The Courage to Rise:
Stories of Resilience, Leadership, and Bold Moves
Beth Erwin
CEO, BESTAFF
Joyce Russell
President, Adecco Group US Foundation
Kim Pope
CEO, Wilson
Joanie Bily
Executive, Member of ASA Board of Directors
Leslie Vickrey
CEO & Founder, ClearEdge
We interviewed the accomplished members of an upcoming panel at Staffing World about what it means to face challenges head-on, make bold choices, and embrace the power of resilience in the modern age.
The Courage to Rise panel group is no stranger to adversity. Every member of this distinguished group of industry-leading women has faced enormous challenges in both life and work. From health scares to hurricanes to global pandemics, these women have tested their mettle again and again and come out at the top of their field.
How? According to them, it’s through a combination of grit, authenticity, and the power of community.
“I always thought of resilience is having inner strength to really get through challenging times or obstacles,” says Joanie Bily, an executive and member of the ASA Board of Directors. “As I have matured, I have also realized resilience is about the people around you and the ability to feel comfortable with asking for help, relying on family or partners or community or network.”
Kim Pope, CEO of Wilson, concurs. “My whole life, I had to learn how to be resilient and take care of myself. In childhood, it was fight or flight, and I used to do everyone on my own. And that actually held me back because I needed people to get through. Building resilience to me now means leaning on my family, my daughter, my people.”
To Joyce Russell, President of the Adecco Group US Foundation, pushing through adversity is about having “stick-to-itevness” and the courage of conviction.
“Resilience isn't just about bouncing back from setbacks—it's about having the personal courage to stand firm in your convictions, even when the outcome is uncertain. True resilience means maintaining your authentic self and values regardless of external pressures.”
"Resilience isn't just about bouncing back from setbacks—it's about having the personal courage to stand firm in your convictions, even when the outcome is uncertain."
Beth Erwin, CEO of BESTAFF, takes the long view on resilience.
“To me, it means the ability to power through challenges and redirects through our days. It seems like in the day of an entrepreneur, I am in the constant mode of overcoming obstacles. It’s wonderful to have a lot of little wins all day, but the real test of resilience is found in going the distance. All of your little wins each day turn into a week, a month and a year of succeeding against the odds.”
Leslie Vickrey, CEO and Founder of ClearEdge, thinks that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back – it’s about rising stronger, with more clarity and courage than before.
“It’s the quiet determination that shows up when no one’s watching. The power of resilience is trusting yourself to keep going, especially when the path forward is unclear, uncomfortable, or lonely. It’s knowing that even in failure, you’re not starting from scratch, you’re starting from experience. I always say, if you’re not learning, you’re not growing.”
Bily sums it up well: “When I think of resilience, I think of strength in yourself with the help of others.”
"When I think of resilience, I think of strength in yourself with the help of others."
Joining The Club
‘The help of others’ was a big impetus that brought together this group in the first place.
It all started in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic shut the world down, including a planned celebration of the release of Russell’s book, “Put a Cherry on Top: Generosity in Life & Leadership.” Instead, the celebration pivoted to a Zoom call. From that first call, a powerful group was formed – the Lady Leaders Book Club.
The monthly call quickly became more than just a chance to discuss inspiring books. It became a chance to support one another in every capacity.
“This group came together during the pandemic and formed a bond of friendship that helped us all get through a difficult and isolating time. We were able to lean on each other both personally and professionally,” says Russell. “I’m so grateful I’ve gotten to know these women in a much deeper and meaningful way over the past few years.”
"What began as professional connections has evolved into something much deeper: a sisterhood built on mutual support and shared ambition."
Vickrey stated that being part of this group reminder her that meaningful friendships can flourish at any stage of life, often when you least expect them.
“What began as professional connections has evolved into something much deeper: a sisterhood built on mutual support and shared ambition. You never know who you’re going to meet or how you’ll help each other grow. But I’ve discovered that when ambitious women come together with open hearts and minds, the collective strength is truly transformative.”
She also mentioned that the group has inspired her to lead with more vulnerability and to take braver steps—not just in business, but in how she shows up in the world.
“There’s something powerful about having women in your corner who believe in your potential even when you can’t see it yourself.”
Erwin adds that she has never felt so seen by a group of women. “This group of ladies is like no other group I’ve belonged to in the past. We ALL have each others backs, we ALL care deeply about each other and we ALL lift each other up! There is no competition, no gossip, no mean girl, no pretense…just honest support, caring and joy for each other.”
"We’ve created something rare and special."
Bily concurs that the Lady Leaders are the best support and network group that she has ever been part of.
“These amazing women have changed my life. Being there through good times and bad, offering support through challenging times. Some of us have had real health scares, and this group rallied around each other. It truly underscores the lesson of support and the power of being there for each other, cheering each other on.”
Pope mentioned that sharing struggles helped get her through a very challenging time personally.
“I was pregnant and scared to death, not in a good head space. I didn’t realize that this wonderful network of amazing, accomplished women were having the same struggles. Hearing everyone else’s stories really helped me get through it.”
“We’ve created something rare and special,” says Vickrey. “A space where professional growth and personal friendship don’t exist in separate lanes, but fuel and elevate each other. That has changed how I approach both leadership and life.”
"To grow, we had to do the hardest thing a thriving company can do: dismantle parts of what was already working."
