And So, She Left: Wisdom from Women Beyond the Corporate World

This is a special bonus episode from our friends at the Amazon & JAR Audio podcast This Is Small Business.  This is Small Business explores the journey to success for small business owners by diving deep into the pivotal moments they have faced and conquered along the way. Brought to you by Amazon, this show is delivered through the unique perspective of a curious millennial trying to figure out what it takes to be a successful small business owner today. Episodes feature small business owners and industry experts from all walks of life who offer trends analysis, life lessons, and a different point of view. This is Small Business invites you to dig deep and find the tools you need to start, build, and grow your small business. If there's one thing we've learned over the many episodes of this show, it's that owning and operating your own business is hard. You have to overcome challenges you didn't even know existed.Thinking of becoming an entrepreneur or you're wondering if you should stick it out? We have Dr. Laura Morgan Roberts, scholar, speaker and consultant, who studies the science of maximizing human potential, to guide us through. “I do think for every market need, for every human desire, there is an entrepreneur who is inspired and equipped to meet that need and to help for people to connect with that desire”And Pamela Wirth, of Hello Health, will share what she's learned on her path to entrepreneurship. Learn from an expert and those who have been there!In this episode you'll hear:(03:49) Why connecting with others is one of the most important traits of an entrepreneur(05:23) What qualities you need to be an entrepreneur (08:17) If you can't go all in on your business because you need the financial security of a 9 to 5, how else can you start your business journey?(10:24) How do you start a business if you have too much on your plate?(12:56) An entrepreneur is also a leader, so what qualities do you need to be a great leader?(15:38) What are some hurdles that entrepreneurs might have to overcome when they're thinking about starting a business?(18:45) What are some of the qualities you need to help you get through the tough times?

Back in 2006, Kiersten Hathcock was just trying to figure things out. She had left her job at A and E Television Networks a few years before and was bouncing around from town to town with her husband and their two kids.As she was, Kiersten did the very last thing that anyone expected: she founded a children's furniture company called Mod Mom Furniture. Then in 2024, after the brand received international recognition and acclaim from Shark Tank, Elle Décor, Better Homes and Gardens, and more,  she made another unexpected move: she simply walked away.Today, Kiersten is the Chief Marketing Officer at Moonshot. It's a non-profit helping to spur economic development in rural Arizona. But to get there, Kiersten walked on some pretty uneven ground. She navigated a tumultuous appearance on Shark Tank, childhood trauma…even hearing the voices of dead children.This week, I sat down with Kiersten to hear how she went from working in the television industry to building children's furniture by hand in her garage. Why did she make such a drastic jump to an industry she had no experience with? How did she differentiate her products in such a saturated market? And how did she learn to trust her intuition, even when she had no indicators of success to latch onto?Kiersten talks about:Identifying product/market fitHer experience pitching on Shark TankLearning to trust her instincts over everythingHow to surround yourself with the right kind of peopleHearing the voices of dead children while designing kid's furnitureWant to sponsor season 3 of "And So, She Left"? We need your help to keep sharing unique and inspiring stories of women's entrepreneurship!  Email us at podcast@cansulta.com. We have a website!Visit andsosheleft.com for full episodes, transcripts, an application form to be on the show, a list of upcoming guests and more.Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Correspondence and © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: Chris Zabriskie - "Air Hockey Saloon," "I Refuse to Accept That There's Nothing I Can Do About It," "Short Song 012823," "Short Song 022123."Correspondence - "Up + Up (reprisearise)."

Growing up in the South Side of Chicago, Amanda Moncada-Perkins wanted power.Her family had few resources to make do with, so she became an attorney when she grew up to unlock a better future. And today, Amanda is the Founding Attorney of her own firm, Stoutegy Law. But stepping into her power as a lawyer wasn't without some major caveats.Amanda was pulling brutal 70 to 80-hour weeks while she was working at major firms. She recalls crying every day at work, stretching herself to the absolute limit to outperform her colleagues. She was even put on suicide watch during a particularly dark period.This week, Amanda talks about how she navigated countless obstacles in the daunting world of law to found her own successful firm. How did she cope with the immense pressure and strain as a high-profile attorney? Why did she find stepping away from work to be so difficult? And how did she eventually learn to put her mind at ease without compromising the quality of her work?Amanda talks about:Overcoming overworkHow she landed her first clientSurviving a toxic work environmentUsing school to transcend her circumstancesThe vacation experience that convinced her to leave corporate We have a website!Visit andsosheleft.com for full episodes, transcripts, an application form to be on the show, a list of upcoming guests and more.Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Correspondence and © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: Chris Zabriskie - "Air Hockey Saloon," "Candlepower," "CGI Snake," "Wonder Cycle," "Short Song 012823," "Another Version of You."Correspondence - "The North Sea (version)."

When Janice Person was first talking about farm-to-table in the 90's, people thought she was crazy. Even with a journalism and communications background, she found it tough to share the perspectives of a minority group that we don't think about very often: the farmers who grow it.   When Janice started out, she was doing PR for the agrochemical juggernaut Monsanto. At Monsanto, she was given tools and resources to amplify the voices of farmers, a goal she's still pursuing today through her podcast Grounded by the Farm and her company Grounded Communications. To hear Janice talk about farming is to learn what it means to speak with passion and conviction about your business. In this episode, Janice about her time working in the agriculture industry. What has she learned about communicating key issues about farming to people who know nothing about it? Why is she so passionate about agricultural advocacy? And what can we learn from Janice when it comes to talking about our own businesses? Janice talks about:Essential consumer outreach tipsWhy we should be worried about farmersHow to engage people outside your nicheHow a trip to her first farm changed her lifeConnecting with your customers through storytelling We have a website!Visit andsosheleft.com for full episodes, transcripts, an application form to be on the show, a list of upcoming guests and more.Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Correspondence and © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: Chris Zabriskie - "Air Hockey Saloon," "The Sun is Scheduled to Come Out Tomorrow," "What True Self? Feels Bogus, Let's Watch Jason X" "Short Song 012023."Correspondence - "Harp Routine," "In Copenhagen." 

**SPECIAL FOR OUR LISTENERS! Use code "SHELEFT20" for 20% off an order**Kaylin Marcotte's early career wasn't particularly fun.But when she was training as a management consultant at IBM in 2013, she met two promising, young female founders who wanted to start a media company...called theSkimm. So, she left to become their first employee.Kaylin's days were pretty demanding, and she often played with jigsaw puzzles at home to unwind. But she didn't always love the stock imagery she was putting together. So, in 2019, she founded JIGGY. It's a direct-to-consumer company creating jigsaw puzzles that…actually look pretty cool. And its very existence is a reminder of how important it is to have fun throughout the entrepreneurial journey.Kaylin talks about how she went from getting hired as theSkimm's first employee to becoming the Founder & CEO of JIGGY. How did she transition from working at a media company to manufacturing a physical product? What was it like to create a business out of her hobby? And how do we make fun a core part of the entrepreneurial experience?Kaylin talks about:Essential lessons she learned at theSkimmThe importance of joy and play in businessHow to transition into product manufacturingHow she kept her business going after COVIDHow to give your customers exactly what they want We have a website!Visit andsosheleft.com for full episodes, transcripts, an application form to be on the show, a list of upcoming guests and more.Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Correspondence and © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: Chris Zabriskie - "Air Hockey Saloon," "And It Is There, in Those Depths," "Can You Even F****** Imagine Being a Teenager Today?" "I Don't See the Branches, I See the Leaves," "Candlepower."Correspondence - "New Year's Loops."Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Lisa Lloyd will be the first to tell you that she's not a genius...though she certainly seems like one.   She invented her first product at 23, a hair styling tool called The French Twister, which eventually grossed $20 million. And over the years, she went on to license seven other products; getting featured on Shark Tank, Good Morning America, USA Today, The Big Idea, and more before starting the Lisa Lloyd Marketing Group. She's also the Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at the Invention Accelerator, a program that helps busy innovators to get their ideas off the ground. But not all of those inventions turned out; in fact, Lisa had still been paying off the debt from one of her products until…pretty recently. And before she started inventing, there were no early signs of entrepreneurial greatness. She actually didn't think she was smart enough to become an entrepreneur, period. In this episode, Lisa shares what she's learned over 30 years as an inventor and high-profile business owner. What were her most costly mistakes, and what did they teach her? What's the key to persisting through prolonged periods of uncertainty without becoming cynical? And what are the two types of discipline that you need to keep moving forward as an entrepreneur? Lisa talks about:Why she's not a geniusThe two essential types of disciplineWhen to buckle down, and when to give it upA less than perfect experience on Shark Tank  Generating $20,000,000 from her first productHow to persist through launching your first product We have a website!Visit andsosheleft.com for full episodes, transcripts, an application form to be on the show, a list of upcoming guests and more.Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Correspondence and © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: Chris Zabriskie - "Air Hockey Saloon," "CGI Snake," "Everyone Will Notice, No One Will Say Anything," "We Always Thought the Future Would Be Kind of Fun."Correspondence - "Holding Cycle," "On Again (version)," "New Year's Loops." Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

