Meaningful Conversations with Annyse
Meaningful Conversations with Annyse
Podcast Description
Meaningful Conversation is a heartfelt series of discussions led by Annyse Balkwill, featuring inspiring female leaders from the water industry and beyond.
With warmth and compassion, Annyse and her guests explore the possibilities for a future shaped by equity and inclusion, envisioning a world we want our sons and daughters to thrive in. Together, they delve into what our homes, systems, and organizations could look like if they genuinely valued and embraced women of all backgrounds.
By stepping into a space of imagination, these conversations allow us to pause, reflect, and uncover our true desires. In this creative state, we unlock the potential to envision—and ultimately create—a future that reflects the power of inclusion and possibility.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The show focuses on equity, inclusion, and the future of women in leadership roles, with episodes that explore innovative ideas in the water industry, like the PFAS Management Company's approach to environmental challenges and personal stories of female leaders shaping inclusive systems.
Meaningful Conversation is a heartfelt series of discussions led by Annyse Balkwill, featuring inspiring female leaders from the water industry and beyond.With warmth and compassion, Annyse and her guests explore the possibilities for a future shaped by equity and inclusion, envisioning a world we want our sons and daughters to thrive in. Together, they delve into what our homes, systems, and organizations could look like if they genuinely valued and embraced women of all backgrounds.By stepping into a space of imagination, these conversations allow us to pause, reflect, and uncover our true desires. In this creative state, we unlock the potential to envision—and ultimately create—a future that reflects the power of inclusion and possibility.
In the latest episode of Meaningful Conversations, we sit down with Jackie Jarrell, who has spent much of her career working at Charlotte Water and is now a Principal Consultant at Raftelis and a WEF Fellow. Jackie’s career has been dedicated to water development, municipal strategy, and creating life-nurturing work environments.
Jackie brings deep wisdom from years of experience in utilities—and a heart-centered approach to leadership. We dive into the practical realities of running water treatment plants, the pressures utility teams face, and how we can build more balanced, human-centered systems.
The Balance Card Moment
During our chat, Jackie pulled the Balance card. Her reflection? Many in utilities are working incredibly hard, often at the expense of personal wellbeing. But the future holds promise: with the right tools, technology, and inclusive perspectives—like involving HR, IT, and community voices—we can reshape how we support our teams and foster healthier work-life integration.
Key Highlights:
🔹 Leadership is for Everyone
Leadership isn’t a title—it’s a practice. Every person, regardless of role, holds the capacity to lead. Confidence, curiosity, and self-awareness are essential qualities that can be nurtured at every level.
🔹 Human-Centered Culture = Better Outcomes
Organizations that prioritize wellbeing, flexibility, and real development opportunities don’t just perform better—they become magnets for talent. Trust, clarity of purpose, and emotional intelligence aren't soft skills—they’re core infrastructure.
🔹 Breaking Silos Starts in the Mind
Barriers in organizations often live in our assumptions. When we bring those assumptions to light, they lose their grip. It is important for leaders to cultivate open conversations and question the “unwritten rules” of how work really gets done.
🔹 Reimagining Work with Ease
Why do we equate value with busyness? True innovation and connection thrive when we allow time for reflection, creativity, and rest. It’s not lazy—it’s smart.
🔹 The Power of Vulnerable Leadership
Sharing the messy parts of our career paths builds connection and trust. Leaders who model honesty and openness unlock more resilient, inspired teams
Final Thought:
This episode is a rallying call for courageous leadership in the water sector. As Jackie says, “We’re not just moving water—we’re serving people.” It’s time to build organizations that serve both the mission and the humans behind it.
LuminUS's purpose is to provide the environment and space for individuals, teams, and organizations to unlock their full potential. By fostering a co-creation mindset and skill set, we help harness the hidden wisdom within organizations, enabling them to thrive and achieve meaningful transformation.
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