Welcome to today's interview with Eva Kalivas, founder of Empower Women That Rock and a dedicated advocate for women in leadership. Eva is reshaping the narrative by creating a supportive ecosystem that empowers women to thrive in their careers. With a diverse background spanning corporate and entrepreneurial roles, she brings valuable insights into the challenges women face in the professional landscape. In this conversation, we’ll discuss her vision for Empower Women That Rock, key moments that have shaped her journey, and her recent experience at the 'Unleash The Story Within' summit, highlighting the importance of authenticity and community.
Liana Zavo: Welcome. It's a pleasure to have you here. You're actively changing the landscape for women in leadership roles. Let's start with Empower Women That Rock. How are you specifically impacting this space?
Eva Kalivas: Thank you. My vision with Empower Women That Rock is to create a powerful ecosystem for women in leadership. We're focusing on elevating existing leaders and creating pathways for aspiring ones. We do this through targeted networking, collaborative initiatives, resource sharing, and mentorship. By fostering these connections, we're building a community where women can thrive, share experiences across industries, and collectively advance in their leadership journeys.
LZ: Your career trajectory is quite diverse, from corporate to entrepreneurship and back. What key moments have shaped you into such a strong advocate for women?
EK: My 'full circle' experience has been incredibly illuminating. Starting in corporate, rising to an executive role, then running my own firm for two decades, and finally returning to a senior executive position—it gave me a unique perspective. I witnessed firsthand the persistent, and sometimes worsening, challenges women face at the executive level. The surface might appear polished, but the underlying issues remain. This realization fueled my passion to create real, lasting change.
LZ: You recently took part in the 'Unleash The Story Within' summit, which honored women in celebration of Women’s History Month. What was a particularly memorable moment for you on stage?
EK: Without a doubt, it was when I spoke about the power of pivoting. Every time I used that word, the audience resonated more strongly. Pivoting is essential for growth, for escaping toxic environments, and for avoiding stagnation. It allows us to adapt, flow, and create positive changes in our lives.
LZ: How did you prepare for your presentation, and what key messages did you want to convey?
EK: My primary goal was authenticity. I wanted to emphasize the importance of defining your core values and staying true to them, even when faced with pressure to compromise. That's a crucial lesson for any leader, especially women navigating complex professional landscapes.
LZ: How did the summit foster a sense of community among the speakers and attendees, and what was your personal highlight from the event?
EK: The summit's focus on personal narratives created an immediate sense of connection. We all have stories to share, and that shared vulnerability fostered a powerful sense of community. It was a space where we could unleash those stories and connect on a deeper level. The highlight for me was receiving an award, standing alongside other women who were recognized for our exceptional leadership roles.
LZ: Finally, how do you feel your participation in the summit has impacted your personal brand and professional journey?
EK: It reinforced my commitment to my mission, both as a retirement plan specialist and as the founder of Empower Women That Rock. Hearing diverse stories reminded me that we all face challenges, failures, and doubts. But these experiences shape our journeys and contribute to our growth and success. It's a powerful reminder that our stories matter and that we can turn adversity into strength.