In this moving and deeply human episode of The Trailblazer Chronicles, Judy sits down with M. Alexis Wright, a remarkable leaders whose 23-year military career has been shaped by purpose, presence and the fierce love of mentorship. A self-described “mom to Marines,” she shares how her journey of service transformed from proving herself in a male-dominated world to becoming a source of belonging and purpose for the next generation.

Together, they explore the evolution of leadership, the power of showing up authentically, and why connecting others, to themselves, to each other, and to a mission bigger than themselves, is the most courageous act of all.

Bio-

Margaret Alexis Wright is a native Texan and a highly accomplished leader with a distinguished career of service. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and holding a Master’s degree in International Public Policy from Johns Hopkins University, Alexis served as a Marine Corps Intelligence Officer with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Throughout her career, she’s held key roles in national security, including serving as an Aide to the Secretary of the Navy, completing U.S. Army Command and Staff as an Art of War Scholar, and advising international partners. Alexis is adept at strategic analysis, problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication.

Today, she serves as the Security Assistance Branch Head at the Marine Corps’ Training and Education Command and as an instructor at the Marine Corps Civil Military Operations School.

Alexis resides in Occoquan, Virginia, with her partner, LTC R. Zach Alessi-Friendlander, USA and their beloved dog, Jolene (who, they warn, will steal your man!).

What if the secret to success wasn’t doing more…but sparkling more?

In this joy-filled episode of The Trailblazer Chronicles, Judy chats with the fabulous Chief Sparkler of The Sparkle Factor®, Suzanne Castle, a woman who’s on a mission to help leaders and entrepreneurs ditch decision fatigue and rediscover their brilliance. With her signature blend of neuroscience, business strategy, and fairy-godmother-level magic, she shares how you can simplify your day, reclaim your time and step into your full shine…without burnout.

If you’ve ever felt like your to-do list was running your life, this episode Is your permission slip to pause, realign and sparkle with purpose.

It’s fun. It’s freeing. It’s full of gold.

Bio-Suzanne is the Chief Sparkle Officer, a modern fairy godmother of business who helps high-achieving women trade grind for glow. As the creator of The Sparkle Factor®, she blends strategy, stagecraft, and neuroscience to transform leaders from competent to captivating. Her clients, CEOs, entrepreneurs, and visionaries, step into expansion with ease, freedom, and magnetic presence. An award-winning speaker, ordained minister, and former professional performer, Suzanne is known for delivering luxe, high-energy experiences on stage and through retreats like VERVE, Dazzle, and the forthcoming Champagne CEO Retreat. She believes life is too short for beige… and her mission is to help women build businesses and lives that truly sparkle.

We all have conversations we avoid…but what if the most uncomfortable one could be the most loving gift we leave behind? In this episode of The Trailblazer Chronicles, Judy sits down with her dear friend Jane Blaufus, who helps people face life’s toughest topics with grace and clarity. Together, they explore why planning for the unexpected isn’t just a financial decision…it’s an act of love. You’ll hear how to begin those courageous conversations that most people avoid and learn how facing reality brings peace, confidence and empowerment. Whether you’ve been putting off writing your own planning or want to support a loved one, this episode offers calm, comfort and concrete steps to begin.

Bio- Jane is the author of the third edition of WITH THE [STROKE] OF A PEN: Claim Your Life. Her book and comprehensive planning binder have become acclaimed as two of the most actionable, personal and financial planning resources available today for families, individuals and business owners alike. She is on a mission to help advisors to get the ‘Courageous Conversations’ started with their clients to become their ‘advisor for life’.

An international keynote speaker, Jane has delivered highly rated sessions at four MDRT conferences around the globe along with numerous keynote speeches across North America.

She brings to the table 25+ years of insurance expertise as a financial advisor, sales manager and corporate executive. Today she is the Principal of The Blaufus Group Inc., based in Toronto, Canada and consults extensively into the financial services industry. Jane is a frequently sought after guest expert on Television, Radio and Podcasts. Her reputation and expertise make her an influential business coach to many financial services professionals around the world.