When Polina Ruvinsky stepped into a leadership role at Disney, she was told to not ask for permission. In 2018, she formed a women and tech employee group at the company. What started as a kind of experiment turned into a tight-knit community, allowing women at the company to come together, brainstorm, and offer support. The ripple effect of Polina's community can still be felt: the group is now designated as a Business Employee Resource Group, or BERG, one of 100 BERGs across Disney today. In 2022, she founded To The SHE Power to offer mentorship, coaching and career services to women in transition. And now, she's working to launch Hype Her, a platform to revolutionize how women gain visibility and support each other, while uplifting each other and having fun while doing it.   Polina shares how she gave herself permission to create new opportunities for women leaders, how she learned to trust her gut, and how she dealt with what she calls “egregious leadership decisions” during her corporate career.  Polina talks about:Dealing with bias and imposter syndromeHow she learned to not ask for permissionHow she formed a close-knit community at DisneyWhy she never thought she would become an entrepreneurThe "egregious leadership decisions" she experienced in corporate  We have a new website!Visit andsosheleft.com for full episodes, transcripts, an application form to be on the show, a list of upcoming guests and more.Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Correspondence and © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: Chris Zabriskie - "Air Hockey Saloon," "There Are Days That I Don't," "What True Self? Feels Bogus, Let's Watch Jason X," "Short Song 020523,"  "We Always Thought the Future Would Be Kind of Fun."Correspondence - "Harp Routine." Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Content Warning: This episode deals with sensitive topics like suicide, PTSD, divorce, and poor mental health.  On the surface, Tereson Dupuy has led a pretty good life.  She successfully ran her business FuzziBunz Diapers for almost two decades and kickstarted the modern cloth diapering movement. All in all, she sold $32 million dollars worth of product.  But beneath the surface, it's a different story. Tereson's dealt with trauma ever since she was little: trauma which bled into her entrepreneurial life. She's battled abandonment and lost her son to suicide during the pandemic.  But Tereson's traumas have actually unlocked her ability to lead with love, both for herself and those around her. The death of her son Eden in particular spurred her upcoming memoir titled "The Return of Eden", which details how he has guided Tereson along her healing journey…from beyond the veil.In this special Women's History Month episode, Tereson talks about:Making sense of suicide and lossHow prolonged trauma impacted her businessDealing with betrayal from predatory business partnersHow her son's diaper rash led inspired a $30,000,000 companyThe unforgettable quote from a Shark Tank shark that changed her life We have a new website!Visit andsosheleft.com for full episodes, transcripts, an application form to be on the show, a list of upcoming guests and more.Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Correspondence and © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: Chris Zabriskie - "Air Hockey Saloon," "It Takes a Lot to Keep a Figure Like This," "Perhaps It Was Not Properly Manufactured," "The Lower Third Hall of Fame,"  "Cylinder Nine," "Cylinder Four," "CGI Snake," "I'm About to Do the Second Hardest Thing I've Ever Done," "Stories About the World That Once Was," "We Were Never Meant to Live Here," "Short Song 011823," "Short Song 021723," "Short Song 030223," "The House Glows (With Almost No Help)," "I Can't Imagine Where I'd Be Without It."Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

In her previous life as a corporate recruiter, Maisha Cannon put on what she describes as a kind of “mask.” She wasn't fully herself. Often, she'd fade into the background to try and get ahead as a black woman in corporate America. But for Maisha, getting into entrepreneurship meant putting aside those incidents where she experienced bias. It meant stepping into herself and building the confidence she needed to start The Collab Lab, which helps Talent Acquisition professionals and Recruiters to grow their skills and careers.In this episode, Maisha talks about how to bring your full self to work. How did she respond to experiencing racial bias in the workplace? How did she develop the confidence to start The Collab Lab, especially as an introvert? And what's the biggest trend affecting job recruitment right now?Maisha talks about:Getting hired at (and leaving) companies like Google and LinkedInEmbracing imperfection and the importance of launching earlyThe secrets to overcoming bias in the workplaceHow AI is being used to disrupt recruitingShedding her corporate "mask" We have a new website!Visit andsosheleft.com for full episodes, transcripts, an application form to be on the show, a list of upcoming guests and more.Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Correspondence and © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: Chris Zabriskie - "Air Hockey Saloon," "Candlepower," "CGI Snake" "Wonder Cycle,"  "Readers! Do You Read?," "Is That You Or Are You You?" "Short Song 021423," "Everybody's Got Problems That Aren't Mine," "Another Version of You."Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

At first glance, you probably couldn't tell that Mallory Greene is in the funeral industry.  She's not an older, stuffy man in a dark suit…she's a young woman who got her start as a member of Wealthsimple's founding team. Today, she's the CEO and Co-Founder of Eirene, a funeral service provider that's disrupting the industry with their affordable prices and tech-driven approach.  Much like Mallory herself, Eirene isn't your typical funeral company. They're incredibly transparent with the families they serve, educating them while prioritizing their comfort to guide them through a simplified arrangements process.On this episode, Mallory answers questions like: how does she navigate being an outsider in the funeral industry? How do her views on mortality allow her to create strong bonds with customers? And how has she scaled her business in a highly regulated, traditional industry?Mallory talks about:What she learned as an early Wealthsimple team memberHow a regulatory battle nearly cost her her businessDistinguishing herself in an antiquated industryWhy choice and availability always winsStepping into a new leadership roleWe have a new website!Visit andsosheleft.com for full episodes, transcripts, an application form to be on the show, a list of upcoming guests and more.Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Correspondence and © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: Chris Zabriskie - "Air Hockey Saloon," "The Sun is Scheduled to Come Out Tomorrow," "I Am Running a Marathon with Thousands of Other Highly Qualified People Who Are All Trying to Defeat Me," "Short Song 022123,"  "Short Song 022823," "Short Song 030623," "We Always Thought the Future Would Be Kind of Fun," "Another Version of You," "I Can't Imagine Where I'd Be Without It," "Rewound."Correspondence - "On Again."Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Alina Kravchenko has always loved inventing.  Alina defines her entrepreneurial success based on one simple factor: how much creativity she's able to express as a founder. But being raised by a single mom in Ukraine and eventually becoming a single mom herself meant there was no shortage of people who looked down on them both.  When she drained her 401K and secured a patent for SwipenSnap, her one-hand applicator for baby ointment, people laughed at her. Until the product landed Alina a spot on Shark Tank and propelled her to launch TonerBum, an ergonomic weight designed specifically for glute workouts. In this conversation, Alina answers questions like: why does she feel so driven to constantly create? How did she persist during times of immense stress as a single mom? And how can we determine our own versions of success as entrepreneurs?  Alina talks about:Growing up in UkraineOvercoming immense self-doubtDefining success as a creative personEmbracing falls instead of giving in to failureWhy pursuing wealth will never make you happy How she created both SwipenSnap and TonerBum We have a new website!Visit andsosheleft.com for full episodes, transcripts, an application form to be on the show, a list of upcoming guests and more.Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Correspondence and © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: Chris Zabriskie - "Air Hockey Saloon," "There Are Days That I Don't," "The Lower Third Hall of Fame," "Does It Exist or Do I Have to Create It?"  "Cylinder Six," "Wonder Cycle," "I Am Running with Temporary Success from a Monstrous Vacuum in Pursuit," "I'm About to Do the Second Hardest Thing I've Ever Done," "Short Song 010923," "Another Version of You." Correspondence - "Harp Routine."Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Bisila Bokoko says that our purpose is not defined by what we do...but by who we are.Growing up in Valencia, Spain with mixed Spanish-African heritage came with a heavy dose of discomfort. But these experiences drove her to learn more about her heritage…to become what she calls “culturally intelligent.”Cultural intelligence has been the key to Bisila's success as a founder. By becoming culturally intelligent, she's learned how relationship building can scale businesses like Mango and Zara through her company Bisila Bokoko Embassy International (BBES). She's landed monumental jobs like Executive Director of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce and the Director of Valencia's foreign exchange in New York. She's been featured in Vogue, Forbes, Harper's Bazaar and Vanity Fair. And today, she's Chair of the Executive Board of the United Nation's EMPRETEC Women in Business Awards. She even has her own Spanish wine brand.In this episode, we answer questions like: how do you become culturally intelligent? What's the overlap between building relationships and building big businesses? And how can I discover my unique value proposition as a person, and communicate that value to others?Bisila talks about:How to go from local to globalHelping other women to climb laddersGrowing up visibly different in ValenciaThe trip to Africa that changed her worldviewWhy she has no employees (but plenty of collaborators)Getting hired (and fired) as Director of the Spanish Chamber of CommerceWe have a new website!Visit andsosheleft.com for full episodes, transcripts, an application form to be on the show, a list of upcoming guests and more.Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Correspondence and © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: Chris Zabriskie - "Air Hockey Saloon," "I Am Running Down the Long Hallway of Viewmont Elementary," "Your Mother's Daughter," "Is That You or Are You You?"  "Short Song 011723," "Short Song 020323," "Land On the Golden Gate," "Everybody's Got Problems That Aren't Mine."Correspondence - "On Again (version)," "Expanding Cycle," "On + On," "On Again," "In Copenhagen," "Longshore Drift (fragments)."Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

