In this episode of The Feminist Exec, host KP sits down with Cailin Radcliffe, VP of Revenue Operations and Marketing, whose journey from studying the history of warfare to leading growth in robotics and automation is anything but conventional. Cailin shares how she blends the strategy and resilience of warfare with the power of empathy and kindness—challenging the outdated notion that women in leadership should “be nice.”

Throughout the conversation, Cailin emphasizes intentionality in career choices, the art and science of marketing, and the transformative role of mentorship. She reflects on her leadership style—open, supportive, and demanding of growth—while candidly addressing the emotional burdens women often carry in male-dominated industries.

Key topics include:

• The art and science of marketing: why creativity and data must coexist

• Mentorship as a cornerstone of leadership development

• Authentic leadership: support, transparency, and high standards

• The myth of “niceness” and why kindness and respect matter more

• Work-life balance: intentional parenting choices and redefining partnership at home

• Women supporting women: shifting from competition to community

• Success and growth: why ambition and continuous learning are essential

Cailin also shares powerful reflections on being underestimated, thriving in male-dominated rooms, and making space at the table for others. With memorable takeaways like “You have to meet them where they are” and “There’s power in people coming together”, this episode is a candid blueprint for women navigating leadership, resilience, and empowerment.

Books Recommended:

Women and Leadership by Julia Gillard and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262543828/women-and-leadership/ 

Unapologetically Ambitious by Shellye Archambeau https://shellyearchambeau.com/books

Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/guns-germs-and-steel-jared-diamond/1100290895

Sound Bites

”You have to meet them where they are.”

”There's power in people coming together.”

”I want to take up a lot of space.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cailin Radcliffe

03:15 The Art and Science of Marketing

06:08 The Importance of Mentorship

07:01 Leadership Style and Team Dynamics

08:33 Navigating Challenging Situations

10:28 Embracing Authenticity in Leadership

11:30 Taking a Seat at the Table

12:50 Thriving in a Male-Dominated Industry

14:23 Overcoming Underestimation

16:30 The Concept of 'Nice' in the Workplace

18:50 Respect vs. Niceness

19:58 Emotional Burden in the Workplace

21:01 Intentional Parenting and Career Choices

22:26 The Decision to Keep One's Name

24:01 Supporting Each Other as Women

26:35 Changing Dynamics Among Women in the Workplace

28:19 Mentoring and Empowering Women

30:06 Navigating Leadership Challenges

34:03 Finding Motivation and Defining Success

37:17 Book Recommendations and Final Thoughts

Keywords

Cailin Radcliffe, The Feminist Exec, Feminist, Executive, KP, women in leadership, women in robotics, women in automation women empowerment, women in business, female executives, leadership development, marketing strategy, data-driven marketing, authentic leadership, emotional intelligence, mentorship, career growth, work-life balance, women supporting women, male-dominated industry, robotics leadership, intentional career choices, redefining success, imposter syndrome, career resilience, workplace equality, leadership style, female leaders in STEM, revenue operations, women in tech, emotional burden, leadership authenticity, mentorship programs, leadership advice