A Conversation With Emily Lampkin, Founder of the Women Leaders Series and Author of Duct Tape and White Lies: A Woman's Practical Guide to Real-Life Success

Emily Lampkin is a highly sought-after speaker, author and advisor, known for empowering women leaders in corporate, non-profit, education, and political sectors to hone their skills and maximize opportunities. With a pragmatic style and actionable advice, she has trained thousands of women globally through her dynamic, one-of-a-kind “Women Leaders Series” workshop. The Women Leaders Series is the culmination of more than 25 years of experience advising women leaders on ways they can perfect their skills to maximize opportunities. Emily has trained thousands of women across the country and the world.

Recognized as one of Washington, DC's most respected connectors, Emily has worked in American politics for thirty years. Her passion is electing more women to office. Emily excels at threading policy and cultural priorities into communications that resonate. A frequent media contributor on major TV networks, radio, podcasts and social platforms, Emily is committed to building a multi-decade pipeline of diverse female leaders. She speaks at universities and schools, including Georgetown University and the London School of Economics, inspiring the next generation of women.

Emily’s book, Duct Tape and White Lies: A Woman’s Practical Guide to Success (March 3, 2026), speaks directly to women who have built successful careers, spent decades caring for others, and are now ready to redefine what fulfillment and leadership look like in this next chapter. It is based on her Women Leaders Series workshop.

Emily serves as a member of the U.S. Department of State Speakers Program, collaborating with U.S. embassies and working with a number of international women’s organizations to train women globally to assume leadership roles. A proud St. Louis native and University of Missouri graduate, Emily lives in Virginia with her husband and three children.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why so many successful women feel stuck — and why it’s normal

• How caregiving and ambition can coexist

• Redefining success later in life without starting over

• How women can give themselves permission to pursue what’s next

Learn more and follow Emily:

https://www.emilylampkin.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilylampkin/

https://www.facebook.com/emily.k.lampkin