**Use code AndSoSheLeftPod to get $150 off your WNORTH Conference Pass!**In 2015, Heather Odendaal founded the WNORTH conference.The aim of WNORTH is simple: create more pathways for women to become business leaders through networking and collaboration. For the first 8 years, Heather worked as a solopreneur. Today, she's built a small but mighty team and together, they have grown WNORTH to seven chapter cities and launched a membership program with 1300 leaders from companies like Google, Lululemon, Aritzia, and Cisco. The conference has also won a half-dozen awards and been held at swanky venues like the Four Seasons. In this episode, Heather talks about how to effectively motivate your team, build time off into your packed schedule, and adapt to unforeseen challenges through constant reflection and course correction.Heather talks about:How to take time off strategicallyDoing everything herself for 8 yearsThe importance of paying it forwardTaking time to step away and rechargeRecognizing her customers' biggest needsEnduring the pandemic as an events-based businessWe have a new website!Visit andsosheleft.com for full episodes, transcripts, an application form to be on the show, a list of upcoming guests and more.Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Correspondence and © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: Chris Zabriskie - "Air Hockey Saloon," "CGI Snake," "Everyone Will Notice, No One Will Say Anything," "What True Self? Feels Bogus, Let's Watch Jason X,"  "Another Version of You," "The Theatrical Poster for Poltergeist III."Correspondence - "On Again (version)," "The North Sea (version)," "Chime Hour (edit)," "Up + Up (reprise/arise)."Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Urbander CEO Samí Haiman-Marrero describes herself as an armadillo.  She's got thick skin, she's scrappy, and she can smell insincerity from a mile away.  Samí spent almost her entire life in Puerto Rico, but you can tell right away that she has roots in the Bronx. When she came back to New York to work in media and publishing, she soon found herself grappling with some harsh realities, dealing with cultural and social environments that were completely different from the ones she grew up with.  To kick off 2024, Samí shares her best advice on self-advocacy, why communication is the most useful skill for any entrepreneur, and how her business thrived during two major economic downturns.Samí talks about:Why she sees herself as an "armadillo"Learning through observing her coworkersWhy establishing a sense of community is a mustRecognizing familiarities in an unfamiliar environmentHow her cultural background has been the key to her successHer journey to finding identity in New York's media & publishing industryWe have a new website!Visit andsosheleft.com for full episodes, transcripts, an application form to be on the show, a list of upcoming guests and more.Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Correspondence and © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: Chris Zabriskie - "Air Hockey Saloon," "I Refuse to Accept That There's Nothing I Can Do About It," "Candlepower," "Wonder Cycle,"  "I Am Running Down the Long Hallway of Viewmont Elementary," " Short Song 020923," "The House Glows (With Almost No Help."Correspondence - "Playing Field," "Longshore Drift (fragments)," "In Copenhagen," "The North Sea (version)," "New Year's Loops," "Expanding Cycle."  Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

And So, She Left returns January 24.   New episodes every Wednesday. We'd love to hear your feedback! Here's a quick 5-question survey. Your answers will help us to make the show even better: https://forms.gle/5JnfCUWbgLRw1NTa8  Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Short Song 020923."Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Entrepreneurs love to set lofty, ambitious goals for ourselves…after all, it's in our nature. But what separates those of us who reach our goals from those who don't are the skills we obtain and use to get there.  Leah Carr's approach to entrepreneurship is a highly grounded one. She's the CEO of a learning and development company called TILR (that's T.I.L.R.). They help HR teams and people leaders to hone in on the proficiencies their employees need. Her work philosophy is simple: she chases opportunities, no matter where they crop up, over hyper-defined goals.  Leah shares her best learning and development advice. If you're looking to future-proof your career or your company through a skills-first approach, then this episode is essential listening.Leah talks about:Going "rogue" as a bank employeeProviding opportunities for skills  developmentAbsolutely essential advice for skills acquisitionThe most important skills employees need right nowDeveloping a hyper-rational approach to entrepreneurshipDeveloping upskilling solutions for entrepreneurs and businesses We'd love to hear your feedback! Here's a quick 5-question survey. Your answers will help us to make the show even better: https://forms.gle/5JnfCUWbgLRw1NTa8  Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "Everyone Will Notice, No One Will Say Anything," "Hitchcock Would Have F___ed Up Charades," "What True Self? Feels Bogus, Let's Watch Jason X,"  " Short Song 022123."Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Every once in a while, we hear a story that floors us. Christelle Biiga's story is one of them. Today, she gets clients in front of the right podcast audiences to grow their businesses. Her company is called Exposure Maven.  As a young girl in Cameroon, she bought into the American Dream. She knew no one in the states. Had no family or friends stateside. And could barely speak English at the time. But she still bought a one-way ticket to LAX.   What Christelle couldn't know was that the next few years would stretch her resilience, patience, and spirit to their absolute limits. She would find herself coping with stress, trauma, and self-doubt. And she would discover just how much she was capable of as an entrepreneur.  Christelle talks about:Being illegally detained at LAXSpending 9 months in a detention centerPersistence in the face of doubt and obstaclesHow her trauma resurfaced in the middle of a shiftSharing her traumatic story and overcoming shameThe importance of staying busy and embracing unpredictability  We'd love to hear your feedback! Here's a quick 5-question survey. Your answers will help us to make the show even better: https://forms.gle/5JnfCUWbgLRw1NTa8  Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "And It Is There, in Those Depths," "They Call It Nature," "Short Song 011223,"  " Short Song 020523," "Short Song 030923," "There's a Special Place for Some People." Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

If you asked your clients to describe you, what would they say? Today, customers want to know who you are.  We're living in the age of personal branding. Christina Minshull spent 15+ years in brand and social marketing for companies like SportCheck, WestJet, and LinkedIn. Today, Christina helps CEOs, Founders and brands unleash their LinkedIn potential through her company The Brand Audit.  Across LinkedIn and TikTok she's amassed a 25K following and earned LinkedIn's Top Voice for Social Media and Brand Strategy in 2023. All without spending a dime on advertising. You're about to hear Christina's best advice on personal branding and being a thought leader on LinkedIn. She tells us why it's important, how to form deep connections with your target audience, and she shares countless bits of practical advice that will keep you and your personal brand humming along. Christina talks about:How to build trust with your audienceThe decline of trust in traditional brandsHow to build a community, both on and offlineWhy smaller companies struggle with brand awarenessThe importance of knowing yourself before building your brandWhy your family isn't always the best professional support system We'd love to hear your feedback! Here's a quick 5-question survey. Your answers will help us to make the show even better: https://forms.gle/5JnfCUWbgLRw1NTa8  Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "I Am Running Down the Long Hallway of Viewmont Elementary," "I'm About to Do the Second Hardest Thing I've Ever Done," "Stories About the World That Once Was,"  " The House Glows (With Almost No Help)."Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

No one warns you about the loss of structure when you leave the corporate womb. Suddenly, it's all up to you.   You're the boss. You make the decisions. And you need to pin down the principles that create structure in your work life…or face the consequences. Michelle Peters is the CEO of Supplino, a thriving supply chain marketplace. When she left corporate, she fell victim to hustle culture, overwork, and burnout. Facing each of these challenges in time, she eventually disassembled her embedded corporate mentality and found a winning structure that worked for her…not the other way around. You're about to hear Michelle's journey to make sense of structure as an entrepreneur, her best advice for businessowners who hold on to the corporate mentality, and learning to love the inherent uncertainty of her work.  Michelle talks about:Dealing with repeated burnoutTrusting and embracing your communityWhy women entrepreneurs are hesitant to ask for helpWhy "plant the seed metrics" matter more than you thinkHow to persist as an entrepreneur during even the toughest timesThe importance of falling in love with the problem, not the solution We'd love to hear your feedback! Here's a quick 5-question survey. Your answers will help us to make the show even better: https://forms.gle/5JnfCUWbgLRw1NTa8  Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "It Will Make You Feel Better If You Put It In the Right Place," "Is This the Spirit Everybody Keeps Talking About?" "Heliograph,"  " Mario Bava Sleeps In a Little Later Than He Expected To."Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Constriction and guidance are the two sides to the feedback coin. But sometimes, we have to squint to tell which is which. Can you?As a clinical psychologist, Cindy Wahler faced constant doubt. She was told that she'd never make it. But today, she uses her understanding of psychology to consult for organizations like Ralph Lauren, Exxon Mobile, and Toyota on effective leadership development.  She also bakes cookies.Cindy started Bite Me Cookie back in 2021. Once again, she was swarmed by naysayers. But a few years later, Bite Me Cookies has become something of a Torontonian phenomenon, with over 20 varieties of cookies on offer and expansions into other deserts like pies and hot chocolate.  You're about to hear Cindy's best advice on receiving feedback as a leader. She breaks down different kinds of feedback, how they can either help or hinder you, and plenty of practical tips on how to pivot based on the feedback you receive.Cindy talks about:The power of persistenceBuilding confidence as a leaderThe inherent vulnerability in all peopleWhy great leaders pay attention to feedback of all kindsWhy not all leaders make great managers (and vice versa)Why you may already possess the skills you need to succeed Speaking of feedback...we'd love to hear yours! Here's a quick 5-question survey. Your answers will help us to make the show even better: https://forms.gle/5JnfCUWbgLRw1NTa8  Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "An Extraordinary Camera Was Custom Built and Used Only Once," "Short Song 012023," "Short Song 012823,"  " Short Song 020623," "Short Song 021123," "We Always Thought the Future Would Be Kind of Fun."Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

