From DisruptHR to The Podium Project: Why Representation on Stage Matters

This week, I had the opportunity to take the stage at DisruptHR Houston to share my C.U.L.T.U.R.E.™ Framework, and it was an experience I won’t forget.

If you’ve ever given a 45-minute keynote, you might assume that a five-minute talk would be easy. It’s not. Every speaker that night felt the energy of those rapid-fire slides and perfectly timed transitions. Five minutes required more focus, more precision, and honestly, more practice than most long talks I’ve given.

But it was worth it. It makes for a fun event with lots of speakers sharing a variety of ideas. And it was great to see the creativity of my fellow speakers! It was inspiring to see how much creativity and insight people could pack into five minutes.

Afterward, several people told me that my C.U.L.T.U.R.E.™ Framework made them look at their own organizations differently. Many said they realized they haven’t been doing enough to create strong, values-aligned cultures. That feedback reminded me why I love this work: when people understand that culture isn’t something you fix, it’s something you cultivate, they start seeing leadership in a whole new way.

Thankfully, we had six female speakers and five males at DisruptHR Houston. Too often, the ratio is closer to three women for every seven men on stage, which is exactly why I co-created the Podium Project.

Creating a Stage for New Voices

Getting on a stage helps you clarify your message, build credibility, and connect with people who might never have found you otherwise. Yet so many women, and especially women from underrepresented groups, are not chosen to step up. The assumption is that only men are professional speakers. Sometimes, women reinforce this for themselves (and other women too).

We question whether we have enough experience, or whether it’s the “right” time. The Podium Project was built to change that.

Our first event will be held on February 17, 2026, at United Way of Greater Houston. It’s a professional speaker showcase and development experience designed to help women build their confidence, polish their message, and elevate their brands.

Each accepted speaker will:

• Deliver a five-minute talk in front of a live audience (with professional coaching and rehearsal support).
• Receive a speaker one-sheeter, professional photos, and high-quality, edited video reels — everything you need to promote yourself as a professional, paid speaker.
• Gather live feedback and testimonials to strengthen your credibility and impact.
• Use your own branding on slides and visuals, so your message reflects your voice.

We’ve already accepted a phenomenal lineup of speakers, about half from out of state, and we’d love to see more Houston-area women take advantage of this opportunity right here in our own backyard. We still have room for a few more speakers, so if you’ve been thinking about it, now’s the moment to say yes

Why This Matters

The courage to share your story doesn’t just transform you. It inspires others to step forward too. Speaking helps you refine your ideas, find your community, and create ripples that extend far beyond the room.

If you’ve ever thought, “Maybe one day I’ll apply to speak,” this is that day to apply. Commit to starting 2026 building your speaking assets via our speaker accelerator and expand your career options.

Applications for the Podium Project close tonight.

You can learn more and apply at culturegrove.com/podium-project.

Please reach out if you have any questions about the Podium Project. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

And if you’re curious about the C.U.L.T.U.R.E.™ Framework that I shared at DisruptHR, or how I can bring that message to your organization, I’d love to connect.

Leadership isn’t just about what happens inside the walls of a company. It’s about creating spaces, and stages, where people can grow, thrive, and be heard.