How Women Inspire: Invest, Lead, Give

Now more than ever, we need more diverse voices in positions of leadership, and preparing and supporting women on their journey to getting a board seat is what we do here at How Women Lead. In this episode, Robin Washington shares with us insights behind her remarkable career, emphasizing the power of self-assurance, strategic networking, and authentic leadership. We discuss discusses the crucial work of increasing Black women's representation in C-suites and boardrooms, offering invaluable advice for anyone seeking to amplify their influence and drive meaningful change. This week's episode 174 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about diverse and inclusive board representation! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Robin Washington is sharing the importance of diversity of thought and inclusivity in business and actionable steps you can take right now to create space for authenticity through your leadership.Robin Washington is President and COFO at Salesforce, where she leads Business Strategy and Operations, Global Finance, Employee Success, Global Strategic Customers and Partners, Marketing, Communications, and Real Estate and Workplace Services. She is responsible for driving profitable growth and operational excellence—while accelerating the transformation of every company into an Agentforce company, in the new agentic era. Robin also currently serves on the board of directors of Alphabet. Some of the talking points Julie and Robin go over in this episode include:Robin's top ten words of wisdom for women everywhere.The critical importance of increasing Black women's representation in C-suites and boardrooms.Strategies for building powerful connections and finding allies.The importance of creating space for your employees and team members to be their authentic selves.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH ROBIN WASHINGTON:LinkedInBlack Women on BoardsCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