**A GIFT FOR "And So, She Left" listeners: until December 8, 2023, get 20% off all regular priced items at www.cheekbonebeauty.com with code ASSL20**With $500 in a basement in St. Catherines, Ontario, Jenn Harper started Cheekbone Beauty.  She had zero experience working in the beauty space, making the leap from a career in the food industry's hospitality and sales sectors. Like all great entrepreneurs, Jenn's vision eventually rocketed the company to earn multi-million-dollar revenues. But unlike other founders, Jenn's vision was literal: in January 2015, a dream popped into her head of three little indigenous girls, giggling and covered in lip gloss.  Battling alcoholism and intergenerational trauma, she started Cheekbone on the side. But today, Cheekbone Beauty sells every kind of colour cosmetic you can think of in stores like Sephora and JC Penny.  This is the story of how Jenn carved out a unique space in the nearly $600 billion beauty industry as a newcomer. You'll hear how her cultural background served as a guiding light, her greatest advice for entrepreneurs venturing into new industries, and the practical methods she used to quickly scale her company to the next level. Jenn talks about:The literal dream that inspired her businessGoing from $500 to selling products in Sephora and JC PennyThe role that her identity plays in helping her brand to stand outThe sacrifices she and her husband have made to create CheekboneHer greatest pieces of advice for entrepreneurs entering a new industryHow she uses lab testing to carve out a unique advantage in the beauty space We'd love to hear your feedback! Here's a quick 5-question survey. Your answers will help us to make the show even better: https://forms.gle/5JnfCUWbgLRw1NTa8  Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "I Refuse to Accept That There's Nothing I Can Do About It," "The Lower Third Hall of Fame,"  " They Call It Nature," "I Should Have Been More Human," "Short Song 010923."Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Entrepreneurs are deep thinkers. We each have a million ideas zipping around in our heads, and if we're lucky, a great one pops up every now and again.   But there's a stark difference between the people who dream and the people who do.   Tiffany Jones-Lewis made that realization after serving 8 years in the navy. Before launching TJL Collection, a fashion brand aimed at tall women, she was a lifelong dreamer. The tallest one in the room from a young age, her height had always matched the loftiness of her professional goals…yet the security of her HR day-job held her firmly in place.   You're about to hear Tiffany's journey from dreamer to doer, the stumbling blocks she faced as a taller woman in fashion, and how she eventually learned to choose her own path. Tiffany talks about:Cultivating an environment that allows her to dream bigWhy striving for perfection actually hinders your progressHow she brought her vision and bring it to life through actionHow the internet pressures us to achieve rapidly at a young ageLeaving the navy for entrepreneurship & proving doubters wrong Starting her business with her husband in Hawaii during the pandemic We'd love to hear your feedback! Here's a quick 5-question survey. Your answers will help us to make the show even better: https://forms.gle/5JnfCUWbgLRw1NTa8  Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "Hitchcock Would Have F***ed Up Charade," "Short Song 011223,"  " Short Song 020323," "Short Song 020723," "Short Song 030223," "Take Off and Shoot a Zero," "Another Version of You."  Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Do you think of yourself as “tough?” It's actually a challenging question to answer. We're certainly eager as entrepreneurs, always ready to tackle the next challenge ahead. But what does toughness actually look like?  Today's conversation with Shara Ruffin reminds us that true resilience comes from hitting our lowest points. Today, she's a bestselling author, LinkedIn influencer, and the Founder of Journey to Licensure. Her journey was brutal. She spent years facing every personal problem imaginable, often at the same time. But she still carved out a thriving business to help social workers take control of their careers. Shara talks about the many overlapping personal challenges she's been through that molded her into a truly resilient entrepreneur like parenting during times of grief, dealing with divorce, and engaging in destructive behavior like alcoholism.   Shara talks about:Spreading hope by building a personal brand on LinkedInFeeling financially stuck at a low point, and what she did about itFacing medical struggles, marital issues, and work stress head onOvercoming maladaptive coping practices and tackling alcoholismHow sharing a video of her struggles on LinkedIn changed everythingHow she created a business guiding colleagues through their licensing challenges We'd love to hear your feedback! Here's a quick 5-question survey. Your answers will help us to make the show even better: https://forms.gle/5JnfCUWbgLRw1NTa8  Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "It Takes a Lot to Keep a Figure Like This," "I Refuse to Accept That There's Nothing I Can Do About It,"  " Is This the Spirit Everybody Keeps Talking About?," "They Call It Nature," "Raise Your Hand If You Think Evil Is Increasing in This World," "Short Song 021523." Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

This episode is sponsored by The Diversity Agency. A few weeks ago, we got to talk with Anita Grant (Hello Hair), Salem Berhane (IncluSV Beauty Solutions), Kristina Knox (Arbre), Monique Gallivan (Gyallivant), and Seyi Adaghe (ROUN Beauty) are the five winners of this year's Shea Moisture Dream Fund Grant. From Unilever brand Shea Moisture, The Dream Fund was created to support Black-owned women-led businesses across Beauty and professional services in Canada, awarding $10,000 to each of the winners.   In part two of our interview with the winners, we sat down for a more personal roundtable discussion. The winners return to the issues we talked about in part 1 with a personal touch, and share their most impactful pieces of advice for new entrepreneurs.  The Winners talk about:Their best pieces of advice for new entrepreneursHow their childhoods impacted their current businessesTheir strategies for impacting future generations of black womenThe impact of Eurocentric beauty standards (and how to combat them)How they learned to embrace their true selves through their businesses Exciting news...And So, She Left took home two Signal Awards (Gold + Listener's Choice)! Thank you so much to everyone who voted. Your support means the absolute world to us. Want to go above and beyond? If you haven't already, please take 30 seconds to rate & review the podcast here. Again, many thanks from the entire team.  Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "Let the Pain Speak to Me," "Editing Beyond the Door III Again," "I Knew My Way Downtown and Walking Was Deluxe,"  "I Am Running Down the Long Hallway of Viewmont Elementary," "The Theatrical Poster for Poltergeist III," "There Are Days That I Don't," "Land On the Golden Gate." Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Warning: this episode contains mild language and themes that some listeners may find upsetting.  It's hard for us to talk about money. We often squirm a bit, glance at each other, and muddle through most discussions about personal finance. But we also don't talk about it enough…especially as it relates to gender.   Kristine Beese is the founder of Untangle Money, which aims to teach financial literacy to women everywhere. Kristine's inspiration came from the glaring reminders about her gender that surrounded her at work. In both the engineering and finance sectors of the Oil & Gas industry, sexism was baked into workplace culture, in different flavours and severities across different cities and sectors.  We talk about sexism in the workplace, the different ways in which it can present itself at work, and how widespread sexism persists on both a macro and micro scale in our professional lives. Kristine talks about:Breaking down gendered messaging about moneyWorking in the Oil & Gas industry, and different types of sexismFigure skating, and the power of focusing on what you can controlWhy products are generally designed with men as the ideal customerGentlemanly sexism, proving worth, unequal power dynamics at workCreating a more equitable financial landscape for women through Untangle We'd love to hear your feedback! Here's a quick 5-question survey. Your answers will help us to make the show even better: https://forms.gle/5JnfCUWbgLRw1NTa8  Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "Cylinder Nine," "Heliograph,"  "Stories About the World That Once Was," "Your Mother's Daughter," "Short Song 020223," "Short Song 020423," "Short Song 030623," "The House Glows (With Almost No Help)." Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

