Ordinarily Extraordinary

08/10/2025

New Episode Alert!

In this week’s episode of Ordinarily Extraordinary – Conversations with Women in STEM, Linda LaTourelle and I talk with Manyphay Viengkham — a technology leader whose career path is anything but ordinary.

With degrees in biochemistry and computer science, Manyphay has built a career grounded in curiosity, resilience, and lifelong learning — from roles at GE and Honeywell to launching her own consulting business.

We talk about:
💡 Following your curiosity — and how it can lead to surprising new opportunities
💬 Navigating career transitions with confidence and adaptability
🤝 Building authentic relationships and a personal brand that opens doors
🚀 The ups and downs of starting your own business
❤️ Why compassion and professionalism make all the difference in leadership

Plus, in our “Ask the (Not) Expert” segment, we get real about handling assumptions in the workplace — like being mistaken for admin staff — and how to respond with confidence and grace.

🎧 Listen here: https://lnkd.in/g-4dhkfk

📝 And check out Manyphay’s thoughtful writing on Substack: https://lnkd.in/g8GzRBU7

25/09/2025

🎙️New Episode Alert!

On this week’s Ordinarily Extraordinary – Conversations with Women in STEM, we’re joined by Lawanda Parnell, a technology leader whose career spans generations of change in IT.

Lawanda shares her journey from early days in tech to leading large-scale digital transformation — and the lessons she’s learned along the way about resilience, leadership, and navigating a career in a field that’s constantly evolving.

What you’ll hear in this episode:
✅ How technology careers have changed across decades
✅ Lawanda’s perspective on leadership and mentoring the next generation
✅ The challenges and opportunities for women in IT and telecom today

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a lasting career in technology, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Listen now: https://lnkd.in/gnuMXznY

10/09/2025

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1122377/episodes/17721513

After almost a year away, Ordinarily Extraordinary: Conversations with Women in STEM is back — and we’re relaunching with something new: a co-host!

In our first episode of the relaunch, I’m joined by my longtime friend and new co-host Linda LaTourelle as we talk with Stacy Cluff, IT and Broadband Manager at Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative.

Stacy’s story is one of resilience, growth, and leadership. From starting out in paralegal studies to becoming a leader in IT and broadband, she’s spent 28 years at Mille Lacs Energy wearing many hats — and is now helping bring critical fiber broadband to rural Minnesota communities.

What we talk about in this episode:

~ Stacy’s career journey and what it’s like to manage broadband projects, grant funding, and IT at a small co-op

~ Balancing career, education, and family — plus advice for women considering going back to school

~ The impact of rural broadband and why it matters

~ Stepping outside your comfort zone to speak up, network, and lead

New this season: Ask (Not) an Expert — our listener advice segment!
This time, we discuss navigating workplace social dynamics and balancing school vs. family.

Learn more: www.ordinarily-extraordinary.com

So excited to be back and to share Stacy’s story as we kick off this next chapter!

09/09/2025

New podcast season kicks off tomorrow! Read all about the relaunch here on Kathy's Substack.

New Co-Host, New Segment, Same Mission

27/08/2025

https://open.substack.com/pub/kathykalenelson/p/changing-the-world-one-story-at-a?r=6a443n&utm_medium=ios

12/08/2025

New! STEM Stories Newsletter

I’m excited to share something I’ve been working on — my new Substack newsletter, STEM Stories.

This will be my space for:

🔹 Inspiring conversations with women in STEM (from my Ordinarily Extraordinary podcast)

🔹 Behind-the-scenes of my writing journey — including my STEM-focused children’s books

🔹 Curious discoveries and thought-provoking topics from the worlds of science, technology, engineering, and math

Whether you’re in STEM, curious about STEM, or just love great stories, I’d love for you to join me.

Subscribe here: https://lnkd.in/gAQSgUtE

Your support — by subscribing, reading, or sharing — means the world as I grow this next chapter.

https://open.substack.com/pub/kathykalenelson/p/welcome-to-stem-stories

Why I’m starting STEM Stories — and how I hope you’ll be part of it

15/07/2025

Behind the scenes prepping for our podcast relaunch! 🎙️
We had our first co-host photoshoot and started exploring music for the new episodes—it’s all starting to feel real! So many exciting things happening as we get ready to launch in September. One of the best parts? Every woman here - photographer, musician, hosts - are my dear friends and women in STEM!

11/07/2025

As posted a bit ago, we're relaunching Ordinarily Extraordinary - conversations with women in STEM - with a new co-host - Linda LaTourelle.

We’re trying out a brand new segment for the show called "Ask the (not) Expert" — a space where we answer YOUR questions with honesty, humor, and a healthy dose of real-world experience (not textbook theory).

🎤 Have a question about careers, STEM, work-life balance, burnout, leadership, impostor syndrome, awkward office politics — or something totally random?
💬 Message me your question, and we’ll answer it on the podcast! We’ll only use first names or keep it anonymous if you prefer.

📩 So go ahead — ask us anything. Seriously. We’re all just figuring it out together. Message me with your questions!

03/07/2025

We’re relaunching Ordinarily Extraordinary – Conversations with Women in STEM!

If you’ve ever listened, we want to hear from YOU. What brings you to the podcast? What do you want more of? It takes just 2 minutes and helps us shape the future.

👉 https://lnkd.in/gKkBKnSM

Thanks for being part of this community!

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

01/07/2025

🎉 Big news! After a short hiatus, Ordinarily Extraordinary – Conversations with Women in STEM is coming back—and this time, with a co-host! I’m thrilled to welcome Linda LaTourelle to the show as we relaunch this fall.

Over the years, we’ve had the honor of sharing 130+ stories from brilliant, inspiring women in STEM—real, unfiltered conversations about their journeys, challenges, wins, and insights.

As we gear up for this new season, we want to hear from you—our community, listeners, and supporters.

👉 What would you love to hear on the podcast?

New segment ideas (e.g., listener Q&A, "Ask the Not-Experts," advice columns)?

Topics you’re curious about?

Guest suggestions?

Something fun or unexpected?

Drop your ideas in the comments or DM me—we're building this next chapter together, and your input is invaluable.

Let’s continue making space for more voices, more stories, and more connection in STEM.

12/09/2024

Sandra's story is a powerful reminder that representation matters. Hear how she's breaking barriers in ! 🎧

Listen to the whole episode here! https://buff.ly/3zcfpIj

31/07/2024

Join Sheila Buswell as she shares a heartfelt story about her mother and the challenges faced in daily living activities. Discover how Sheila's innovative device, the Upward Mobility, uses artificial intelligence to empower individuals in rehab settings to live more independently.

"You learn to call before you need help in that situation," Sheila explains. Her groundbreaking device allows people to use their own power while ensuring healthcare workers are always aware of their position and status.

Don't miss this inspiring and informative episode on Ordinarily Extraordinary Conversations With Women In STEM.

🎧 Listen now: https://buff.ly/3WKuv0s