In this powerful episode of How Women Lead, host Julie Castro Abrams dives deep into the often-underestimated power of mentoring, sponsorship, and advising. Join Julie as she shares crucial insights on how women leaders can fiercely advocate for each other, counter damaging cultural narratives, and actively work to close the gender funding gap. Discover actionable strategies for becoming a vital partner and guide, particularly for women innovating in critical fields like climate tech and social impact, and learn why your unique experience is exactly what the next generation of leaders desperately needs. This week's episode 173 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about shaping the future through mentoring and sponsorship! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams is sharing the importance of supporting founders more than monetarily and actionable steps you can take right now to start mentoring other women. Some of the talking points Julie goes over in this episode include:The importance of senior leaders showing up as partners and guides.Practical advice for mentors, including thinking about new perspectives you can offer.The role of advisors in supporting social impact leaders and nonprofit organizations.Ways to begin your mentorship journey, including the Global Advisor program.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Are you standing at a crossroads, wondering where your life force should go next? This week on How Women Inspire, Julie Castro Abrams invites you to explore middlescence and what it means for your future. It's a time for honest reflection, taking stock of what you've built, and considering the true cost of continuing on the same path. Julie shares her personal journey and insights into the courage required to unlearn, redesign your life to align with your deepest values, and step into your next chapter with greater meaning and impact. This week's episode 172 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about unlocking your portfolio life in middlescence! In this episode of the How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams is sharing the importance of taking time to reflect on where you are currently in your career and actionable steps you can take right now to begin exploring new options for your next stage of life. Some of the talking points Julie goes over in this episode include:How to navigate career transitions and make meaningful changes.Strategies for overcoming cultural narratives and embracing your true self.The importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing your well-being.Tips for leveraging your experience for board seats, social impact, and more.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Ever wondered what keeps board members up at night, beyond just the financial spreadsheets? Today we're diving into the complex world of corporate governance in the digital age with Dottie Schindlinger, Executive Director of the Diligent Institute. In this conversation, Dottie unpacks the critical issues facing modern boards, from AI ethics and climate leadership to the ever-evolving landscape of cyber risk and the looming potential of quantum computing. This week's episode 171 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about corporate governance in the digital age!In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Dottie Schindlinger is sharing the importance of corporate boards addressing climate change and other major issues and actionable steps you can take right now to continue to educate yourself as a board member. Dottie Schindlinger is the Executive Director of the Diligent Institute, the independent corporate governance research arm and think tank of Diligent Corporation. The Diligent Institute informs, educates, and connects leaders to champion governance excellence by providing cutting-edge research on the most pressing issues of corporate governance and offering certifications and educational programs that equip leaders with the knowledge and credentials needed to guide their organizations through existential challenges. Dottie also hosts The Corporate Director Podcast. Some of the talking points Julie and Dottie go over in this episode include:Dottie's journey into the world of corporate governance and building BoardEffect.Issues likely to be discussed in boardrooms over the next few years, including quantum computing.The three main jobs of a board: insight, oversight, and foresight.The importance of board chairs building strategic partnerships with their CEOs and fostering trust and goodwill.Don't forget to check out Dottie's book Governance in the Digital Age: A Guide for the Modern Corporate Board Director!Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH DOTTIE SCHINDLINGER:LinkedInX (formerly Twitter)Diligent InstituteCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Ever wondered what it truly takes to shatter glass ceilings and secure a seat at the corporate boardroom table? In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the journey of Kimberley Goode, Senior Advisor at BMO Financial Group as she unravels the strategies, challenges, and triumphs of women navigating the path to board leadership. This conversation offers invaluable insights and actionable steps for anyone aspiring to make a significant impact in the world of corporate governance and beyond. This week's episode 170 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about preparing women for corporate boards! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Kimberley Goode shares the importance of networking before you're ready to be on a board and actionable steps you can take right now to prepare yourself for your search for a board seat. Kimberley Goode is Senior Advisor at BMO Financial Group and a board director at Providence Health Plan. She is a leader with passion for stakeholder engagement strategies, integrated communication, reputation management, brand building, corporate social responsibility, culture, diversity and inclusion. Kimberley has been recognized on the Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business list by the San Francisco Business Times, as one of the Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America by Savoy magazine, and many others.Some of the talking points Julie and Kimberley go over in this episode include:Utilizing board readiness classes and opportunities to prepare you for board service when the time is right.The importance of relationships and accountability in board service.Prioritizing board service based on stage and season of life.The need for diverse perspectives on boards to avoid recreating institutional biases in the changing world.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH KIMBERLEY GOODE:LinkedInCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Ready to shatter the glass ceiling of venture investing? Let's  dive deep into the transformative world of women-led investments. In this episode of How Women Inspire, Amy Dawson and Alissa Livingston unpack the stark reality that women control 52% of wealth yet receive only 2% of venture funding - and why that's about to change. With candid insights, personal stories, and a roadmap for getting started, this conversation is a rallying cry for women to step into their financial potential, challenge traditional investment narratives, and create meaningful economic impact. This week's episode 169 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about how women investors are changing the venture investing landscape! This episode was created in partnership with the Nasdaq Foundation. Together, we are working to educate, inspire, and engage women from diverse backgrounds on venture investing and entrepreneurship. Did you know that only 2% of venture funding goes to women-led companies? Together, we are working to show that women are the new face of venture investing.In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Amy Dawson and Alissa Livingston are sharing the importance of approaching investing as a community and actionable steps you can take right now to overcome your internal roadblocks keeping you from investing. Alissa Livingston is the AVP of Finance Strategies & Initiatives at Saks Global. When she's not using data to analyze new business opportunities, she's taking trapeze lessons or traveling with her two children. Alissa received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Northwestern University in Chicago, and an MBA from Columbia Business School in the City of New York. She's spent time in Technology Consulting, Investment Banking, and Luxury Retail.Amy Dawson is a product executive with over 20 years of experience in transforming visions into successful commercial ventures. She excels at identifying product-market fit, developing bundled solutions, scaling new product development from concept to profitability, and driving cross-functional execution for sustainable growth. Amy also serves as a board member for How Women Lead. Some of the talking points Amy and Alissa go over in this episode include:The benefits of learning together, the welcoming and collaborative nature of the venture ecosystem.How seeing other women successfully invest can inspire you to confront your investing fears.Using your investing journey to teach the next generation about financial literacy and establishing new norms in investing.The personal satisfaction and impact of supporting women founders who address issues affecting women and society.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH ALISSA LIVINGSTON:LinkedInCONNECT WITH AMY DAWSON:LinkedInCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Are you ready to unlock the secrets to financial empowerment and strategic vision? Today's episode features a dynamic conversation with Anne Myong, a global transformational leader and operating partner at How Women Invest. Join Julie Castro Abrams as they delve into the critical aspects of financial intelligence, portfolio decisions, and building wealth, specifically tailored for women investors. Anne shares her remarkable journey from Fortune 100 boardrooms to startup success, offering invaluable insights on navigating economic cycles, leveraging compounding interest, and making impactful investment choices. Get ready to elevate your financial acumen and gain the strategic perspective needed to achieve your investment goals and create lasting financial freedom. This week's episode 168 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about financial intelligence and strategic vision for women investors! This episode was created in partnership with the Nasdaq Foundation. Together, we are working to educate, inspire, and engage women from diverse backgrounds on venture investing and entrepreneurship. Did you know that only 2% of venture funding goes to women-led companies? Together, we are working to show that women are the new face of venture investing.In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Anne Myong is sharing the importance of starting your investing journey early and actionable steps you can take right now to have financial conversations with your kids to impact them for a lifetime. Anne Myong is a board member, investor, and advisor to eCommerce, medical device, technology, social media, AI, and retail organizations on finance, audit, mergers & acquisitions, business development, and corporate governance. Anne is on the board of Align Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALGN), Audit Committee Chairperson, a SEC-qualified financial expert, and a member of the Compensation and Human Capital Committee. From 2016-2022, she was a Board Director, Treasurer, and Chairperson of the Audit and Finance Committees of Goodwill Industries International, a $6B donated goods retail and workforce development non-profit organization.Some of the talking points Julie and Anne go over in this episode include:Opportunities for women to start investing, even with small amounts, and exploring venture capital as an investment class.How women can educate themselves about finance and investing.Anne's leadership experience across countries and companies.Building wealth and long-term financial strategies.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH ANNE MYONG:LinkedInCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Feeling overwhelmed by the world of investing? You're not alone! Today, we take a dive deep into demystifying financial planning and wealth building with Julianne Averill, an extraordinary CFO, investor, and board advisor. Julianne shares her journey from a music major to a financial powerhouse, revealing accessible strategies for everyone—from those starting with a small windfall to seasoned professionals looking to diversify their portfolios. Get ready to learn practical tips on automation, risk management, and how to confidently step into your investment power, no matter your experience level. This week's episode 167 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about automation, venture capital, and wealth building! This episode was created in partnership with the Nasdaq Foundation. Together, we are working to educate, inspire, and engage women from diverse backgrounds on venture investing and entrepreneurship. Did you know that only 2% of venture funding goes to women-led companies? Together, we are working to show that women are the new face of venture investing.In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julianne Averill is sharing the importance of setting long-term investment plans  and actionable steps you can take right now to simplify your investing journey. Julianne Averill is a healthcare AI executive, strategic CFO, and board leader with 20+ years of experience scaling digital health and biopharma companies, driving billions in capital raises and M&A. She advises boards and investors on strategy, leveraging her expertise in digital transformation, CPA, SHRM-CP, GenAI, and board certification (NACD.DC). Currently, she is Audit Committee Chair for CureSearch, Operating Advisor to How Women Invest, and Managing Director at Danforth Advisors, leading growth in the SF/West Coast market and serving as interim CFO for late-stage companies, advising on IPOs and capital markets transactions. Her prior leadership roles include finance and strategy at global institutions and venture-backed companies across banking, techbio, and health tech.Some of the talking points Julie and Julianne go over in this episode include:Julianne's definition of success in investing and investment journey.Automating your investments for your busy life.Starting small and other advice for beginner investors.Setting up and dividing your investment “buckets” based on your income.Remember, you have what it takes to start making knowledgable investments for your future, and you don't need a lot of money to get started!Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH JULIANNE AVERILL:LinkedInCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Join us for a powerful conversation about women, wealth, and wielding your influence! Today, certified financial planner Sherry Finkel Murphy, founder of MadrinaMolly, shares with us how she's revolutionizing how women approach their finances and futures. We talk about the cultural narratives, understand the intricacies of risk and opportunity, and learn how to leverage your unique strengths to build a secure and impactful financial legacy. This isn't just another money talk; it's about stepping into your power and creating the future you truly desire. This week's episode 166 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about financial wisdom and building a secure future! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Sherry Finkel Murphy is sharing the importance of beginning to learn about the details of your financial life at any age and actionable steps you can take right now to handle your money responsibly and plan for your future. Sherry Finkel Murphy is Founder and CEO of MadrinaMolly, LLC, a content community and platform that creates and distributes financial and longevity planning education through powerful storytelling. Sherry is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional (CFP®,) Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®,) and Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®.) With 40+ years in multiple successful careers, she excels in helping clients fund both retirement and continuous reinvention. Focusing on a cohort of (mostly) women from 40s to 70s, Sherry delivers financial and longevity planning education in easy-to-understand language.Some of the talking points Julie and Sherry go over in this episode include:Balancing risk and safety in your finances using a pie analogy.Automating your savings and investment contributions to ensure consistent growth.The role of community and affinity groups in supporting women's financial education and success.The benefits of investing in venture through a self-directed Roth IRA.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH SHERRY FINKEL MURPHY:LinkedInWebsiteMadrinaMolly™CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Did you know over 60% of California families speak multiple languages at home? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Anya Hurwitz, Executive Director of SEAL, to unravel the complexities and triumphs of educational equity for multilingual learners. We explore Dr. Hurwitz's passionate dedication to redesigning education, balancing emotional support with systemic change, and empowering teachers to unlock the full potential of every child. Discover the power of language, the importance of cultural inclusion, and how to transform challenges into opportunities for collective impact. This week's episode 165 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about educational equity for multilingual learners! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Anya Hurwitz is sharing the importance of unlocking all of a child's potential and actionable steps you can take right now to build a team of mentors and supporters in our lives. Dr. Anya Hurwitz is the President and Executive Director of Sobrato Early Academic Language, a nonprofit in California that works with school districts, county offices of education, schools, preschool LEAs, teachers, families, California Department of Education, and many other education champions to advance educational outcomes of English Learners and Dual Language Learners. Dr. Anya has a longstanding commitment to creating the conditions for public schools to meet the diverse needs of their students' academic and socio-emotional development. She has worked as a teacher, school leader, district administrator, and within the educational nonprofit sector.Some of the talking points Julie and Anya go over in this episode include:SEAL's mission to help multilingual learners in California and beyond learn, thrive, and lead.Several barriers to multilingual education, including the historical context of language policies and the lack of bilingual teachers.The balance between fear and courage in leadership roles.The power of relationships across different ages and the importance of learning from younger people.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH ANYA HURWITZ:LinkedInX (formerly Twitter)SEAL websiteCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Imagine a world where freezing your eggs isn't just a luxury for the wealthy, and starting a family is a journey filled with ethical considerations and genuine support. That world is becoming a reality thanks to Lauren Makler, founder of Cofertility. In this episode of How Women Inspire, Julie sits down with Lauren to explore the revolutionary ways Cofertility is changing the landscape of reproductive health. From their innovative 'split program' making egg freezing accessible, to their commitment to ethical egg donation and supporting diverse family structures, Lauren's vision is reshaping how we think about family building and gender equality. This week's episode 164 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about revolutionizing egg donation and fertility solutions! This episode was created in partnership with the Nasdaq Foundation. Together, we are working to educate, inspire, and engage women from diverse backgrounds on venture investing and entrepreneurship. Did you know that only 2% of venture funding goes to women-led companies? Together, we are working to show that women are the new face of venture investing.In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Lauren Makler is sharing the importance of education and opportunities around fertility solutions and actionable steps you can take right now to support others in their family planning. Lauren Makler is the Co-Founder and CEO of Cofertility, a human-first fertility ecosystem rewriting the egg freezing and egg donation experience. Previously, as an early Uber employee, Lauren founded Uber Health, a product that enables healthcare organizations to leverage Uber's massive driver network in improving healthcare outcomes through patient transportation and healthcare delivery. After a rare disease diagnosis, Lauren's fertility journey led her to believe that everyone should have the opportunity to freeze their eggs–and that there should be better access to egg donors. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their miracle baby girl.Some of the talking points Julie and Lauren go over in this episode include:The lack of diversity in egg donors and the transactional nature of traditional egg donation.Lauren's personal journey with fertility and how it inspired her to pursue creating Cofertility.The importance of inclusive regulatory policies that support all types of families.The concerns of Gen Z women about their fertility and encouraging awareness and education.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH LAUREN MAKLER:LinkedInInstagramCofertilityCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

