Scott Rutherford: Hello and welcome to the AXIOM Insights Learning and Development podcast. I’m Scott Rutherford. This podcast series focuses on supporting performance through learning. In this episode, we’re exploring a holistic professional development journey for women, designed to bridge the many roles and expectations women face both personally and professionally. My guests are Karen Hinds, CEO of the Workplace Success Group, senior leadership advisor, speaker, and author; coach and speaker Leida Centeno; and Inga Lee Puentes, an early participant in Karen’s program, the Renew Experience for Women.

Karen, Leida, and Inga Lee, thank you for being here.

Karen Hinds: Thanks for having me.

Scott Rutherford: Karen, we’ve spoken before—it’s been a couple of years since you’ve been on the podcast, so welcome back.

Karen Hinds: Thanks, love to be here.

Scott Rutherford: You’ve been working as an expert advisor for companies for over 20 years.

Karen Hinds: I’ll just go with 27-plus years now.

Scott Rutherford: That’s a good well of experience. I wanted to start there—what issues or trends did you see that led you to create the Renew Experience, which we’re exploring today? How did you come to where we are now?

Karen Hinds: In the last 27-plus years, I’ve worked primarily with men in the C‑suite and senior leadership. When I did leadership workshops or consulting, I was mostly working with men. I’d meet women here and there who were stressed, frustrated, and trying to claw their way to the top. About seven or eight years ago, I went through my own frustrating life experiences—personal shifts, professional shifts—and found myself burned out, frustrated, and empty. I had to put myself back together and recalibrate. Once I did that, I was able to offer the same solutions to the women I now work with.

Scott Rutherford: When you talk about burnout, I think of a recent episode we did on women’s leadership and the gap in many organizations where women with decades of experience aren’t being respected or listened to. Is that part of what you’re describing?

Karen Hinds: First came a personal shift. I went through a divorce and reached a crossroads in my company. I had built a successful business, written five books—on paper I had it all—yet I felt an emptiness, a gnawing in my soul. I realized this couldn’t be all there was to life. That shifted my focus to living from purpose and vision, showing up with confidence, vitality, and strength, instead of constantly clawing and fighting.

Scott Rutherford: So what is the Renew Experience?

Karen Hinds: The Renew Experience is a three‑day retreat where women go from burnout to breakthrough, building resilience, purpose, and unstoppable confidence in a safe, supportive environment. It’s not just an event—we offer follow‑up opportunities to sustain growth in community. Many conferences miss vulnerability, transparency, and safety. We address the whole woman—mind, body, and soul—rather than just leadership skills. Continuous learning, holistic development, and sacred community are what set us apart.

Scott Rutherford: I’ve heard from women that there’s pressure to overperform in every sphere—home, work, whatever—and to keep those spheres separate. It sounds like you break down those barriers and approach life more holistically.

Karen Hinds: Exactly. We stop compartmentalizing. Whether she’s thriving at work but struggling at home, or vice versa, we address the whole person. Our experts and peer community support her fully, seeing all of her.

Scott Rutherford: Leida, thanks for being here. What’s your role in the program?

Leida Centeno: I’m a coach, speaker, and founder of Encourage LLC, and a friend of Karen. I’ve been in mental health for about 30years, developing people in their careers. We often focus on mind and body, forgetting the soul. When my soul is refreshed, I do everything better. Women often give what they don’t have, hoping someone will pour back into their bucket. Renew is different—you come for three days, make friends, realize others are just as burned out, and build sisterhood. The connection doesn’t end when the retreat ends. I’m involved in every layer, including a group I meet with regularly. That ongoing connection keeps the desire for change front of mind.

Scott Rutherford: So it’s peer support and shared experiences, integrating emotional intelligence with skill building.

Leida Centeno: Absolutely. After joining Renew, I began looking at data. Whether it’s women recovering from addiction or women in the C‑suite, they share a core issue: they don’t know how to define their value, only how to perform. Studies show moms don’t do self‑care. By growing the soul and building community, you refill your tank and give from overflow.

Scott Rutherford: Inga Lee, how did you become aware of the program and what appealed to you?

Inga Lee Puentes: I’ve been in corporate America for over 20 years and attended one of Karen’s seminars years ago. I’d been working from home for six years and lacked community. I went to Renew hoping to connect with like‑minded women. I arrived as my “corporate self,” but quickly realized people were bringing their whole selves. We built fast trust, connected deeply, and have stayed in touch since. It’s a place of accountability—people follow upon your goals. That’s the biggest difference from other conferences.

Scott Rutherford: Karen, could this work for corporate teams? Could leaders bring cohorts to build shared skills and experiences?

Karen Hinds: Definitely. We talk about authentic connections but rarely create space for them. Teams can be isolated even within a group. Renew breaks down barriers, builds trust, and fosters accountability, reducing turnover risk. Productivity follows when people feel safe and fulfilled. Leaders don’t need to be therapists, but they do need awareness and empathy.

Scott Rutherford: Inga Lee, have you changed how you think or act at work since Renew?

Inga Lee Puentes: Yes, I’m more empathetic, aware everyone is on their own journey. I’ve strengthened my routines, making time for myself before, during, and after the workday. It improves productivity, focus, and mood.

Scott Rutherford: Leida, do participants bring these behaviors back to others in their lives?

Leida Centeno: Absolutely. I’ve even brought lessons to my granddaughter, helping her identify values and limiting beliefs. Women naturally share what they learn at Renew, inviting friends into the community. The setting is supportive, not critical, and it inspires growth.

Scott Rutherford: That helps women see barriers as less fixed than they appear.

Leida Centeno: Yes, and you need friends to help you see that.

Karen Hinds: COVID taught us we can’t keep working the way we always have. Too many people are burned out or in crisis. We need to invite the whole person into work. Renew is global—serving women in the U.S., Caribbean, and Canada, and aiming to expand further. We must imagine work differently for better results.

Scott Rutherford: In an AI era, supporting half your workforce better is a huge opportunity.

Karen Hinds: And as AI takes over technical skills, emotional presence and relationship‑building become structural skills. Organizations must ensure workers are cared for—mind, body, and soul—so they can bring creativity and authenticity to their roles.

Scott Rutherford: What level of seniority is right for this?

Karen Hinds: All levels. Seniority silos don’t reflect the reality that women at every stage face similar challenges. We have cohorts for senior, mid‑level, and early‑career women. Our next Renew Experience is September 18–21 in West Palm Beach, Florida, at the PGA Resort. Those who can’t attend can join the Renew Learn community.

Scott Rutherford: How can people learn more?

Karen Hinds: Visit karenhinds.com orthereenewexperience.com.

Scott Rutherford: Thanks, Karen. I’ll put links in the episode page at AXIOMlearningsolutions.com/podcast. Inga Lee, Laida, Karen—thanks for joining me.

Leida Centeno: Thank you for having me.

Karen Hinds: Appreciate it.

Scott Rutherford: This has been the AXIOM Insights Learning and Development Podcast, produced by AXIOM Learning Solutions. AXIOM is a learning and development services firm supporting L&D teams with staff augmentation, instructional design, content creation, and more, including in‑person and virtual training delivery. To learn more, visit axiomlearningsolutions.com. Thanks for listening.

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