Symplicity Conversations

In this episode, we explore the journeys of two inspiring leaders, Celeste Ross, Organizational Development Manager at Praxis Packing Solutions, and Marie Lewis, Founder and Executive Director of Rebecca's Daughters as they share their stories of impact, leadership, and service. Their experiences highlight the importance of community, purpose, and empowering others to create positive change. Celeste was named the Top Honoree in the Emerging Leader category at this year's West Michigan Woman Brilliance Awards, while Marie was named the 2026 Champion of Service.

Key Topics
 
Leadership journeys of Celeste Ross and Coach Marie
The significance of community and mentorship
The impact of awards on personal and professional growth
The role of purpose and service in leadership
Strategies for empowering emerging leaders
The importance of boundaries and self-awareness in service
The ripple effect of kindness and inspiration

Chapters
 
00:00 Introduction to the West Michigan Brilliance Awards and Guests
01:08 The significance of recognition and community impact
03:03 Reflections on receiving the Brilliance Awards
05:30 The role of storytelling in leadership and service
07:42 Initial reactions to nominations and awards
11:43 The importance of character and humility in finalists
15:27 Creating a village and finding support systems
18:58 Celeste Ross on organizational development and empowering leaders
25:49 Coach Marie’s story behind Rebecca’s Daughters
31:04 The influence of faith and boundaries in service
37:23 Looking forward to the Brilliant Summit and community impact
44:22 Defining brilliance and acting with purpose

Creators and Guests

Host
Catherine Ripley
Catherine Ripley founded Symplicity Communications in 2007 to help people avoid misleading sales practices during telecom purchases. By bringing respect, clarity and flexibility to the process, Symplicity Communications helps clients find peace of mind in a complex market. Her Midwestern values drive how she does business and selects the team that makes Symplicity special. Catherine possesses a great love for this industry and serves as a board member for Inforum Michigan’s TechnologyNEXT program for women in technology.

What is Symplicity Conversations?

Welcome to Symplicity Conversations, the podcast where we explore the intersection of business, culture, community, and technology to empower you with the insights you need to thrive.