This episode is sponsored by The Diversity Agency. Anita Grant (Hello Hair), Salem Berhane (IncluSV Beauty Solutions), Kristina Knox (Arbre), Monique Gallivan (Gyallivant), and Seyi Adaghe (ROUN Beauty) are the five winners of this year's Shea Moisture Dream Fund Grant. They know the costs and barriers of entrepreneurship.   From Unilever brand Shea Moisture, The Dream Fund was created to support Black-owned women-led businesses across Beauty and professional services in Canada, awarding $10,000 to each of the winners.   In this special episode, we sat down with the winners to hear about their journeys so far. They talk about the financial barriers facing black entrepreneurs, how they found the courage to take the entrepreneurial leap in precarious situations, and why community is at the heart of what they do.  The Winners talk about:The biggest issues they faced when starting outNot being taken seriously by customers and fundersSeeking funding as black women in the beauty spaceTheir journeys starting their businesses during COVIDTaking the seemingly precarious leap into entrepreneurshipThe importance of being vulnerable to connect with your community We're nominated for a Signal Award!     (click here)It's like the Emmys of podcasting. Remember when someone helped you in a small way, yet it made all the difference? Your vote matters. It will take 30 seconds, and help us to grow the show. Thanks for your support.  Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "What Does Anybody Know About Anything," "I Don't See the Branches, I See the Leaves," "CGI Snake,"  "I Am Running Down the Long Hallway of Viewmont Elementary." Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Content warning: this episode contains graphic content.  Maisa Mumtaz-Cassidy thought she was going to die.  She's the Founder & CEO of Consciously, an ethically-sourced and sustainable fashion platform. Between an incredibly tense childbirth, starting a business in the grips of COVID, and contracting the virus herself, it wreaked havoc on her mind and body. But she managed to keep it all together.  Being forced to walk such a winding path reminded Maisa of her own mother. Like her, she was an entrepreneur in the garment industry. And at just 26, she became a single mother of 3 after leaving an abusive marriage.  This is an episode about determination, grit, and persistence. Maisa talks about the moments where she almost threw in the towel, the importance of buckling down on fair pay, and how the warmth of family keeps her striving forward.  Maisa talks about:How she juggles parenthood & passionHer incredibly difficult pregnancy experienceHow she deals with "mom guilt" as a new entrepreneurHaving a lack of mom friends who are also entrepreneursThe importance of supporting ethical manufacturing as a business ownerStarting Consciously during the pandemic after giving birth to her first child We're nominated for a Signal Award!     (click here)It's like the Emmys of podcasting. Remember when someone helped you in a small way, yet it made all the difference? Your vote matters. It will take 30 seconds, and help us to grow the show. Thanks for your support.  Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "Let Your Enemies Feel the Weight of Your Burdens," "Cylinder Three," "Heliograph,"  "Short Song 011723," "Short Song 021523," "There's a Special Place for Some People." Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Afton Brazzoni always had a deep passion for stories. From journalism to marketing and PR, Afton's storytelling muscle has had ample time to develop. But when she launched her own B2B content writing venture Scribe National, she soon learned about all of the other stuff that she had to grasp. Management. Budgeting. Leading. By embracing the unpredictability of entrepreneurship and building a fierce team, Scribe National scaled to a six figure company in its first year. The year after, their revenue doubled. And they're set to grow some more. Despite many challenges, Afton never abandoned her passion for telling stories. In our conversation, we discuss how she dealt with the immense pressures of learning about the business side of entrepreneurship. We also cover how she and her team were able to successfully scale so quickly, and the many secrets of effective content writing. Afton talks about:Putting together an all-star teamScaling to a 6-figure company in your first yearHow to scale while maintaining high-quality workTreating entrepreneurship as a learned experienceManaging teams, dealing with pressure, and budgetingWhy you need to recognize the human element in B2B interactionsSPECIAL OFFER for our listeners: From now until October 31, 2023, get $250 (10% off) a 3-month private coaching package with Scribe National: 1-on-1 Marketing Advisory for Service Businesses. Email Afton (afton@scribenational.ca) with the code ANDSOSHELEFT to claim the discount, or if you have any questions, or want to book a meeting about it. We're nominated for a Signal Award!     (click here)It's like the Emmys of podcasting. Remember when someone helped you in a small way, yet it made all the difference? Your vote matters. It will take 30 seconds, and help us to grow the show. Thanks for your support.  Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "What True Self- Feels Bogus, Let's Watch Jason X," "Chance, Luck, Errors in Nature, Destruction as a Finale," "Short Song 010923,"  "Short Song 012323," "Short Song 021123." Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Andria Barrett's career is like a slinky. From theatre to hospitality to sales, there are lots of twists and turns...but she's always kept momentum.  When Andria's Jamaican grandmother taught her the concept of informal banking (known as a pawdna in her culture) Andria became fascinated with different models of cooperative finance. Today, she helps countless women-led businesses and non-profits to find support and scale through her company The Diversity Agency.  Andria shares her best advice on how to scale with limited resources, get the most out of your business partners, and bridge the gap between mindset and meaningful results. Andria talks about:A simple, communal strategy for paying loans Why you shouldn't sit on ideas for too longThe importance of saying "yes" more often Viewing failure as a means of learning and improvingUnderstanding strengths, limitations, and finding the right teamHer advice for small business owners and the importance of a growth mindsetWe'd love to hear your feedback! Here's a quick 5-question survey. Your answers will help us to make the show even better: https://forms.gle/5JnfCUWbgLRw1NTa8  Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "Thanks for Trying to Rescue Me, But You Made Things Worse," "There Are Days That I Don't," "Maybe Tomorrow All My Dreams Come True,"  "Everybody's Got Problems That Aren't Mine," "Another Version of You." Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

When Candice Collison's first daughter was born, she ran into a problem. She wanted to wear fashionable and functional clothing as a new mom that was ethically sourced. She looked everywhere...and found nothing.  Seeing a major pain point for new moms and moms-to-be, Candice left her high-level job at Facebook to found Mod + Ethico - later, Of an Origin. Both offer mix-and-match options with motherhood in mind.   Candice shares about the difficulties she faced as a mother when it came to clothing, along with the challenges of leaving her job in tech for a completely different kind of career. She also covers why she's so passionate about the work that she does, and how working from home has given her the greatest gift: the freedom to spend time with her kids.  Candice talks about:The problems facing new moms when it comes to sustainable, functional fashionThe journey of venturing into a completely new industry from techHow working from home has enriched Candice's lifeHow to draw from your deepest passions as an entrepreneurThe motivational piece of advice she received that convinced her not to quitOvercoming fear to build confidence and competence. We'd love to hear your feedback! Here's a quick 5-question survey. Your answers will help us to make the show even better: https://forms.gle/5JnfCUWbgLRw1NTa8  Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "Candlepower," "Divider" "Wonder Cycle"  "CGI Snake" "Short Song 022123," "Short Song 030423," "Short Song 030723." Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Anna Li's been to over 90 countries. Burned out, anxious, and depressed from her job in tech, she started out side-hustling as an Airbnb host. But rather than bringing the world to her, Anna left everything behind to backpack through Southeast Asia. A few years later, her company Healing Journey Retreats is organizing a retreat to Tulum, Mexico.   Anna's mission is to bridge the gap between neuroscience and travel. Discover what she learned about burnout through her trips around the world, how she used them to gain perspective, and the familial challenges she faced when she adopted the life of an ever-curious traveler.  Anna talks about:How she learned to develop meaningful relationships quickly through backpackingHow her side-hustle as an Airbnb host launched her current careerFacing and overcoming severe burnout and being a toxic colleague Defying parental expectations as a child of immigrants Exploring multiple paths to achieve the same goals We'd love to hear your feedback! Here's a quick 5-question survey. Your answers will help us to make the show even better: https://forms.gle/5JnfCUWbgLRw1NTa8  Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "Prelude No. 20," "Prelude No. 7," "Short Song 020723,"  "Short Song 030523," "Short Song 020123," "Prelude No. 11," "Short Song 021123," "Short Song 020323," "Short Song 030923," "Prelude No. 12," "Short Song 012223," "Prelude No. 14," "Short Song 020523."Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

When Paula Festas was a young girl in Mozambique, her father was her greatest mentor. He taught her many important lessons about mentorship, but one stood out: treat your employees like family and friends. It's a piece of wisdom that saved his life.  Today, Paula's the Co-Founder and CEO of Huumans, a financial services and cloud accounting company for small businesses. And her passion for mentorship is stronger than ever. Discover why Paula is fiercely committed to mentoring others, how she excels at it, and the unbelievable story of how learning about mentorship has changed the course of her life.  Paula talks about:Challenges she faced in a male-dominated industry and how she overcame themThe importance of mentorship in your career as a young professionalAdvice on finding passion and pursuing it in one's careerHer approach to building meaningful relationships within her remote teamHow a key mentorship lesson saved her father's life during wartime in Mozambique We'd love to hear your feedback! Here's a quick 5-question survey. Your answers will help us to make the show even better: https://forms.gle/5JnfCUWbgLRw1NTa8  Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "Perhaps It Was Not Properly Manufactured," "Cylinder Four," "Heliograph,"  "I Am Running Down the Long Hallway of Viewmont Elementary," "I Knew My Way Downtown and Walking Was Deluxe," "Itasca, It's Glowing Red Hot," "Short Song 011123," "Short Song 020323," "Short Song 020523," "Short Song 021023," "Short Song 021123," "Short Song 021423," "Short Song 030623," "Land On the Golden Gate," "Rewound."   Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Content Warning: This episode contains themes that some listeners may find disturbing or upsetting. Chrystal Toop has been through a lot. Chrystal is the founder of Blackbird Medicines, an indigenous spiritual and cultural wellness practice in Canada. Born in the small town of Marathon, Ontario, and raised in challenging family circumstances, Chrystal's story uncovers the generational effects of residential schools. Her great-grandfather's experiences set off a chain of events that shaped her family's life.Despite incredible obstacles like caring for siblings while young, battling financial hardships, transient living, and even overcoming homelessness, Chrystal never gave up. She began a family and found her calling as a talented indigenous storyteller.This episode of "And So, She Left" offers deeply moving insights into Chrystal's life, rooted in the wider context of Indigenous experiences in Canada and the intergenerational trauma that is far too common in the Indigenous community. Learn more about Chrystal and  Blackbird Medicines.  We'd love to hear your feedback! Here's a quick 5-question survey. Your answers will help us to make the show even better: https://forms.gle/5JnfCUWbgLRw1NTa8  In this episode, we cover:The unbelievable story of Chrystal's birthHow to recognize and face intergenerational traumaThe impacts of residential schools on Indigenous families across Canada What Chrystal learned  about being self-sufficient through childhood neglectHow Chrystal found family and trust while living on the streets of OttawaThe role of culture as a grounding force in one's life, and how Chrystal found her calling as a doula  Quote of the Week:"Within one generation, my family left the land. My family lost their language. And when you don't have such large essential pieces of how you relate to each other as a family...the impacts of that on the next generation are monumental."— Chrystal Toop Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "Cylinder Two," "I'm About to Do the Second Hardest Thing I've Ever Done," "Editing Beyond the Door III Again,"  "You Fiddle, I'll Burn Rome," "We Were Never Meant to Live Here," "Short Song 011723," "The Dark Glow of the Mountains," "Short Song 020723," "I Can't Imagine Where I'd Be Without It," "There's Probably No Time."  Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License 

