and promoting gender and racial equity.

About Kimya Motley:

Kimya Motley, Chief Advancement Officer at A Call to Men, is an educator, activist, author, director, and producer working to end violence against all women and girls. Motley leverages her personal experiences and profound storytelling ability to touch hearts, galvanize support, and inspire a call to action to prevent violence against women and girls while promoting healthy, respectful manhood. Her harrowing journey as a brave survivor of domestic violence has fueled her passion for advocacy and been featured in multiple media outlets. Motley’s memoir, Born of Violence, reached number four on the Amazon Hot New Releases List for Partner Abuse.

This episode is all about the future and how we can support the young leaders who will shape it. Highlights from previous interviews with inspiring changemakers show the work that’s being done to empower and equip today’s youth to become leaders and create the change they want to see in the world.

Show Notes:

First, DeNora Getachew and Keely Quinn, leaders of DoSomething.org, discuss how their organization was originally founded to make volunteering cool and has since evolved into the largest online platform for young people to make a difference. Do Something has mobilized millions of young people worldwide to take action on the issues they care about most. These range from safety from gun violence and mental health issues to equity and justice. Meeting young people where they engage online, Do Something gives them a resource, an opportunity to get involved, find and use their voice, and equips them with the tools for effective leadership.

Second, Tracy Evans Land, three-time Olympian and freestyle skiing pioneer, founded Kids Play International to use the power of sport to build confidence, character, and community among youth across the globe. She shares that Kids Play has developed three core programs: Let’s Play Fair, an after-school program; All Girls United, which addresses issues specific to girls; and Play Fair Day on Sunday, which provides community-wide access to the Let’s Play Fair curriculum and leadership opportunities for Let’s Play Fair participants. Evans-Land hopes that other organizations will take advantage of the curriculum built by Kids Play International to expand it into other developing countries and level the playing field for everyone through sport.

These conversations remind us that investing in youth leadership isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s one of the smartest, most impactful choices we can make because when we empower young people to lead, we allow them to create the future they want to pass on to future generations.

About DeNora Getachew:
DeNora Getachew serves as the Chief Executive Officer of DoSomething, a pioneering social profit organization with a 32-year legacy of empowering youth. Under her leadership, DoSomething continues to inspire young people to drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond. A seasoned democracy lawyer, Getachew has dedicated her career to advancing free elections and fostering a multiracial democracy through her work in both government and the social profit sector. She has held appointments on several high-profile commissions and task forces, including the New York State Public Campaign Financing Commission and the New York State Civic Readiness Task Force. Getachew also serves as Chair of the Board of Higher Heights for America, an organization amplifying Black women’s political power and leadership.

About Keely Quinn:
Keely Quinn is the Vice President of Programming & Impact at DoSomething, where she leads the development and evaluation of innovative programs that amplify youth voices and drive measurable impact. Quinn’s work ensures that DoSomething’s initiatives resonate with its members and address the root causes of pressing societal issues.

With over 15 years of experience in crisis communications, program management, social impact, and social justice, Quinn has held key leadership roles at organizations such as Health Leads and The Grossman Burn Center. At Health Leads, she spearheaded global and U.S.-based campaigns addressing critical issues such as food insecurity among marginalized and migrant communities. Since joining DoSomething, she has transformed its programming from one-off actions into sustained initiatives that empower young people to build civic power and drive long-term change.

About DoSomething:

DoSomething.org is a global movement that empowers young people aged 13-25 to create positive change in their communities. Since 1993, it has engaged over eight million members in addressing pressing issues such as climate action, equity, and mental health. Through innovative campaigns and programs, DoSomething inspires young people to lead, volunteer, and advocate for a better world, resulting in members achieving numerous impactful milestones, including donating five million pairs of jeans to homeless youth and organizing 200,000 peers to combat gun violence. As a coach and connector, DoSomething fuels the next generation of changemakers, ensuring their voices drive meaningful action and lasting impact.

About Tracy Evans-Land:

Tracy Evans-Land, a three-time Olympian and freestyle skiing pioneer, has achieved greatness both on and off the slopes. As the founder of Kids Play International, she promotes gender equity and Olympic values in post-genocide communities through innovative sports programs like Let’s Play Fair. Her efforts empower youth with skills, confidence, and opportunities for brighter futures. Beyond her nonprofit work, Evans-Land owns AthleteSource CASTING, connecting athletes to media opportunities. Recognized as an Olympian for Life by the IOC, her accolades include the Rings of Gold award and numerous honors for her impactful contributions to sports and society.

Today we’re exploring one of the most powerful forces for connection and change - the stories we tell and the ones we choose to preserve. Throughout history, stories have shaped our understanding of who we are and what’s possible. But too often, the voices of women, changemakers, and diverse communities have been overlooked or forgotten.

