Madam Policy

How do you turn a vision for growth into billions of dollars in investment, thousands of jobs, and a new economic trajectory for an entire state?
On this episode of Madam Policy, host Dee Martin and co-host Brooke Wolters, Government Affairs Advisor at Air Liquide, speak with the leader helping drive Louisiana’s remarkable economic expansion: Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois.
Secretary Bourgeois discusses the state’s impressive investment wins, including major commitments from SpaceX and Meta, as she shares how listening to communities, building strong partnerships, and creating a “yes, and” culture within government has helped Louisiana stand out in a highly competitive landscape.
Plus, hear her candid thoughts on leadership, confidence, and the value of showing up boldly.

What does it take to build a career that leads to the federal bench? In this episode of Madam Policy, Dee Martin and Kimberly Pinter sit down with U.S. Tax Court Judge Cary Pugh to discuss the choices, opportunities, and experiences that shaped her path through private practice, public service, and the judiciary. From rendering decisions in the tax system to finding perspective on a fly-fishing stream, Judge Pugh shares insights on leadership, judgment, resilience, and why some of the best career advice is also the simplest: say “yes.”

In this episode of Madam Policy, hosts Dee Martin and Caitlin Sickles sit down with Diane Foley, founder of the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation. Following the murder of her son, American journalist James Foley, while reporting in Syria, Diane transformed personal tragedy into a national effort to improve support for families of hostages and wrongful detainees, strengthen journalist safety, and advance U.S. hostage policy. She discusses the evolution of the Foundation’s work, the importance of government engagement and public awareness, and the lessons she has learned about leadership, resilience, and moral courage in the face of unimaginable loss.

What do financial markets and motherhood have in common? More than you might think.
 
In this episode, Jamila Piracci, principal of Roos Innovations, joins host Dee Martin to explore the delicate act of translating financial markets to increase understanding between the public and private sectors. Jamila reflects on the ways motherhood, music, and entrepreneurship have shaped her leadership and decision-making over the years, guiding her journey from public service to building her own firm.

In this episode, host Dee Martin sits down with Amanda Van Dyke, Founder of the Critical Mineral Hub and author of The Mineral Imperative, to explore why critical minerals have become a defining issue for the global economy, national security, and industrial strategy. Amanda breaks down what qualifies as a critical mineral, why supply chains are increasingly vulnerable, and why understanding mineral systems is essential for policymakers.
 
Want to learn more about the hidden minerals powering modern life? Tune in now!