Content Warning: this episode contains references to discrimination, xenophobia, and Islamophobia. Nadia Butt grew up  in a predominantly white community. Born to Pakistani immigrants near Boston, growing up as someone often perceived as "different" shaped her perception of identity and community.  She's faced challenges like navigating Islamophobia after 9/11, which greatly influenced her mission as an adult.Nadia co-hosts the Inclusive Collective Podcast, and is the principal consultant at Naz Consulting. Their work focuses on supporting marginalized communities, aiding companies in integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion (or DEI) into their organizations.In this revealing conversation, Nadia shares personal stories of racial bias, gender, and race disparities she's encountered in the workplace, such as unequal pay. She guides us through the complexities of DEI work, highlighting the three core values which guide her work: learning, community, and identity. As you'll quickly realize, her work reflects one key learning: that acknowledging our differences doesn't have to divide us but can bring us closer together, fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment. Listen to the Inclusive Collective podcast. Learn more about Nadia and her consulting work.  We'd love to hear your feedback! Here's a quick 5-question survey. Your answers will help us to make the show even better: https://forms.gle/5JnfCUWbgLRw1NTa8  In this episode, we cover:Nadia's childhood growing up in a predominantly white town, and how it shaped her identity.Nadia's early experiences recognizing the joy in diversity that led her to pursue advocacy workExperiencing racism towards the Muslim community post-9/11The importance of leading with humilityThe three pillars of successful DEI initiativesA terrible layoff experience, and why Nadia's happy that she went through it Quote of the Week:“We can call diversity, equity, [and] inclusion whatever we want to call it, but it really is just showing up and treating people with dignity and respect." - Nadia Butt  Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "Cylinder Nine," "It Will Make You Feel Better If You Put It In the Right Place" "Short Song 030223,"  "Short Song 022523," "Where Have All The Cybertrackers Gone?" "Short Song 030423," "And It Is There, In Those Depths," "Short Song 012623," "Cylinder Four," "Short Song 030723,"  Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

In this episode, we're exploring the theme of family.  Family is something that many of our guests talk about. The way our families shape us and leave lasting impressions is something we can't ignore. Often, it's only when we look back that we see how much our family has influenced us.Join Katherin, Cansulta's Founder Alex Kapelos-Peters, and show Creator/Producer Ethan Lee as they dive deeper into some of the family stories from our guests so far. They'll share some of their own stories, too.If you haven't listened to our previous episode about family, we recommend you go back and give it a listen. We're trying something completely new, and we'd love your feedback. You can fill out a brief form through the link in the episode description.Thanks for listening, and enjoy the episode.We'd love to hear your feedback! Here's a quick 5-question survey. Your answers will help us to make the show even better: https://forms.gle/5JnfCUWbgLRw1NTa8  Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "We Always Thought the Future Would Be Kind of Fun," "Short Song 020623," "Short Song 022823."Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

In this special episode, we're doing something different. Instead of featuring a guest, we're focusing on a theme that keeps coming up in our episodes: family. It seems like everyone we talk to mentions their family. Family experiences undoubtedly shape the entrepreneurial journey.Our family leaves lasting marks on us as we grow up. They can influence us in ways we don't always see right away. Often, it's only when we look back that we understand how much they mattered.In this episode, we're doing just that: looking back. You might have heard some of the stories we're about to share before. We encourage you to listen to them again, and think about your own family while you do.This Sunday, we're also releasing a discussion episode where you'll hear what we think about these stories. We hope you enjoy.  Why Are We Shouting? with Jill Salzman  tackles the answers to every mom entrepreneur's questions about running a company. Jill's always delivers plenty of humor and personality, and each episode is an incredibly engaging experience. If you enjoy And So, She Left, we highly encourage you to rate, review, and subscribe to Jill's podcast wherever you listen, or visit JillSalzman.Substack.com.  We would love to hear your feedback! Here's a quick 5 question survey. Your answers will help us to make the show even better: https://forms.gle/5JnfCUWbgLRw1NTa8  Here are the guests featured in this week's episode, along with links to their original interviews: 01:55 - Margery Kraus (Founder & Executive Chairman - APCO Worldwide)08:53 - Sabrina Fiorellino (Founder & CEO - Fero International Inc.)19:25 - Jackie & Cassie Collier (Co-Founders  - Bundle)25:29 - Stacey Tisdale (President & CEO - Mind Money Media)30:04 - Surabhi Yadav (Founder & CEO - Sajhe Sapne)39:48 - Vivian Chen (Founder & CEO - Heyo, Rise)41:40 - Jessie Frances (Preloved Luxury Fashion Expert)45:11 - Thilde Peterson (Founder - Clock School)51:14 - Nadine Kenney Johnstone (Author & Writing Coach - WriteWELL) Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "Virtues Inherited, Vices Passed On," "It Takes a Lot to Keep a Figure Like This," "Cylinder Five," "I Am a Man Who Will Fight For Your Honour," "You Fiddle, I'll Burn Rome," "Your Mother's Daughter," "Short Song 011123," "Short Song 011223," "Short Song 012823," "Short Song 022123," "Short Song 030823." Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Felicia Shakiba will tell you that effective leaders know when to take a step back. Felicia is the Founder of CPO Playbook, a global consultancy that places people at the heart of its strategic blueprint. Being raised in a family of immigrant entrepreneurs nurtured her aspiration to build her own venture, which she was fully prepared to do. But she never expected the slow pace and perfectionist attitudes of the corporate sphere, or the unique challenges that come with being a female entrepreneur.Despite the obstacles, Felicia used these experiences as valuable lessons, learning what factors contribute to successful leadership (and by extension, successful organizations), and forging her unique approach in the process. Now, CPO Playbook is set to amplify its reach with an upcoming podcast of the same name.In this enlightening conversation, Felicia unpacks her trove of leadership insights. She stresses the importance of shared values as a cornerstone of exceptional teamwork and explains how reinforcing them fuels individual growth, sharing unconventional management strategies that have propelled her success along the way. Learn more about CPO Playbook. Listen to the podcast of the same name.  In this episode, we cover:What "failing fast" is, and why it's crucial lesson for success Growing up in a family of primarily male entrepreneurs The importance of promoting shared company values to ensure employee satisfaction and recruitmentWhy she doubled down on kindness, and how kindness determines organizational success The importance of fairness, and why it isn't universally valued in business Many, many insights relating to team management  Quote of the Week:“You can't just have values stuck on the wall. You need to be able to integrate what those values look like and feel like... throughout the organization through all of those processes and actually be rewarded for showing those values." - Felicia Shakiba  Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "I Don't See the Branches, I See the Leaves," "Readers! Do You Read?" "Short Song 020723,"  "Short Song 022723," "The House Glows (With Almost No Help). Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License 

This is special bonus episode about Anti-Striving from our previous guest Nadine Kenney Johnstone's podcast Heart of the Story.The pace of life is too frantic; the grind is unsustainable. What do we do to combat unhealthy striving and hustle culture while still pursuing our passions and doing work we love? Nadine shares her own story of getting off the hamster wheel and 5 antidotes for striving. About Nadine:Her new book, Come Home to Your Heart, is available on Bookshop,  Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.Award-winning author Nadine Kenney Johnstone is a holistic writing coach who helps women develop and publish their stories. Her articles and interviews have appeared in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, HERE, Urban Wellness, Natural Awakenings, and more. Nadine is the podcast host of Heart of the Story, where she shares stories from the heart as well as interviews with today's most impactful female creatives. Pulling from her vast experience as a writing, meditation, and yoga nidra instructor, Nadine leads women's workshops and retreats online and around the U.S.Follow Nadine on Instagram @nadinekenneyjohnstone

Nadine Kenney Johnstone has always surrounded herself with words.  As a child in the Southside of Chicago, Nadine found herself nose-deep in countless books, drawing strength and understanding from the narratives within. Her local library was where her passion for literature bloomed, where she learned to nurture relationships with her loved ones and make sense of her surroundings. Her resilience in overcoming hardships, including bouts of intense burnout and panic attacks, has been nothing short of inspirational. In recognizing the potential of the written word to forge deep personal connections, Nadine embarked on a journey as a full-time writing coach. She established her organization, WriteWELL, with the mission of uniting wellness and writing through retreats and workshops. Nadine's podcast, Heart of the Story, amplifies the heartfelt narratives of writers she's worked alongside. Her goal? To empower as many women as possible, encouraging them to share their most vulnerable moments with the world. In this conversation, Nadine pulls back the curtain on her own experiences with overwork and the invaluable life lessons she learned in her early years about tenacity and perseverance. She also highlights the power of personal narratives and the freedom in being able to pivot at any stage of one's journey.  Learn more about WriteWELL here. Listen to Heart of the Story.  In this episode, we cover:Having supportive parents that encouraged Nadine's unconventional career choicesAnxiety, panic attacks, and living an unsustainable lifestyleFinding fulfillment in helping others to tell meaningful storiesOvercoming perfectionism and allowing yourself to "slack off" a little bitThe therapeutic values of writingHow to get your writing out in the world, and why your story matters Quote of the Week:“Talent can only take you so far. You have to have the dedication and endurance to stay the course. And the writers that I coach who have the endurance over the talent will always succeed." Nadine Kenney Johnstone Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "Short Song 022423," "Short Song 011123," "$50 to Breathe,"  "Does It Exist or Do I Have to Create It?," "Stories About the World That Once Was," "Can You Even F---ing Imagine Being A Teenager Today?," "Maybe Tomorrow All My Dreams Come True," "Chance, Luck, Errors in Nature, Destruction as a Finale." Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Thilde Peterson understands the influence of legacy and the importance of respecting the time we have. From her father's military experience to her vibrant sister's correspondence with Frank Sinatra, the extraordinary lives of her family have shaped Thilde into the insightful individual she is today. Their values and teachings continue to resonate in the wisdom she imparts. In this episode, we explore how Thilde's innate grit and fortuitous life events led her to found Clock School. Beyond teaching time management, the institution embodies Thilde's vision of transforming perceptions of time. Her ultimate aim? To guide individuals towards leading more fulfilling lives, making an impactful legacy, and liberating themselves from the shackles of time poverty. Join us for an intimate conversation as Thilde shares life lessons, recounts cherished family memories, and offers invaluable tips on solidifying your relationship with time. We not only journey through Thilde's life, but explore how to make the most of our time. Learn more about Clock School here.  In this episode, we cover:Her handicapped sister's miraculous life story, and her connection with Frank Sinatra.The importance of understanding one's relationship with time to leave behind a meaningful legacy.How Thilde's life path led her to found Clock School, a program aimed at teaching time management.Her experience growing up in a family that was deeply involved in caregiving and servant leadership.Why procrastination stems from saying yes to unwanted tasks or  a desperate need for personal time. Quote of the Week:“Procrastination is [a] way of your physical self telling you that maybe you've got too much going on. The procrastination is a desperate attempt to just get some time to yourself." - Thilde Peterson Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "Perhaps It Was Not Properly Manufactured," "Cylinder Two," "To Hide Their Secrets,"  "Short Song 011823," "Short Song 012023," "Short Song 021223," "Land On the Golden Gate," "There's Probably No Time," "Undercover Vampire Policeman," "The Theatrical Poster for Poltergeist III."  Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License 