In this episode, Dr. Nancy revisits some of our favorite conversations with three influential leaders who promote the power of personal stories to drive cultural change. Together, their voices remind us that storytelling isn’t just about history or entertainment. It’s about legacy, identity, and empowerment.

Adam Torres believes so strongly in the power of stories that he’s made it his life’s work to help people tell their own. Stressing that it’s not just famous people who need a platform. He urges everyone to share their stories, reminding listeners that the platform is the story, and everyone has one. Share it to inspire others and drive your own mission forward.

Erika Alexander’s story begins in her childhood, when she took her first acting job at age 12. One job led to another, ultimately leading to the role of Maxine Shaw, Attorney at Law. It was through that character that she became a role model for many women of color, inspiring them to pursue their dreams. Later, to fully understand the profound phenomenon, known as the Maxine Shaw Effect, Erika commissioned a study to assess the impact the show had on women of color. From there, she developed a curriculum based on lessons learned and founded Color Farm Media, building an ecosystem that fosters greater equity, inclusion, and diversity in media and that empowers and elevates voices who are underrepresented, overlooked, and undervalued.

Frédérique Campagne Irwin, CEO of the National Women’s History Museum, also understands the need to preserve stories and is sharing them to flip the script of the predicted 100 years to women’s equity. Her journey through the many facets of women’s advocacy has taken her from helping women entrepreneurs where she saw systemic barriers to equity, to governments and founders, like the Gates Foundation, who worked to eliminate those barriers. Today, in her role as leader of NWHM, she thinks that by telling more women’s stories to the younger generation, she will see change happen in her lifetime.

About Adam Torres:

Adam Torres is Host of the Mission Matters series of shows, ranked in the top 2.5% of podcasts globally.” As Co-Founder of Mission Matters, a media, branding, and book publishing agency, Adam is dedicated to amplifying the voices of entrepreneurs, entertainers, executives, and experts. An international speaker and author of multiple best-selling books on business and investing, his advice is featured regularly in major media outlets such as Forbes, Yahoo! Finance, Fox Business, and CBS.

About Erika Alexander:

Erika Alexander, SAG and Independent Spirit Award nominee, is celebrated for iconic roles such as Maxine Shaw (Living Single), Detective Latoya (Get Out), and Cousin Pam (The Cosby Show). An activist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Color Farm Media, Alexander harnesses storytelling to drive social change. Color Farm, the “Motown of Film, TV, and Tech,” produces impactful films like John Lewis: Good Trouble and Finding Tamika. Recent projects include starring in the Academy Award-winning American Fiction and Apple TV’s Invasion. A sought-after speaker, Alexander empowers with insights on leadership, diversity, and future-proofing the next generation through innovative programs and media.

About Frédérique Campagne Irwin:
Frédérique Campagne Irwin is a seasoned entrepreneur and advocate for women’s empowerment, with over 25 years of experience in strategic management, non-profit and commercial business, impact, and entrepreneurship. As the President and CEO of the National Women’s History Museum, she has dedicated herself to showcasing the significant role of women in shaping American history and culture. Before her leadership role at the museum, she served as the Managing Director of Impact Strategy at the Sorensen Impact Center, where she led initiatives for equity in higher education and women in entrepreneurship. Her dedication to empowering women was also evident in her founding and leadership of Her Corner, a company that supported women and educated them on how to scale their businesses. Frédérique’s commitment to creating networks, inspiring confidence, and elevating women’s voices has been at the core of her work, making her an influential figure in women’s advocacy and business leadership.

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Dr. Nancy welcomes four powerful young activists fighting for women’s rights. First, Asha Dahya and Monica Morales-Garcia stop by to talk about their podcast series, “Green Tide Rising.” Borrowing the title from the Green Wave, a movement started by feminists and organizers across Latin America to champion reproductive freedoms, the podcast features a human rights attorney and shares the stories of women suffering from the criminalization of abortion in several countries. Both Dahya and Morales-Garcia hope the movement and podcast will serve as both a warning of what could happen if there is no action and a blueprint for the United States to turn the tide on reproductive rights.

Second, Dr. Sophia Armen of the Feminist Front and Rosie Couture, co-founder of the Young Feminist Party, are also on hand to discuss their passion for being the next generation to take up the fight for the Equal Rights Amendment as their own. They join the 100-year fight to secure women’s constitutional protection, once and for all. All of these amazing young leaders urge others to get involved in whatever way is possible: whether taking the messaging online and posting on social media, donating time, talent, or cash, communicating with elected representatives, speaking out, or educating family and friends. Equality is everyone’s fight, and together we can win.