In the US, women control roughly 85% of the household purchases, which means shopping isn't just a necessity, it's a superpower we wield. Diane Osgood, author of the forthcoming book 'Your Shopping Superpower' and co-author of 'The Carbon Almanac.' Diane, a seasoned expert with over 30 years of experience in sustainable and ethical products and services, delves into the transformative power of women's consumer spending, supporting women-owned and minority-owned businesses, combating climate change, and more through reevaluating and changing how we spend our money. This week's episode 163 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about understanding your shopping superpower! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Diane Osgood is sharing the importance of understanding the implications of your spending habits and actionable steps you can take right now to research and shop in a sustainable way. Diane Osgood is an author and sustainability strategist with 30 years of experience. She helps businesses embed sustainability and ESG into their operations to increase profits, create sustainable products and services, and manage risks.  She works with brands, HR, business and product innovation, customer experience, environmental performance, reporting, and charitable activities. Osgood was a senior advisor to President Clinton for the Clinton Global Initiative and served on the Vatican Arts and Technology Council. As VP for Sustainability Strategy at BSR, she co-led BSR's transformation by growing revenue by 28% over three years. She specializes in sustainability strategy, climate change action, sustainable finance, innovation, social-enterprise, and impact assessment and reporting.Some of the talking points Julie and Diane go over in this episode include:The impact of consumer spending on the economy and how women control roughly 85% of household spending.Diane's journey to study and work in environmental economics, started by witnessing the impact of deforestation.Practical steps for sustainable, well-researched shopping.Supporting women and minority-owned businesses as a way to vote for a more equitable economy.Don't forget to hear over to https://www.dianeosgood.com/books to pre-order your copy of Your Shopping Superpower!Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH DIANE OSGOOD:Osgood ConsultingWebsiteLinkedInCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

In this challenging world that's full of bias against women, the only person guaranteed to advocate for you is you. Today, we sit down with marketing powerhouse Patti Newcomer for an insightful conversation that's sure to ignite your ambition. Patti shares her personal journey, career advice for women in STEM and leadership, and valuable strategies for building intergenerational wealth. She dives deep into overcoming systemic bias, creating your own personal board of directors, and the importance of financial literacy. No matter where you are in your career, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you step into your power and create the future you envision. This week's episode 162 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about career advice, investing, and overcoming systemic bias! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Patti Newcomer is sharing the importance of always having a point of view in your career and actionable steps you can take right now to build your personal board of directors. Patti Newcomer is the Chief Marketing Officer at Centerbase, a cloud-based legal practice management solution that gives mid-sized firms the power to streamline their daily tasks with ease and efficiency.. Patti has a unique analytical background and extensive experience in product design and development, marketing strategy and campaigns, consumer research and insights, direct marketing communications, customer experience design and brand strategy and advertising. Patti has a passion for starting from the consumer to develop business-building marketing plans.Some of the talking points Julie and Patti go over in this episode include:Setting boundaries and priorities in the workplace and at home.The difference between mentorship and advocacy and the impact of having a supportive manager.Unique challenges women face in leadership roles, such as managing emotional work and dealing with systemic bias.The importance of financial literacy and planning for the future.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH PATTI NEWCOMER:LinkedInInstagramCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Now more than ever, it's important for women to master their money and business strategies for financial freedom and success. Forget the myth that money is just 'numbers' - in today's episode, Melissa Houston is tackling the emotional side of finance, unraveling cultural narratives that hold women back, and equipping you with actionable strategies for sales, marketing, and securing venture funding. Get ready to unlock your financial confidence and turn your business dreams into a profitable reality! This week's episode 161 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about women's financial confidence and breaking through business barriers! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast,Melissa Houston is sharing the importance of understanding your business's finances and actionable steps you can take right now to find the right CPA for your business. Melissa Houston, CPA, and founder of She Means Profit™, is an internationally-selling author and Forbes.com contributor with over 25 years of experience in financial management for small businesses. She helps professional Gen X women build wealth through her proprietary 6-step P.R.O.F.I.T. Method™ Framework. Some of the talking points Julie and Melissa go over in this episode include:The importance of mindset in financial success.Overcoming self-limiting beliefs about money to improve business success.The cultural narratives that hold women back, including that sales aren't for women.Creating a professional relationship with a CPA.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH MELISSA HOUSTON:LinkedInShe Means ProfitCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

By 2030, it's estimated that women will have control of over 60% of wealth in the United States. But historically, not only have women not played a big role in investing, but companies founded and led by women only receive around 2% of available venture funding. It's time for us to take the reins, invest in the technology and women of the future, and make it part of our sound wealth-generating strategies. Rachel Zayas, CEO of AGED is here today to share her story of starting her company, pivoting when necessary, the difficulties of raising funds, and more. This week's episode 160 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about values-based investing in women-lead startups! This episode was created in partnership with the Nasdaq Foundation. Together, we are working to educate, inspire, and engage women from diverse backgrounds on venture investing and entrepreneurship. Did you know that only 2% of venture funding goes to women-led companies? Together, we are working to show that women are the new face of venture investing.In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Rachel Zayas is sharing the importance of investing in companies founded and led by women and actionable steps you can take right now to support women founders beyond monetary investments. Rachel Zayas is the Founder and CEO of Active Genomes Expressed Diagnostics (AGED), a diagnostics venture focused on developing diagnostic tools for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH, liver disease) and fibrosis (liver scarring). Her expertise ranges from genetics, clinical research, grant writing to product development. Rachel has a Masters in Biotechnology and Business from American University.Some of the talking points Julie and Rachel go over in this episode include:The challenges of raising capital, especially in the last few years.Clear communication and confidence when pitching and talking to investors.Listening to customers and pivoting when necessary - it's rare to get it right the first time!Being unapologetically bold, present, and courageous as a woman leader.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH RACHEL ZAYAS:LinkedInAGED DiagnosticsCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

In this episode, Julie and Liz Mabey share insights from a recent How Women Lead trip to Puerto Rico, focusing on the power of connection and authenticity among women leaders. They  cover topics like escaping the "performance mode" we're often in as women, overcoming self-limiting beliefs, and the impact of deep friendships formed during shared experiences. This week's episode 159 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about breaking out of performance mode! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Liz Mabey are sharing the importance of taking time away from work and actionable steps you can take right now to create space for growth. Some of the talking points Julie and Liz go over in this episode include:The importance of escaping professional “performance mode” to recharge.Sharing a trip with other professional women who understand your circumstances and can support you.Creating room to challenge yourself and grow.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH LIZ MABEY:LinkedInCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