Jessie Frances was never really drawn to social media.   Growing up in Southeast D.C., Jessie gravitated towards fashion, spending what little money was available to her on thrifted clothing to bring her joy during a difficult time. It started as a way to connect with her mother. Today, her outfits have been viewed over 50 million times on Instagram and 1.3 billion times on TikTok through her blog Cappuccinos and Consignment by her many fans, who she affectionately refers to as "mes amis."    Jessie's journey is an absolute whirlwind. From starting her social media journey while caring for her hospitalized son to losing her mother during the pandemic, she continues to share moments like this with her audience to foster truly intimate, authentic connections. In this conversation, Jessie talks about why "niching down" was never the reason for her success as an influencer. She also dives into the many life lessons from her late mother that she continues to reflect on, and why moving past the desire to be "perfect" gets easier over time.  Follow Jessie on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.Learn more about Cappucinos and Consignment.  In this episode, we cover:Jessie's sprawling journey to start and scale Cappuccinos and ConsignmentWhy "niching down" isn't the answer to developing a meaningful, lasting relationship with your audienceWhy seeking perfection is really just another form of procrastinationThe most impactful life lessons that Jessie learned from her motherDistancing yourself from the expectations of others to enjoy your life right now Quote of the Week:“Once I let go of this, I'd say, very antiquated thought of perfection, that's when I was able to live, knowing that things will never be perfect." - Jessie Frances  Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "Short Song 012623," "Short Song 020923," "The Oceans Continue to Rise,"  "Short Song 030223," "The Oceans Continue to Rise," "Short Song 011923," "It Takes a Lot to Keep a Figure Like This," "There Are Days That I Don't," "I Want to Fall in Love on Snapchat." Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Vivian Chen was always meant to be an entrepreneur.  Growing up in an American Midwest immigrant family, Vivian discovered her passion for business at an early age coupled with a natural sense of urgency and ambition, channeling these traits to find work in the fashion and beauty industry. But when her friends started venturing into tech, Vivian found it immensely difficult to follow suit; during this period, she submitted over 150 applications with no responses.  The challenges she encountered throughout her many job hunts led Vivian to create Rise and Heyo; two startups that help professionals across a variety of industries to make connections, showcase their abilities, and find meaningful work. In this conversation, Vivian talks about creating her own playbook as a woman of colour that has helped her to secure funding. We also cover the most important tips for increasing your productivity as an entrepreneur by embracing the freedom of working for yourself, and how to overcome unique challenges commonly faced by visible minorities in the startup space. Learn more about Rise and Heyo.SPECIAL OFFER for our  listeners! Companies, get 1 free job post on Rise. Email hello@joinrise.coIn this episode, we cover:The unique entrepreneurship challenges faced by visible minoritiesChanneling pressure as a child of immigrants to succeed as an entrepreneurThe importance of adopting a growth mindsetThe top tips in Vivian's playbook for persisting through periods of rejectionWhy your company shouldn't be a reflection of youQuote of the Week:“I've stuck to my guns in finding people who believe in me. [Securing funding is] about finding the unicorn who will want to be on my side." - Vivian Chen  Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "Cylinder Three," "Short Song 012323," "You Fiddle, I'll Burn Rome,"  "I'll Stay Here Tonight," "The Oceans Continue to Rise," "Out of the Skies, Under the Earth," "Pick Up a Convict On Alcatraz."Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Born in Quebec, Canada, Rosemary Thompson grew up with two passions: journalism and music. Initially, she chose the path of journalism and spent 22 memorable years covering everything from the Met Gala to the tragic events of 9/11. But as time went on, Rosemary found herself faced with a difficult decision. Struggling to balance her demanding career and her family life, she was once again torn between her interests. This time, however, she made an unexpected choice. After over two decades as an award-winning journalist, Rosemary left her career behind to launch Artful Strategies, a full-service communications company where she can embrace her creativity and achieve real balance. In this conversation, Rosemary shares her experiences covering major stories firsthand, how she learned to break through the noise using clear and direct communication during her time in journalism, and the unique challenges faced by Canadians when it comes to pursuing entrepreneurship.  Learn more about Artful Strategies.  In this episode, we cover:The importance of being 'gutsy' as a young professional starting out in your fieldRosemary's firsthand experiences reporting on 9/11 from Washington, DCWhy it's crucial to communicate clearly and directly as an entrepreneur, and how to do soWhy now is the best time for young professionals to pursue entrepreneurshipThe unique challenges Canadians face as entrepreneurs Quote of the Week:“Try to pursue what you really want to do. Because if you do what you love, you're going to do really, really well. And try to get really good at what you want to do.” - Rosemary Thompson Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "Short Song 021623," "Short Song 011723," "Cylinder One,"  "What True Self? Feels Bogus, Let's Watch Jason X," "Virtues Inherited, Vices Passed On," "01 11-11 at Smith - Ninth Streets."Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Content Warning: This episode contains mature themes including self-harm and trauma.  After 30 years as an award-winning radio producer in Boston, Katherin's mentor Michelle Redo left her old life behind, relocating to a farm in rural Maine with her husband to pursue creative ventures. It was a change she never anticipated.  Life on the farm has given Michelle time and space to reflect. She hosts the podcast “Daring to Tell,” where she explores her love of memoirs and the intimate bond they forge between author and reader. As someone who's mainly worked behind the scenes in broadcasting, getting behind the mic has prompted her to explore nuanced themes like uncertainty, change, and trust in great depth; along with how these themes have manifested in her own journey so far.  This episode shines a spotlight on Michelle's inspiring transition, her experiences in carving out a new life, and how exploring fear can be the catalyst for rewarding transformations. It's an insightful exploration of the resilience and adaptability that underscores the spirit of "And So, She Left."  Listen to Daring to Tell.  In this episode, we cover:Embracing your curiosity as a way of identifying new opportunities for growthThe inherent hopefulness of memoirHow to communicate with intentionThe importance of revisiting and reflecting on past traumaA bit of Katherin's own "And So, She Left" journey Quote of the Week:"There is something inherently hopeful about memoir. You feel like, well, the person survived to get through and tell their story...through the act of writing it, you know something was okay." - Michelle Redo  Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "We Always Thought the Future Would Be Kind of Fun," "To Hide Their Secrets," "Heliograph,"  "Does It Exist or Do I Have to Create It?," "Can You Even F***ing Imagine Being a Teenager Today?," "Short Song 030323," "There Are Many Different Kinds of Love," "Cylinder 7." Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Content warning: this episode contains references to self-harm and other issues related to mental health. As an entrepreneur, drawing a line between personal value and the success of your venture can be a daunting task. But when your personal journey intimately intertwines with the quality of your services, that line becomes increasingly blurred. On this episode, we're joined by Megan Rafuse, Co-Founder and CEO of Shift Collab - one of Canada's largest online therapy practices. In this vulnerable conversation, Megan candidly delves into her responsibility as a clinician to continually learn from her clients; and her belief that when one teaches, two learn. She shares her journey of balancing the enriching insights gained from her clients with the complexities of maintaining personal and professional boundaries. Being in the mental health field added another challenging layer, the weight of appearing 'perfect' whilst dealing with her own struggles. From navigating through traumatic experiences to the pressures of bootstrapping a seven-figure business amidst her mental health battles, Megan unveils the intricate dynamics that formed the foundation of Shift Collab. She also takes us through what she eloquently calls the "troughs of sorrow" — those difficult moments that tested her resilience, shaped her journey, and from which she eventually emerged stronger.Learn more about Shift Collab. In this episode, we cover:How to learn as a teacher from your studentsAcknowledging when you're in a "trough of sorrow," and how to emerge from them stronger and more resilentWhat to do when your image and public personality reflects the quality of the services you provideEffective tips for working with your significant other as a Co-FounderWhy decision making is not an innate skill, and how to build your decision making muscles Quote of the Week:"If my sense of self is too much attached to the company…at the expense of the business' success, then I'm not a healthy leader." - Megan Rafuse Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "I Can't Imagine Where I'd Be Without It," "Stories About the World That Once Was," "Short Song 021523,"  "Short Song 022423," "The Lower Third Hall of Fame," "Short Song 020523," "Short Song 030923," "Cylinder 1." Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Our journey into entrepreneurship can often feel lonely. We may lack connections with people who understand us or miss out on useful feedback, leading to doubts and questions about our abilities. Istiana Bestari knows all of this well. As a young entrepreneur, Istiana experienced the struggles of working alone first-hand. She's persisted through long hours and plenty of stress, balancing multiple jobs while navigating the uncertain waters of the creative industry. But Istiana didn't simply fixate on her pain points; she turned them into points of connection with others. Together with her partner, Rachel Wong, Istiana co-founded Monday Girl, a supportive network for women facing similar career challenges. Through the network, they took their personal experiences and created a space for mutual support and understanding, essentially becoming users of their own service. In this episode, Istiana shares her journey as a co-founder, how she changed her networking approach, and how she handled stress during tough times. She discusses her periods of loneliness, how she found her community through sharing her experiences, and why it's so important for women to connect and collaborate on their professional journey.Learn more about Monday Girl. In this episode, we cover:How to turn your pain points into points of connection with othersThe often isolating experience of pursuing an entrepreneurial ventureHow to find your tribe as an entrepreneur, and why identifying your ideal professional community is worth the effortEffective public speaking practices for introvertsEmbracing your intuition as an entrepreneur with a background in the creative industries  Quote of the Week:“I think humans need community...if you find people that make you feel safe, challenge you, and want to see you win...that is life-changing." - Istiana Bestari Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "Oxygen Garden," "Mario Bava Sleeps In a Little Later Than He Expected To," "What True Self? Feels Bogus, Let's Watch Jason X,"  "Let Your Enemies Feel the Weight of Your Burdens," "I Am Running a Marathon with Thousands of Other Highly Qualified People Who Are All Trying to Defeat Me," "Short Song 021423," "Out of the Skies, Under the Earth,"Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Sometimes it helps to switch things up.   For this episode, we're pivoting from our usual in-depth exploration of identity and personal struggles to highlight techniques for managing stress in our daily lives.   Suze Yalof Schwartz, the esteemed CEO of Unplug Meditation, returns to share her wisdom on stress management and achieving a well-rounded lifestyle. We've invited Suze to provide guidance to one of our dedicated listeners, Abby McCoy, who is navigating her journey as a freelance healthcare writer under her brand Evicom while juggling the demands of motherhood. Abby candidly shares her challenges as a mompreneur, the hurdles she faces in achieving work-life balance, and her difficult transition from a strenuous nursing environment to becoming her own boss. With Suze's guidance, Abby learns strategies to make small, sustainable steps towards her goals while preserving her mental and physical wellbeing. Join us as we delve into Abby's entrepreneurial journey, Suze's practical advice, and how we can all move the needle towards goals that we truly care about.  Learn more about Unplug.Get a 30 day free trial on the Unplug App with the code CANSULTA30Learn more about Abby and Evicom. In this episode, we cover:Abby's turbulent journey towards entrepreneurship, and the difficulties faced by healthcare workersQuick and easy tips to manage stress that you can start practicing todayEasy ways to fill up your own tank, and why self-care is crucial to taking care of those around you Simple ways to divorce yourself from your work mentality from the comfort of your home officeThe power of setting aside time for fun Quote of the Week:“Our goals are not always met the way we think they will be met. So [be] open to the way that things happen.” – Suze Yalof Schwartz Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "Short Song 010923," "Short Song 012023," "Short Song 011923,"  "Short Song 020923," "Readers! Do You Read?" " I Am Running Down the Long Hallway of Viewmont Elementary."Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