Dr. Nancy welcomes Mona Sinha, CEO of Equality Now, who shares her journey from growing up in India and volunteering with Mother Teresa’s all-girls orphanage, to learning the value of women supporting women at Smith College, to leading a global organization that drives the legal and systemic change needed to end violence and discrimination against all women and girls. Sinha discusses the rising challenges and systemic backlash against women’s rights globally, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action and collaborative leadership to protect women and girls, and the importance of building strong legal frameworks that promote universal equality. Through her inspiring work and vision for the future, she calls on everyone to listen, learn, support each other, and demand equal rights in their communities.

Dr. Denise Dunning joins the conversation to share her transformative journey as the founder of Rise Up Together, an organization dedicated to the global empowerment of women and girls by supporting local leaders in solving problems and driving impactful change. Dr. Dunning discusses the challenges women face in accessing resources and power, emphasizing the need for collective action and solidarity to reach gender equality in the U.S. and globally. Through her inspiring work, she calls on listeners to support initiatives that amplify women’s voices and create equitable opportunities.

Dr. Nancy welcomes Dr. Krishauna Hines-Gaither, a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and women’s empowerment, to discuss her inspiring journey from North Carolina to Los Angeles. Dr. Hines-Gaither shares how mentors, like her mother and other influential women in her life, shaped her path and ignited her mission to advance gender equity through women’s education. She highlights the transformative work at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles, including The Report on the Status of Women and Girls in California, and the signature career-readiness program, (M)POWER, which helps students identify their passions and career aspirations, and provides academic guidance, career coaches, and more. The conversation explores the evolving status of women, the power of storytelling, and the importance of partnerships in driving change. Dr. Hines-Gaither emphasizes the need for collective action to create opportunities and foster a brighter future for women and girls.

Dr. Nancy welcomes The Honorable Carolyn B. Maloney, former U.S. Congresswoman, to share her inspiring journey of public service, focusing on her unwavering commitment to gender equality and the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). She discusses her upcoming “Driving the Vote for Women’s Equality” campaign, modeled after historic suffragist efforts, to raise awareness and mobilize support for the ERA. Rep. Maloney highlights the critical need to enshrine women’s rights in the Constitution to protect against rollbacks on equality and justice. Through her passionate advocacy, she calls on listeners to take action, emphasizing that civic engagement is essential to securing equal opportunities for all. The time to act is now. Notify your representative of your support for the ERA by signing at https://www.sign4era.org/

Dr. Nancy welcomes Francine Mbvoumbo, founder of Mothers to Daughters, for an inspiring conversation about empowering women through intergenerational mentorship and support. Mbvoumbo shares her journey, highlighting how her upbringing and her mother’s entrepreneurial spirit shaped her mission to lift women up. She discusses the alarming lack of funding for women and girls, the importance of resilience, and the power of mentorship in creating opportunities for young women. Through Mothers to Daughters, Mbvoumbo has matched hundreds of women with mentors, fostering confidence, economic empowerment, and a sense of community. She emphasizes the need for actionable support—whether through capital, resources, or connections—to help women thrive and leave a lasting legacy.

Dr. Nancy welcomes Dr. Leah Robinson, a licensed chiropractor and holistic wellness practitioner, for an empowering conversation about reclaiming optimal health to live the life you want. Dr. Robinson shares her personal health struggles and how her chiropractic education led her to discover the profound connection between the nervous system and overall well-being. She explains her integrated approach, combining chiropractic care, fitness, and wellness coaching to help people, especially women, overcome limiting beliefs and build lasting confidence. This episode is a call to action for women to stop settling, prioritize their health, and connect with a supportive community to unlock their full potential.

Dr. Nancy welcomes Michelle Milford Morse, Vice President for Girls and Women Strategy at the United Nations Foundation, for an inspiring conversation about advancing global gender equality. Milford Morse shares how her Texas roots and influential women leaders have shaped her journey, and highlights the UN Foundation’s critical role in fostering global cooperation to address challenges such as gender-based violence, climate change, and health inequities. She emphasizes the transformative power of women’s leadership and youth engagement in creating durable solutions. Together, they discuss the importance of hope, collaboration, and the UN’s impact on women’s rights worldwide. This episode is a powerful reminder of the progress we can achieve when women and men unite for a better future.

Dr. Smith explains the concept of systemic allyship and why it's a leadership issue that benefits everyone. He offers practical, actionable steps for men who want to become better allies, mentors, and sponsors for women. This conversation explores how to move beyond good intentions to create real, measurable change, fostering inclusive workplaces where collaboration thrives, and everyone can reach their full potential.