What if I told you that women are poised to control trillions of dollars in wealth, yet only a fraction of venture capital funding goes to women-led businesses? It's time to change that narrative. Today, Julie Castro Abrams and Jackie Schafer discuss how we can support women founders, close the gender funding gap, and create a future where women's leadership thrives. This week's episode 158 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about closing the funding gap and supporting women founders in venture capital! This episode was created in partnership with the Nasdaq Foundation. Together, we are working to educate, inspire, and engage women from diverse backgrounds on venture investing and entrepreneurship. Did you know that only 2% of venture funding goes to women-led companies? Together, we are working to show that women are the new face of venture investing.In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Jacqueline Schafer is sharing the importance of investing in and supporting women founders and actionable steps you can take right now to start your investing journey. Jacqueline Schafer is the founder and CEO of Clearbrief (Winner, Litigation Technology Product of the Year, Legalweek 2023). Schafer serves as one of inaugural members of the Texas Bar's AI Taskforce, and she was chosen by the American Bar Association as one of the “2022 Women of Legal Tech” and named to the 2022 Fastcase 50, Honoring ‘Innovators, Techies, Visionaries and Leaders' in Law, Schafer also received the 2021 Washington State Bar APEX Award for Legal Innovation for founding Clearbrief as well as for her 2020 law review article ("Harnessing AI for Struggling Families").Some of the talking points Julie and Jacqueline go over in this episode include:Why it's crucial to support women-led companies, especially in AI and emerging tech.The value investors can bring to a new company beyond the money.Committing to making introductions for other women as a rule.Why it's crucial to support women-led companies, now more than ever.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH JACQUELINE SCHAFER:LinkedInClearbriefCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Ever feel like you're playing it safe, sticking to what you know? What if the key to unlocking your full potential was simply to lean into what scares you? In this episode of How Women Inspire, Julie sits down with Tamesa Rogers, a seasoned Chief People Officer and venture investor. Tamesa shares her incredible journey of scaling NETGEAR from $300 million to $1.3 billion, building an HR function from scratch, and the pivotal moments that shaped her fearless leadership style. But beyond the impressive career milestones, Tamesa dives deep into the importance of personal growth, overcoming burnout, and why investing in women founders is not just good for business—it's essential for building a better future. This week's episode 157 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about developing high-performing teams and avoiding burnout! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Tamesa Rogers is sharing the importance of training your team to take over after you and actionable steps you can take right now to recover from burnout. Tamesa Rogers is an experienced Chief People Officer with over 25 years in tech. She has scaled businesses, built global teams, and achieved high employee retention rates. Tamesa was instrumental in M&A, IPOs, and ESG reporting. She led HR at NETGEAR for over 20 years, building the HR organization from scratch, scaling the company, and leading cultural transformations. She also served as SVP and VP of HR, where she launched engagement, retention, and diversity programs and oversaw M&A integrations. Tamesa has been recognized for her leadership and is a member of professional organizations.Some of the talking points Julie and Tamesa go over in this episode include:Tamesa's leadership journey and defining career moments.Developing team members to eventually replace the leader.Overcoming burnout and finding balance.Investing in women and building community.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH TAMESA ROGERS:LinkedInCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Ever feel like you're leaving money on the table, or that your financial growth is always taking a backseat to everything else? You're not alone. In this episode of How Women Inspire, we dive deep into the world of venture investing and women's empowerment with the incredible Cheryl Beninga. Cheryl shares her personal journey, the secrets to attracting more capital for women-led ventures, and actionable steps to confidently step into the world of investing—no matter where you are in your journey. This week's episode 156 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about breaking the glass ceiling in venture capital! This episode was created in partnership with the Nasdaq Foundation. Together, we are working to educate, inspire, and engage women from diverse backgrounds on venture investing and entrepreneurship. Did you know that only 2% of venture funding goes to women-led companies? Together, we are working to show that women are the new face of venture investing.In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Cheryl Beninga is sharing the importance of an abundance mindset for women and investing and actionable steps you can take right now to balance your career, personal life, and investment goals. Cheryl Beninga is an experienced venture investor in high-growth organizations that are innovating in clean technology, mobile software, MedTech, and enterprise software and services. She is the Managing Director of Wai-Mohala Ventures and Beninga Advisors. Cheryl is also the Co-Founder of FourthWave, an accelerator program for leading female founders in technology sectors, which provides mentorship, conscious leadership training, and access to capital.Some of the talking points Julie and Cheryl go over in this episode include:How to overcome anxiety around wealth and start investing.The evolution of women in venture capital and the current landscape.Why investing in women-led businesses is crucial.Cheryl's advice for aspiring female leaders and investors.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH CHERYL BENINGA:LinkedInFourthWave CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Embracing human-centric leadership, cultural intelligence, and authentic self-expression are the key ingredients to a successful company. Lori Adams-Brown, a global talent development director, podcast host, and advocate for women in leadership, is here today to share her insights on the unique perspectives women bring to leadership, the importance of a global mindset, and how to cultivate inclusive, human-centric leadership in today's world. Lori also offers advice on how women can overcome self-doubt and step into their power. This week's episode 155 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about cultivating inclusive, human-centric leadership! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Lori Adams-Brown is sharing the importance of cultural intelligence in navigating global teams and actionable steps you can take right now to overcome self-doubt. Lori Adams-Brown is a combination of international speaker, business executive, podcaster, and relief and development expert. She hosts the popular podcast A World of Difference, celebrating humanity's unique differences and encouraging us all to make a difference around the world.  She worked in disaster relief in the 2004 Indonesian tsunami, where she consulted with the UN coordination efforts, and she has spoken to audiences in Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand, Malaysia, Venezuela, and around the U.S.  Lori speaks 6 languages, and brings a rare multicultural perspective into her speaking, training, coaching, and business consulting. She serves on the board of Justice Revival and volunteers to help resettle Afghan refugees in the SF Bay Area. Some of the talking points Julie and Lori go over in this episode include:The impact of global experiences on leadership and the importance of diversity in decision-making.How companies with diverse teams generate higher revenue and make better decisions.Challenges women face in leadership, including self-doubt and the likability trap.The long-term impact of leadership and the importance of leaving a positive legacy.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH LORI ADAMS-BROWN:WebsiteA World of Difference podcastLinkedInCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Ever heard the saying "Shirt sleeves to shirt sleeves in three generations"? It's a stark reminder that generational wealth doesn't simply happen; it requires intentional planning and a focus that goes beyond finances. In this episode of How Women Inspire, we sit down with Thomasina Williams, founder of Sankofa Legacy Advisors, to discuss the often-overlooked human element of building a lasting family legacy, the concept of parallel planning, and more. This week's episode 154 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about parallel planning for growing generational wealth! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Thomasina Williams is sharing the importance of intentionality around generational wealth and actionable steps you can take right now to keep human capital at the forefront of wealth conversations. Thomasina Williams partners with families to develop leaders. Working at the intersection of family business, family systems, and leadership development, she helps clients build multigenerational legacies of connected and capable families, who are engaged stewards of their resources. Clients have described her as their “high-beams,” lighting the way and guiding them through unfamiliar and uncomfortable territory. An accomplished lawyer and philanthropy strategist, Thomasina is the founder of Sankofa Legacy Advisors. Some of the talking points Julie and Thomasina go over in this episode include:The concept of  "shirt sleeves to shirt sleeves in three generations," in regards to families' maintenance of generational wealth.The tendency for families to focus solely on financial assets and forget the human element.Examples of how families can be purposeful in developing their human capital.The meaning of legacy and being intentional in designing our lives.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH THOMASINA WILLIAMS:WebsiteLinkedInCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Diversity of thought is one of, if not the most important thing we can bring into the boardroom with us as leaders. Considering a variety of perspectives allows us to find solutions to complex problems more quickly than if everyone had the same backgrounds and frames of mind. Few know this better than Lynda Grindstaff, board director and cyber security expert. In this episode, Lynda shares her incredible journey from corporate executive to board member and investor, overcoming imposter syndrome, and more! This week's episode 153 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about leveraging an engineering mindset in the boardroom! This episode was created in partnership with the Nasdaq Foundation. Together, we are working to educate, inspire, and engage women from diverse backgrounds on venture investing and entrepreneurship. Did you know that only 2% of venture funding goes to women-led companies? Together, we are working to show that women are the new face of venture investing.In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Lynda Grindstaff is sharing the importance of finding your support network and actionable steps you can take right now to decide if board leadership is right for you. Lynda Grindstaff is a cybersecurity executive and board director who transforms consumer and technology trends into high-margin, multibillion-dollar strategies for global products. She was named 2024 Cybersecurity Woman Leader of the Year by the United Cybersecurity Alliance. Lynda excels in driving innovation and cybersecurity solutions for F500 B2B and B2C technology companies, bringing 30 years of experience in technical engineering, product marketing, and strategic planning to leadership teams and boardrooms. As a board member, she brings a strategic framework to companies needing growth and transformation. She ensures the right technologies and ecosystems are brought to market and optimizes people, processes, and technologies for internal growth and efficiency.Some of the talking points Julie and Lynda go over in this episode include:The importance of having a growth mindset and looking out for others.Building a network of support and encouragement around yourself.The unique perspective engineers bring to the boardroom.Becoming an investor, one small investment at a time.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH LYNDA GRINDSTAFF:LinkedInWebsiteCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

