Why Growing Your Network Prepares You For The Unexpected With Liesl Schmidt, COO And Board Director Women Leaders On The Move

What happens when life takes a turn you didn’t see coming? In this episode of Women Leaders on the Move, host Natalie Benamou talks with COO and Board Director Liesl Schmidt about the lessons in her chapter from Power of What’s NEXT: Bold Moves By Design.

We explore why it’s never too early to grow your network, how to ask for what you want, and the power of saying yes to new chapters even before you feel ready.

Liesl’s journey is a reminder that the choices you make today, building relationships, finding your voice, and staying resilient becomes the foundation you’ll need when the unexpected happens.

“You don’t always see the challenges coming, but you can prepare by building relationships that will carry you through.”-Liesl Schmidt

5 Lessons:

Why investing in your network now is the best way to prepare for what’s ahead.
The courage it takes to ask for what you want and position yourself to receive it.
How resilience and clarity help you navigate career and life transitions.
The importance of embracing new chapters, even before you feel fully ready.
Why your story and lived experience open doors to unexpected opportunities.

Liesl reminds us that preparation isn’t just about skills or strategy, it’s about people, perspective, and persistence.

Power Tip: “Sometimes you have to step forward without all the answers, because clarity often comes in the doing.”- Liesl Schmidt

This conversation will inspire you to embrace resilience, strengthen your connections, and step boldly into what’s next knowing you already have more within you than you realize.

Thank you Liesl for being on the show and a featured author in the bestselling Power of What's NEXT: Bold Moves by Design

Keep shining your light bright. The world needs you.

About Liesl Schmidt

Liesl Schmidt is a financial executive, board leader, and transformation strategist with over 20 years of experience. As COO of River Valley Community Bank and former EVP at U.S. Bank, she has led finance, operations, HR, IT, and risk. A passionate advocate for women and community impact, she serves on several nonprofit boards. Liesl writes to inspire women to lead with clarity, courage, and confidence—especially during times of change. Liesl wears some other hats that bring her immense joy — wife, mother, and grandmother. She is also a member of HerCsuite® Women on Boards Mastermind program.

Connect with Liesl: LinkedIn

Get Your Copy of:

Power of What's NEXT: Bold Moves By Design Releases October 14th, 2025.

Connect with Natalie Benamou

Natalie Benamou is the visionary behind Women Leaders on the Move, a Top 10 Women's Leadership podcast by Feedspot. As the Founder of HerCsuite®, she delivers mastermind programs and courses that help women land board roles, grow businesses and design their portfolio careers all include AI to maximize success.

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