Ep. 051: Building a Female-Focused Networking Group w/ Lisa Behrends
- colin2951
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
From Global Traveler to Des Moines Disruptor: Building Purposeful Connections with Lisa Behrends
In the latest episode of the Rhymes of Odd podcast, host Ryan Snaadt sits down with a powerhouse of the Iowa business community: Lisa Behrends. As the founder of Lisa Behrends LLC and the co-founder of Intentional Connections, Lisa has built a career that defies the traditional "corporate box."
For Des Moines business owners and marketers, Lisa’s story is more than just a trip down memory lane. It is a masterclass in the power of the "pivot," the importance of authentic networking, and how a Midwest upbringing can fuel a global perspective.
If you feel stuck in your current business trajectory or are looking to build a more female-focused, inclusive professional circle in Central Iowa, this conversation between Ryan Snaadt and Lisa Behrends is essential listening.
The Power of the "Master Pivot" in Business
One of the most refreshing takeaways from Lisa’s conversation with Ryan Snaadt is her embrace of the non-linear career path. In a world that often demands we stay in one lane for 30 years, Lisa identifies as a "disruptor."
"It’s okay to pivot, it’s okay to change course, it’s okay to not know what the next step is. When you allow yourself to have that mindset, it’s so freeing."
For entrepreneurs in the Des Moines metro, this advice is gold. Whether you are navigating a shifting market or considering a complete rebrand, Lisa reminds us that "seasons" in business are natural. Each stop on her journey—from the YMCA in Indianapolis to teaching in Japan—prepared her for the leadership roles she holds today.
From Marshalltown to 21 Countries: A Foundation of Communication
Lisa’s roots are firmly planted in Iowa soil. Growing up in Marshalltown, she was raised in a household where communication wasn't just a skill—it was a lifestyle. Her father, a Dale Carnegie trainer and HR professional, turned dinner table conversations into lessons on how to genuinely connect with people.
This foundation allowed Lisa to take her Iowa values across the globe. She has lived in:
Japan: Running camps on remote islands.
The Philippines: Teaching English at the university level.
Italy: Managing youth programs on military bases.
Ryan Snaadt highlights how these experiences shaped Lisa’s ability to communicate non-verbally and empathize with those who feel like a "minority" in the room. In the Des Moines marketing world, where "knowing your audience" is everything, Lisa’s experience being "the one who doesn't know the language" offers a deep lesson in humility and observation.
Serving All 99 Counties: Lessons from Iowa’s Front Lines
Before becoming a keynote speaker and consultant, Lisa worked for the State of Iowa Department of Public Defense. Following the devastating 2008 Parkersburg tornado, she traveled to every single one of Iowa’s 99 counties.
Her mission? To help mayors, school principals, and rural leaders mitigate future disasters.
What Des Moines Business Owners Can Learn from Lisa’s Travels:
The "Work Pale" Mentality: Whether in the "boot" of Southeast Iowa or the Des Moines metro, Iowans value a hard day's work and genuine eye contact.
Education is Power: Lisa’s role wasn't just about safety; it was about educating people on options they didn't know they had.
Community Resilience: In the wake of recent storms in Greenfield and beyond, Lisa notes that Iowans are hardwired to help. This "neighborly" approach is a competitive advantage for local businesses that prioritize service over sales.
Intentional Connections: Creating a Space to be Seen, Heard, and Valued
In the second half of the episode, Ryan Snaadt digs into Lisa’s latest venture: Intentional Connections. Co-founded with Molly Lopez, this group was born out of a need for more authentic, female-focused networking in the Des Moines area.
The group operates under a powerful purpose statement: To ensure everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
For marketers, this is a vital reminder. We often get caught up in "impressions" and "reach," but the most successful brands (and networking groups) are those that make the individual feel recognized. Lisa’s transition into speaking and consulting is fueled by this desire to solve the problem of professional isolation.
"Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable"
One of Lisa’s signature keynote topics is the art of being uncomfortable. Whether it’s navigating a toxic workplace culture or stepping onto a stage for the first time, Lisa argues that growth only happens when we lean into the friction.
Ryan Snaadt and Lisa discuss how this applies to:
Advocating for yourself: Learning to use your voice in rooms where you might feel out of place.
Youth Homelessness Advocacy: Lisa’s passionate work with youth ages 16-24 taught her that "you are never stuck."
Entrepreneurship: The vulnerability required to start a business (Lisa Barons LLC) after 30 years in the workforce.
Why Des Moines Professionals Should Listen
As Ryan Snaadt notes, the professional social circles in Iowa are smaller than you think. Networking in the Silicon Prairie isn't just about exchanging business cards; it's about building a legacy of help, just as Lisa’s father did.
Lisa Behrends is a testament to the fact that you can be a "planner" and still be "spontaneous." You can be a "disruptor" and still be "Iowa Nice." By combining global experience with local passion, she is helping redefine what it means to lead in the Midwest.
Key Podcast Timestamps:
02:56 – Growing up in Marshalltown and the Dale Carnegie influence.
11:54 – Lessons in non-verbal communication from living in Japan.
17:32 – Working with FEMA and the State of Iowa across 99 counties.
23:33 – Misconceptions about youth homelessness and the power of education.
27:36 – The birth of Intentional Connections in Des Moines.
Final Thoughts from Ryan Snaadt and Lisa Behrends
The episode concludes with a powerful reminder: You are never stuck. Whether you are a Des Moines startup founder or a seasoned marketer, the ability to pivot is your greatest asset. Lisa’s journey from a 13-year-old with a paper route to a keynote speaker at the Iowa Employment Conference shows that if you focus on making people feel valued, the "straight line" doesn't matter nearly as much as the impact you leave behind.
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