In a tech world that's constantly evolving, how do you stay ahead of the curve and become a truly impactful leader? In this episode of How Women Inspire, Brandy Goolsby, a seasoned tech executive, shares her incredible journey from finding her voice to empowering the next generation of tech innovators. Brandy and Julie dive deep into the challenges of fostering innovation, the power of strategic partnerships, and the importance of finding your voice amidst the noise. This week's episode 152 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about unlocking the power of strategic partnerships and vulnerability! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Brandy Goolsby is sharing the importance of moving from the familiar to the new and innovative, and actionable steps you can take right now to build strong, strategic relationships. Brandy Goolsby's focus lies in empowering developers with the software, tools, and environment they need, enabling them to concentrate on innovation and automation, leading to an elevated customer experience. Her work centers on equipping developers with the tools and in the environment where they can create exceptional customer experiences. She's worked with industry giants like Ford, GM and Wind River, among others to shape their strategic partnerships and pioneer different breakthrough technologies.Some of the talking points Julie and Brandy go over in this episode include:The importance of software and the challenges of embracing innovation.How leaders set the tone for their teams when exploring new technologies.Building strong relationships through open communication, trust, and a shared vision.Pushing through fear and doubts to achieve success.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH BRANDY GOOLSBY:LinkedInCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Women have powerful voices and have been using them to voice concerns and demand change forever. But when society is full of naysayers and those who undervalue women, it can be easy to back off of your convictions. In this episode, Denise Brosseau delves into the transformative power of finding your voice and building trust and shares her journey to becoming a champion for women's voices and a leading voice on moral leadership, offering invaluable insights on how to make a real impact. This week's episode 151 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about trust, moral leadership, and finding your voice! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Denise Brosseau is sharing the importance of trusting your own perspective and actionable steps you can take right now to start sharing your thought leadership.Denise Brosseau is a visionary leader and CEO of Thought Leadership Lab, a company dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to build more influence, have more impact, and leave a legacy that matters. With over 20 years of experience in the field of leadership, thought leadership, and organizational development, Denise is a respected expert and speaker on the topics of personal branding, thought leadership, change management, and women's leadership. Some of the talking points Julie and Denise go over in this episode include:How Denise's time at Wellesley College shaped her career.The importance of seeing women in leadership roles across careers and fields.Exploring the role of leaders in using voice and platform for moral leadership.How purely performative acts of solidarity hurt companies in the long run.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH DENISE BROSSEAU:LinkedInX (formerly Twitter)Thought Leadership LabCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Do you feel confident that you're in control of your financial future? With the huge transfer of wealth to women in this country, it's more important than ever to be financially literate and feel confident in the conversation. In today's episode, Megan Schottmer shares her inspiring journey of overcoming shyness and self-doubt to become a trailblazing leader in the financial services industry. Megan candidly discusses the importance of financial empowerment for women, the critical role of mentors and sponsors, and strategies for navigating the corporate ladder as an introvert. This week's episode 150 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about building women's financial independence and fixing the broken rung! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Megan Schoettmer is sharing the importance of ensuring women take an active role in their financial lives and actionable steps you can take right now to leverage your authentic self to succeed in a male-dominated industry. Megan Schoettmer is regional president of PNC Bank, Northern California. Prior to joining PNC in August 2022, she served as managing director and Commercial Banking leader of middle market banking for Wells Fargo focusing on various industries including technology, commercial and industrial, and commercial real estate in Silicon Valley and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Active in the community, Schoettmer serves as a board member for the Bay Area Council and the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose. She serves on the advisory board for Santa Clara University's Ciocca Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and is co-chair for How Women Lead #GetOnBoardWeek.Some of the talking points Julie and Megan go over in this episode include:The importance of finding one's "why" and aligning with an advisor who shares similar goals.The concept of the “broken rung” in the workforce and the need to address the gender gap in promotions.How financial stress affects career advancement and the importance of financial independence.Building a personal board of directors and having diverse perspectives to guide your career and personal life decisions.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH MEGAN SCHOETTMER:LinkedInCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

As women in the workplace, the odds of success and growth are not usually in our favor. So, what can we do to improve our odds and set ourselves up for success? In this episode of How Women Inspire, we sit down with Shellye Archambeau, experienced CEO, board director, and author of Unapologetically Ambitious. Shellye shares her inspiring story of overcoming the odds as a Black woman in tech to become a CEO, emphasizing the importance of setting goals, making intentional decisions, and more. This week's episode 149 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about embracing ambition and rejecting apologies! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Shellye Archambeau is sharing the importance of making daily decisions that align with your goals and actionable steps you can take right now to create a self-care plan to keep yourself healthy. Shellye Archambeau is an experienced CEO and board director with a track record of building brands, high-performance teams, and organizations. She currently serves on the boards of Verizon, Roper Technologies, and Okta. She's also a strategic adviser to Forbes Ignite and the president of Arizona State University and serves on the board of two national nonprofits Catalyst and Braven. Shellye is also the author of “Unapologetically Ambitious: Take Risks, Break Barriers, and Create Success on Your Own Terms.”Some of the talking points Julie and Shellye go over in this episode include:The importance of being unapologetically ambitious and the societal pressure to apologize excessively.Strategic goal setting and mankind decisions to support your plan.The societal pressure on women to "have it all”.Identifying your own three, non-negotiable self-care practices for your health.Check out Shellye's book Unapologetically Ambitious: Take Risks, Break Barriers, and Create Success on Your Own Terms.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH SHELLYE ARCHAMBEAU:LinkedInWebsiteInstagramX (formerly Twitter)