In this special bonus episode, our wonderful guest Kelly Foss speaks with The Minimalists' T.K. Coleman to explore the definition of minimalism and how a minimalist lifestyle plays a role in helping us make sense of our own dreams.   This is a short, yet powerful snippet from Kelly's longer discussion with T.K. in episode 151 of the Millennial Minimalists podcast here. You will be reminded that minimalism is more than about things. This simple way of life not only challenges us to let go of the excess in our lives (whether internal or external), but it also teaches us to live with greater intention and make room for more of what matters.     T.K. says quote, “It's not about how many things you have or how many things you don't have... it's about what are you willing to let go of in order to say yes to the life that you really want.” In this discussion you will be inspired to remove the barriers in your life, such as the excess physical things, time commitments, or mental roadblocks that may be keeping you from living your best life. Be inspired by T.K.'s great insights on the power of simplicity and intentionality and be motivated to pursue what makes you come alive! Follow the Millennial Minimalists on Instagram & Facebook  Follow @OfficialTKColeman & @The MinimalistsListen to the full episode: APPLE: Episode 151. Follow Your Curiosity with The Minimalists' TK ColemanSPOTIFY: Episode 151. Follow Your Curiosity with The Minimalists' TK Coleman Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon."Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

For Kelly Foss, discovering minimalism meant discovering her authentic self. As the co-host of the Millennial Minimalists podcast, she's fully embraced the minimalist lifestyle, freeing herself from unnecessary possessions and mental baggage in the process. Kelly loves to remind others that minimalism isn't just about getting rid of things - it's about clearing the clutter to focus on what truly brings you joy. Kelly's story is a powerful exploration of how letting go can lead to greater happiness and authenticity. In this intimate conversation, she talks about her personal journey to finding minimalism, how she challenged deeply ingrained beliefs about self-worth and success, the importance of allowing your professional motivations to change over time, and how she redefined what success meant to her. Listen to the Millennial Minimalists podcast.Follow Kelly on LinkedIn and Instagram.Follow Millennial Minimalists on Instagram and Facebook. In this episode, we cover:Why minimalism is so much deeper than just getting rid of physical possessionsHow to unlearn harmful ideas about ambitionHow to escape the 'comparison trap,' and the importance of taking things at your own paceThe five ways in which minimalism can improve your lifeWhy getting out of your comfort zone is one of the most important steps to take as an entrepreneur Quote of the Week:“Everyone starts at a different time and moves at a different pace…you've gotta keep positive. You have to remind yourself about the small wins.” - Kelly Foss Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "The House Glows (With Almost No Help)," "We Were Never Meant to Live Here," "Short Song 011923,"  "Short Song 030623," "Short Song 012123," "I'm About to Do the Second Hardest Thing I've Ever Done," "A New Day in a New Sector."Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License 

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of assault and harassment that some listeners may find upsetting.   Terri Phipps and Mary Morrison are no strangers to the challenges women face when using ridesharing services. Having traveled frequently during their corporate careers, Terri and Mary experienced their fair share of uneasy rideshare situations, prompting them to take on different personas, stay on the lookout for potential dangers, and prepare for worst-case scenarios. And they quickly realized they were far from the only ones.   Driven by the need to create a safer environment for both women passengers and drivers, Terri and Mary founded Wilma, a ridesharing platform specifically designed for women driving women. For Terri and Mary, Wilma is more than just a business endeavor—it's a project with the potential to provide women with a fear-free public transportation option. They talk about their personal connection to Wilma, share traumatic stories from women rideshare passengers that continue to motivate them to make a difference, and offer some of the best advice for women entrepreneurs we've heard so far.  Learn more about Wilma. In this episode, we cover:The ridesharing stories that convinced Terri and Mary to start WilmaThe true extent of the systemic problems surrounding ridesharing for women, and why they can be difficult to convey to menThe importance of acknowledging and addressing "trauma bubbles"Why your personal connection to your venture is crucial to your successManaging your deepest fears as an entrepreneur, and how to enjoy the process of scaling your venture  Quote of the Week:"No problem can stand the assault of sustained effort." - Terri Phipps Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "And It Is There, In Those Depths," "I Refuse to Accept That There's Nothing I Can Do About It," "Short Song 020123," "We Were Never Meant to Live Here,"  "Short Song 012123," "Take Off and Shoot a Zero." Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License

Content warning: this episode contains content based around the mistreatment of women that some listeners may find upsetting.   Surabhi Yadav grew up in a rural village in India. At an early age, she witnessed the stark differences in societal and cultural expectations between men and women. But rather than bending to the norms placed on her as a young woman, she dedicated much of her life to bending them right back. Surabhi became a beacon of hope for rural women across India by refusing to accept the status quo, empowering others to pursue meaningful careers instead of simply focusing on their livelihoods. As the founder of the non-profit Sajhe Sapne, she's made it her mission to educate rural women through innovative community college-like institutions called "Sapna Centers." In this powerful conversation, Surabhi opens up about her core values and beliefs, reflecting on the emotional aspects of her work that she rarely has the chance to explore. We discuss the first time she spoke out as a young girl, the challenges faced by rural women in India when it comes to pursuing work they love, and how the joy of creativity fuels her entrepreneurial spirit. Learn more about Sajhe Sapne.  In this episode, we cover:The importance of allowing your children to go against the grain and pursue their passionsReflecting on your feelings as an entrepreneur, how they impact your mission, and what drives you to make a differenceThe current state of women's entrepreneurship in rural IndiaHow oppression and gender bias can impact personal relationships, even when you don't recognize it The importance of recognizing both rage and hope as factors that push you to make a difference Quote of the Week:"How can you not feel the rage and the grief of not knowing women in your life [well] enough because of the way the world is designed?" - Surabhi Yadav Hosted by Katherin Vasilopoulos. Made by Cansulta and Ethan Lee.Music by © Chris Zabriskie, published by You've Been a Wonderful Laugh Track (ASCAP). Songs used in this episode include: "Air Hockey Saloon," "Everyone Will Notice, No One Will Say Anything," "$50 to Breathe," "The Stars Are Closer Than You," "Short Song 020523," "Itasca, It's Glowing Red Hot," "Your Mother's Daughter." Used under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License