Navigating Change & Taking Risks
Facing challenges head-on was a big theme that emerged from the conversation with these leaders, and will be a large part of the panel discussion in October. You can expect to hear personal stories of bold leadership and risk taking from accomplished leaders.
Bily recounted an anecdote about taking the helm of an established business that was successful, but built for the past.
“The operating model had served us well for nearly two decades, but it was clear the market was shifting faster than we were,” said the executive. “To grow, we had to do the hardest thing a thriving company can do: dismantle parts of what was already working. We tore down silos, rebuilt processes from the ground up, and challenged ‘the way it’s always been done.’ It wasn’t comfortable for anyone but we created a new model that was leaner, more agile, and better equipped for the next decade.”
She said the experience taught her that real leadership in change isn’t about fixing what’s broken. It’s having the courage to break what’s comfortable so you can build what’s next. She recounted that this had happened not once, but twice in her career - and both times resulted in record breaking results.
"But I still moved forward because I was hoping that my story would help change one life."
Vickrey also shared a story of a hard choice.
“I once made the hard decision to restructure my company, which resulted in parting ways with team members who had been with me for years. It was one of the most emotionally challenging moments of my career. Bold leadership is about having the courage to make hard decisions, even when it’s painful and not popular, and doing it with transparency, heart, and integrity. It’s not easy, but those decisions create the conditions for real growth, for everyone involved.”
Pope shared a story about being vulnerable and taking chances in a totally new way.
“Writing my chapter for our book “Together We Rise” is an example to me of bold leadership. That was my first time being so vulnerable about my story and sharing it with the world. I almost backed out because I was so scared of putting myself out there for others to judge! But I still moved forward because I was hoping that my story would help change one life.”
'When people feel safe to take risks and speak honestly, that's when real growth and innovation happen."
Pass It On
Another theme that emerged from the conversation was the importance of building up the next generation of leaders.
When asked what advice to give young leaders taking the next step in their career, Russell mentioned authenticity as the greatest leadership asset you can have.
“Don't let anyone or anything change who you are. When your words and actions align with your values, people trust you. Develop the personal courage to speak your truth, even when it's risky.”
She also mentioned the importance of creating an environment where your people feel safe to speak up.
“When people feel safe to take risks and speak honestly, that's when real growth and innovation happen. Sometimes you have to be willing to ‘lay your body’ over those you care about and stand up for what's right.”
Erwin suggested thoughtfully planning out the next step of your career, taking it step by step in the right direction.
“If you want to be a VP of Sales and you are a recruiter, now what step should you take to move you in the direction you want to go? Maybe raise your hand to put together a sales blitz for your area. Maybe let your leader know you are interested in sales and see if you can ride along. Ask for sales training. Apply for the next sales opening in your organization. All of these steps move you little by little toward the end goal of VP of Sales,” says Erwin. “It’s about talking to your leader and mentors to put together a plan and then execute. Of course, it goes without saying that the course can change! Be ready to embrace those changes in your journey and celebrate them.”
"Don’t wait for the perfect moment, the extra credential, or permission from someone else. Those things rarely come in the way we imagine."
Bily suggested practicing self-reflection and getting to the heart of your passion.
“What’s your passion? What’s your purpose? 20 years from now, what are you going to be really glad you leaned into and did? Give yourself the gift of time to reflect on that. Write your goals down. The goal setting process can give a lot of clarity.”
Pope gave the advice of thinking of your career as a ‘buffet’ of possibilities.
“Try as many things you can to see what you like. Take the risk, try it. What’s the worst that can happen? You never know til you try.”
Vickrey said to remember that your own best career champion, always, is you.
“Don’t wait for the perfect moment, the extra credential, or permission from someone else. Those things rarely come in the way we imagine. Trust your gut, bet on yourself fully, and take the step even if it feels uncomfortable. The boldest moves rarely come with certainty, but they almost always lead to growth.”
"You are never wrong in doing the right thing."
Coming Together
The five leaders are excited for the chance to get together in person soon and share more stories, both at the THRIVE event and the panel at Staffing World, which will take place on Tuesday, October 7th from 2:15-3:15pm.
“I would encourage everyone to attend Thrive,” says Bily. “It’s a fabulous event! To have the energy of a couple hundred women in the room looking to learn and grow from each other…it gives me chills just thinking about it! The roundtable discussions are fantastic.”
“What you can expect from the panel is real world stories,” says Pope. “People who are vulnerable and putting it all out there. No doubt it will be valuable.”
Russell says that attendees have so much to gain from five incredible industry leaders sharing their wisdom to help the next generation of leaders.
“If I hope attendees leave with just one takeaway, it’s that you are never wrong in doing the right thing. Leadership isn't about having all the answers—it's about having the courage to stand up for your people and your values.”
Erwin is excited for the panel and hopes to leave attendees with honest, down to earth advice from seasoned professionals.
“One practical takeaway I hope they leave with is additional women that they can connect with to help move them forward in their careers. Each woman on the panel is always ready, willing and able to help others when asked. Truly a takeaway is a new group of women that they can call friends!”
Vickrey sees the panel as a chance to share relatable experiences from women who’ve been in the trenches of leadership, growth, reinvention, and risk.
“I hope attendees leave with the confidence to take one bold action. Boldness doesn’t always mean sweeping change. It can be as simple as having a hard conversation, making the first move, or refusing to give up. Courage compounds, and even a single brave step can create powerful momentum. Whatever you do: don’t give up.”