In a world where the gender funding gap remains stubbornly wide, women are on a mission to change the game. Erin Harkless Moore is at the forefront of driving breakthrough innovations and social impact through strategic investments. In this episode, Erin shares her journey from Wall Street to impact investing, and the powerful strategies she's employing to empower women-led funds and companies that are reshaping industries and communities. From tackling the challenges of biased funding practices to championing the importance of diverse decision-makers, her insights offer a roadmap for anyone passionate about leveraging the power of capital to create a more equitable future. This week's episode 148 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about driving breakthrough innovations and impact! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Erin Harkless Moore is sharing the importance of aligning your work with your personal values and actionable steps you can take right now to level up your leadership qualities. Erin Harkless Moore is the Senior Director of Investments at Pivotal Ventures created by Melinda French Gates to accelerate social progress in the United States. She leads the organization's fund and direct investment decisions, overseeing a diverse portfolio that drives breakthrough innovations and impact for people in this country. Erin has nearly 20 years of investment experience previously working as the Managing Director at Cambridge Associates.Some of the talking points Julie and Erin go over in this episode include:The importance of aligning your values and your work with your professional interests.Challenges and opportunities for women in the venture capital space.Recognizing the biases that hold women back from raising capital.Erin's biggest lessons that have defined her career.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH ERIN HARKLESS MOORE:LinkedInTwitterPivotal VenturesCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Are you a woman in leadership struggling to manage stress and are not feeling like your authentic self? In this episode of How Women Inspire, Liz Sklar, Director of Stand and Deliver and actress, shares her journey from stage to C-suite and how she helps leaders find their authentic voice and communicate powerfully. Liz and Julie discuss the importance of managing stress, setting boundaries, and embracing your personal values to become a more impactful and authentic leader. They also explore the power of storytelling, emotional resilience, and overcoming self-doubt for women in leadership.In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Liz Sklar is sharing the importance of managing stress and setting boundaries  and actionable steps you can take right now to lead with authenticity and sincerity.In her work with clients including Genentech, Gilead, Twilio, Google, IVP, CZI, Waymo, and the Cartier Women's Initiative, Liz's work has crossed industries from pharma to finance and frequently focuses on leaders in the innovation economy. She is especially inspired by female entrepreneurs and executives and is invested in empowering them to harness their innate power and wisdom to further their careers and expand their missions. Liz has acted professionally in both film and theater, including leading roles at premier regional theaters such as California Shakespeare Festival and American Conservatory Theatre.Some of the talking points Julie and Liz go over in this episode include:How Liz's experience in theatre informs her leadership coaching in the corporate world.Emphasizing the value of finding and showcasing one's authentic self.Managing stress and influencing without authority in the workplace.Encouraging and supporting women leaders through empathy and public speaking.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH LIZ SKLAR:LinkedInWebsiteStand & DeliverCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

The healthcare industry has long overlooked the unique needs and experiences of women, but that tide is finally turning. Today, we're sitting down with Elyse Heob, a multi-time healthcare startup founder and expert in bringing groundbreaking innovations to market. Elyse shares her insights on the critical importance of women-led research and product development, the myths surrounding startup chaos, the power of betting on yourself as a female entrepreneur, and more. This week's episode 146 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about revolutionizing the healthcare landscape! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Elyse Heob shares the importance of strategic planning and treating startups like a regular job and actionable steps you can take right now to bet on yourself and get more comfortable with risks. Elyse Heob is an expert in transforming groundbreaking healthcare ideas into thriving businesses with a main focus on patient care. She is the Founder and CEO of Elyse Heob Consulting, where she supports startup founders to scale their health innovations. Previously, she co-founded ClearMask, the first FDA-cleared transparent surgical mask, growing it from zero to $45 million in just two years with zero outside investment.Some of the talking points Julie and Elyse go over in this episode include:The difference between inventing a health innovation and running a startup.Key considerations for designing successful health technologies.The lack of research on women's health and the need for better care and detection.Encouraging women to embrace their potential and take on leadership roles in healthcare and entrepreneurship.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH ELYSE HEOB:LinkedInWebsiteCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Only 2% of all founders of AI companies are women, and Jacqueline Schafer is one of those women leading the way in tech. Jacqueline is here this week to share her inspiring journey from her early days as a lawyer at a top firm to founding her own innovative company set on changing the legal landscape. She discusses the importance of partnering with strong women investors and building a company with a focus on security and ethical considerations, the challenges she has faced as a female founder, and more. This week's episode 145 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about pioneering AI in legal tech! This episode was created in partnership with the Nasdaq Foundation. Together, we are working to educate, inspire, and engage women from diverse backgrounds on venture investing and entrepreneurship. Did you know that only 2% of venture funding goes to women-led companies? Together, we are working to show that women are the new face of venture investing.In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Jacqueline Schafer is sharing the importance of preparation and persistence when finding supporters and investors and actionable steps you can take right now to support women-founded ventures. Jacqueline Schafer is the founder and CEO of Clearbrief (Winner, Litigation Technology Product of the Year, Legalweek 2023). Schafer serves as one of inaugural members of the Texas Bar's AI Taskforce, and she was chosen by the American Bar Association as one of the “2022 Women of Legal Tech” and named to the 2022 Fastcase 50, Honoring ‘Innovators, Techies, Visionaries and Leaders' in Law, Schafer also received the 2021 Washington State Bar APEX Award for Legal Innovation for founding Clearbrief as well as for her 2020 law review article ("Harnessing AI for Struggling Families").Some of the talking points Julie and Jaqueline go over in this episode include:How every role in her career helped pave the way for Clearbrief.The challenges of raising capital for a legal tech company, especially during the pandemic.The role of women investors for success and the support networks they create.The need for strict security requirements to succeed with large enterprise firms and government agencies.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH JACQUELINE SCHAFER:LinkedInClearbriefCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

In the professional world, having a mentor to guide you in making the best choices for yourself can make all the difference. Having a mentor can help you unlock your curiosity, seek out opportunities you didn't think were possible, and make significant changes to the world. Mentorship is even more critical for people from underrepresented backgrounds, especially first-generation students from low-income families, as they go through the academic world and into professional life. In this episode, Dr. Julie Huang provides invaluable insights on supporting young women and girls in STEM, the unique superpowers that first-generation students bring to the table, and more! This week's episode 144 of How Women Inspire Podcast concerns mentorship, curiosity, and the immigrant experience!In this episode of the How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Huang discusses the importance of diversity and mentorship for underrepresented students and early career professionals and actionable steps you can take right now to start taking a practical approach to abundance. Julie Huang is a scientist, leader, mentor, and advocate with a mission to enable scientific breakthroughs and to forge a diverse, empowered future generation in STEM. She leads teams and orchestrates scientific strategies for clinical trials that hold promise in transforming the treatment landscape for neurodegenerative diseases. Julie is a TedX and keynote speaker, board member, and nonprofit leader.Some of the talking points the two Julie's go over in this episode include:The importance of mentorship and community in overcoming self-doubt and limiting beliefs.How overcoming scarcity in resources and mindset has allowed Julie to create opportunities and pursue her dreams.Mentoring others and helping them see their potential, especially young professionals from underrepresented backgrounds.The superpowers of being a child of immigrants, including courage, determination, and finding opportunities.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH JULIE HUANG:LinkedInCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Women's health continues to be an important issue for many of us, and more and more medical technoplogy startups are getting on board with turning their attention to women's health issues across the globe. Dr. Vinona Bhatia, a trailblazer in medicine, technology, and global health, is here this week to discuss her work in cancer screening and care both here and in Africa, as well as advocating for inclusive leadership, networking, and mentorship. This week's episode 143 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about unlocking barriers to cancer screening and care! This episode was created in partnership with the Nasdaq Foundation. Together, we are working to educate, inspire, and engage women from diverse backgrounds on venture investing and entrepreneurship. Did you know that only 2% of venture funding goes to women-led companies? Together, we are working to show that women are the new face of venture investing.In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Vinona Bhatia is sharing the importance of  innovation to meet women's needs and wants in healthcare and actionable steps you can take right now to seek opportunities to make a difference. Vinona Bhatia is a Medical Oncologist trained at U Penn and UCSF, with an MPH in Global Health and Population from Harvard. Vinona is the Founder of Partnering for Cancer Innovation, an organization working to improve outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients, and ensure that cancer is treated equitably in all parts of the world. Her primary goal is to unblock millions of individuals from the barriers they face accessing cancer screening and care.Some of the talking points Julie and Vinona go over in this episode include:The shift in focus from general women's health to specific issues like menopause and perimenopause.The importance of not being elitist about innovation and recognizing that innovation can take many shapes and forms.The need for clinical studies pre-launch of medical technologies to ensure effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.Seeking opportunities and educating oneself to make a difference.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH VINONA BHATIA:LinkedInPartnering for Cancer InnovationCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Growing a business is no easy feat, but here at How Women Lead, we have the pleasure of knowing many women who are leading high-growth companies. Their difference? The companies are not only high-growth, but high-impact, aligning their business values with their personal values aiming for a better world. Coco Sellman is here today to share her journey growing her business and using it as a force for good, and her upcoming book by the same name. This week's episode 142 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about unlocking the secrets of high-growth, purpose-driven companies! This episode was created in partnership with the Nasdaq Foundation. Together, we are working to educate, inspire, and engage women from diverse backgrounds on venture investing and entrepreneurship. Did you know that only 2% of venture funding goes to women-led companies? Together, we are working to show that women are the new face of venture investing.In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Coco Sellman is sharing the importance of having a data-driven approach in business, even if the founder is not naturally data-oriented and actionable steps you can take right now to align your business practices with what consumers and employees want. Since 1998, Coco has been on a mission to align business purpose with profit. As a serial entrepreneur and a consultant to founders, Coco has built and supported hundreds of businesses. Most recently, Coco was the founder of Allumé Home Care, a home health company serving medically fragile children and adults. Allumé merged with All Pointe Care in 2021, creating the second-largest provider of in-home pediatric nursing in the state of Connecticut; Coco now sits on the board. Over the course of her career Coco has worked with hundreds of founders to grow successful, sustainable businesses that lead in impact and profits.Some of the talking points Julie and Coco go over in this episode include:The importance of resilience and integrity when scaling a business quickly.The unique strengths women bring to leadership, particularly in managing multiple stakeholders and understanding emotional intelligence.The critical role of emotional intelligence in leadership, especially in understanding and motivating teams.Key skills and mindset needed for successful leadership, including self-awareness, adaptability, and a focus on impact.To learn more about Coco's Book A Force for Good and to pre-order your copy, visit the A Force for Good website today!Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH COCO SELLMAN:LinkedInA Force for GoodCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

If anyone knows about the importance of grit and determination, it's immigrants. Hispanic people are the fastest growing worker group in the US, and young Hispanic people attending college and universities are truly the workforce of tomorrow. Despite this, Latina and Latino voices are grossly underrepresented in the biggest rooms of power. Marisela Barbosa is here today to talk about her journey supporting her community through her entrepreneurial journey, standing up for Latina voices, encouraging women to pursue civil leadership, and more! This week's episode 141 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about leveraging entrepreneurship to drive positive change in Latino communities! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Marisela Barbosa is sharing the importance of raising Latina voices in business and local politics and actionable steps you can take right now to build strong relationships and networks. Marisela Barbosa is a small business owner and civic leader dedicated to fostering sustainable economic growth in the community. Marisela is the co-founder of Monarch Engineers, an engineering firm specializing in civil, structural, and mechanical engineering. In 2016, she founded Green Hive Spaces, a coworking space in downtown Vallejo with a focus on sustainability.Some of the talking points Julie and Marisela go over in this episode include:The significance of breaking barriers and opening doors for Latinas.Encouraging Latina women to get involved in local politics and civic leadership.The importance of building and serving communities as an entrepreneur.The importance of building strong relationships and networks in achieving success.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH MARISELA BARBOSA:LinkedInWebsiteThe Time is YaCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Even if we think our career is on a straight path, life has a funny way of presenting us with unexpected opportunities and changing our trajectories. Deborah Smith knows this firsthand, having moved around in the financial industry and taken almost every opportunity that presented itself before founding The CenterCap Group, a boutique investment bank serving the real estate industry. Deborah is here this week to share her journey with us, as well as offer advice on our career mindsets, surrounding ourselves with a support network, and more! This week's episode 140 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about overcoming barriers with confidence, resilience, and determination! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Deborah Smith is sharing the importance of keeping your eyes open for unexpected career opportunities and actionable steps you can take right now to approach your career with confidence. Deborah Smith is Co-Founder and CEO of The CenterCap Group, LLC and heads the firm's Strategic Capital and M&A and Execution efforts. Prior to forming The CenterCap Group, LLC, Ms. Smith was Co-Head of M&A and a Senior Managing Director with CB Richard Ellis Investors (CB Richard Ellis's $40 billion AUM investment management business). She joined CBREI in July 2007 to co-head the build out of the firm's M&A efforts and led the firm's negotiation and acquisition of a majority interest in Wood Partners (one of the largest multifamily developers in the United States) in 2008.Some of the talking points Julie and Deborah go over in this episode include:Accepting support and not overthinking decisions.The challenges of balancing a demanding career with raising a family.Approaching opportunities with a “how hard can it be” mindset.The importance of confidence and persistence.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH DEBORAH SMITH:LinkedInThe CenterCap GroupCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

As technology advances quickly, it can be hard for regulation to keep up with innovation. So what are developing technology companies to do when regulations are so vague, and standards are yet to be developed? One answer is to work on self-regulation. Jessica Nall is here to talk about her work as a lawyer whose mission is to defend and support tech companies, founders, CEOs, and more! This week's episode 139 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about balancing technological innovation with responsibility! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Jessica Nall shares the importance of self-regulation and consumer consent in the tech industry and the actionable steps you can take right now to diversify your thoughts and perspectives in driving innovation. Jessica Nall is a technology investigations partner practicing at the forefront of government enforcement in the technology industry. Jess leads Baker McKenzie's investigations and compliance practice on the West Coast. For more than two decades, Jess has defended companies and individuals in government investigations and conducted internal investigations involving cutting-edge technology issues, including AI, cybersecurity, and alleged misuse of all kinds of data. Jess has defended companies and individuals across the Asia Pacific region since the first DOJ Antitrust cartel investigations in 2003 and has a deep understanding of cultural issues impacting investigations in that region and across the globe.Some of the talking points Julie and Jessica go over in this episode include:The intersection of tech innovation and government regulations.The role of board members in managing AI and emerging technologies.Self-regulation and consumer consent in maintaining trust and control.The potential of new tech tools to disrupt the traditional legal industry and create more inclusive and effective practices.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH JESSICA NALL:LinkedInCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

One of the most powerful tools you can have as you navigate your career is a well-rounded network. The relationships you build with mentors and colleagues have a massive effect on your trajectory, and few know this better than Shannon Nash. Shannon is here today to offer us her insights on the power of relationships, the value of diverse perspectives in the boardroom, and the importance of following your passions, and to offer inspiration and practical wisdom for aspiring leaders across industries. This week's episode 138 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about mentorship, resilience, and the power of relationships! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Shannon Nash is sharing the importance of being present and fully committed to various aspects of life, including work, family, and personal interests, and actionable steps you can take right now to explore relationship-building in your career. Shannon Nash is a seasoned global leader, financial expert, attorney, and CPA. She serves as an independent director on the boards of NetScout Systems (Audit Committee), SoFi Bank (Risk and Chair, Compensation Committees), and Lazy Dog Restaurants (Chair, Audit Committee). Shannon brings CFO expertise from Wing (an Alphabet company), Reputation.com, and Inside Source. Recognized for her leadership, she has been honored by Accounting Today as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting, Diversity Woman Magazine's Elite 100, and Silicon Valley's 100 Most Influential Women. Shannon holds a degree in accounting and a JD from the University of Virginia. She is also an award-winning documentary film producer and co-produced "OnBoard," the story of Black women on boards, which debuted at Tribeca.Some of the talking points Julie and Shannon go over in this episode include:The importance of finding something you're passionate about outside of work.Mentorship as a two-way street and the value of investing time in relationships.Diversity and inclusion in corporate leadership, especially in the boardroom.Investing in women-led businesses to create a better future for future generations.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH SHANNON NASH:LinkedInX (formerly Twitter)OnBoard: The FilmCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

There has been a significant increase in women-led venture firms, going from 12 in 2010 to nearly 300 in 2020, emphasizing the potential for women to manage $30 trillion in wealth by 2030. And despite women-founded companies outperforming their male counterparts, they received only 1.8% of venture funding last year. But as women have more control over money and assets, we can demand and bring about change. Mandy Bynum is here today to share her journey into investing in women, the need for women to take control of their financial decisions, seeking funds that align with your values, and more. This week's episode 137 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about unlocking the wealth and influence of women! This episode was created in partnership with the Nasdaq Foundation. Together, we are working to educate, inspire, and engage women from diverse backgrounds on venture investing and entrepreneurship. Did you know that only 2% of venture funding goes to women-led companies? Together, we are working to show that women are the new face of venture investing.In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Mandy Bynum shares the importance of women demanding change and performance in the venture capital market and actionable steps you can take right now to expand your professional opportunities through investing in venture funds. Mandy Bynum is a highly sought-after super-connector. A skilled strategy consultant and advisor, she helps individuals and organizations build capacity and valuable relationships with people and the communities that matter to them. Blending her experience in venture capital, startup, and nonprofit leadership, Mandy advises a wide range of companies on how to build authentic relationships with different audiences, as well as professionals looking to integrate their creative pursuits, increase revenue streams, and advance social activism in order to design meaningful, impactful, and sustainable multidimensional careers. Some of the talking points Julie and Mandy go over in this episode include:The significant wealth and influence of women, with American women expected to manage at least $30 trillion by 2030.The value of following curiosity and building a network to find the right investment opportunities.The benefits of being a limited partner over directly investing in a company.Aligning your investments with your values, and making your own decisions as an accredited investor.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH MANDY BYNUM:LinkedInWebsiteInstagramCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Everyone has a different path and purpose in life, and those on the entrepreneurship journey often feel it most. But fighting loneliness by building community with and supporting other women and women entrepreneurs leads to incredible collaboration, better health, and lasting societal change. Dr. Keera Godfrey is here today to talk about the importance of investing in women, choosing the path that's right for you, and more! This week's episode 136 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about leaving normal and embracing change! This episode was created in partnership with the Nasdaq Foundation. Together, we are working to educate, inspire, and engage women from diverse backgrounds on venture investing and entrepreneurship. Did you know that only 2% of venture funding goes to women-led companies? Together, we are working to show that women are the new face of venture investing.In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Dr. Keera Godfrey shares the importance of a supportive ecosystem for founders and entrepreneurs, and actionable steps you can take right now to support other women on their entrepreneurial journeys. Dr. Keera Godfrey is the CEO and Founder of Naris Communications and the Naris Leadership Academy. Dr. Keera helps global organizations with a focus on digitization and digital transformation to define and align their workforce culture to embrace new ways of working bringing her 25 years of experience as a communications and change strategist, activating performance strategies for the U.S. Army, global manufacturers, healthcare systems, and non-profit organizations. She is a trusted advisor, change management consultant, speaker, and author utilizing emotional intelligence, strategic communications, and performance improvement techniques to maximize business results.Some of the talking points Julie and Keera go over in this episode include:The value of diverse contributions in all areas of society and how it will shape the future.The emotional and financial benefits of investing in women-led businesses.Integrating family and work instead of a “work-life balance”.How community, support, and validation in women's professional and personal lives changes the game.To get Dr. Keera's book, Leaving Normal: How to Let Go and Move The Heck On, you can head over to Amazon.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH DR. KEERA GODFREY:LinkedInInstagramX (formerly Twitter)Naris CommunicationsCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Women currently own 52% of wealth but receive only 2% of venture funding, despite returning 34% more to investors. It's our mission here at How Women Lead to lift each other up in every way we can, including funding women startups and business owners looking for funding. Because when we invest in our values and put our money into what we believe in, everyone wins. This week's episode 135 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about leveraging venture investing for impact! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Gaby Darbyshire is sharing the importance of having a diverse investment portfolio and actionable steps you can take right now to leverage your investments to also make more philanthropic donations. This episode was created in partnership with the Nasdaq Foundation. Together, we are working to educate, inspire, and engage women from diverse backgrounds on venture investing and entrepreneurship. Did you know that only 2% of venture funding goes to women-led companies? Together, we are working to show that women are the new face of venture investing.Gaby Darbyshire is a global executive and entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience building tech and media businesses in London, San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles.  In her current role as General Partner at Dangerous Ventures, an early-stage VC fund, Gaby is focused on investing in solutions to the world's most pressing climate challenges, a lifetime interest that dates back to building an electric car when she was 16 years old. Born in Beirut and raised in London, Gaby began her career as a barrister, practicing environmental and criminal law and working pro bono on death row appeals. After leaving the Bar, she spent several years as a management consultant, developing strategies in the tech, utilities, financial services and pharmaceutical industries.Some of the talking points Julie and Gaby go over in this episode include:The benefits of investing in climate solutions.The role of philanthropy in complementing for-profit investments.How being a generalist with a wide array of interests benefits you in investing.Closing the wealth gap by teaching women to start investing early.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH GABY DARBYSHIRE:LinkedInX (formerly Twitter)Dangerous VenturesCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Women CEOs are incredible - they have to be to get to the top - so it only makes sense that their companies outperform others in the stock market. So why aren't more people actively investing in women? Patricia Lizarraga is here today to talk about raising visibility and funds for women-led companies that consistently outperform in all different markets. This week's episode 134 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about investing in Women CEOs! This episode was created in partnership with the Nasdaq Foundation. Together, we are working to educate, inspire, and engage women from diverse backgrounds on venture investing and entrepreneurship. Did you know that only 2% of venture funding goes to women-led companies? Together, we are working to show that women are the new face of venture investing.In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Patricia Lizarraga is sharing the importance of giving everyone the opportunity to invest in companies led by women CEOs and actionable steps you can take right now to start investing today. Patricia Lizarraga is the managing partner of Hypatia Capital and the issuer of the Hypatia Women CEO EFT, an actively managed Exchange Traded fund that invests in all publicly traded American companies that have female Chief Executive Officers. Patricia founded Hypatia over 15 years ago, when she'd already been working in finance as an investment banker for 20 years, committed to investing in women in leadership. Some of the talking points Julie and Patricia go over in this episode include:Making investing in women accessible to everyone, regardless of their investment amount.The numerous studies by major institutions that show the outperformance of women in both public and private markets.The need for AI and large language models to recognize and promote women CEOs more effectively.Educating women about investing, starting at a young age.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH PATRICIA LIZARRAGA:LinkedInX (formerly Twitter)WCEO EFTCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

The importance of getting more women involved in venture and angel investing cannot be understated. As more women earn more money, the value of getting women seats at the table and in positions that decide what their money is being used for grows. Marcia Dawood is here today to share with us how we can be more involved in investment decisions, combat bias in finance, and more. This week's episode 133 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about how you can do good while doing well! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Marcia Dawood is sharing the importance of understanding your investment options and actionable steps you can take right now to diversify your investment portfolio. Marcia Dawood is an early-stage investor who serves on the Securities and Exchange Commission's Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee. She is a venture partner with Mindshift Capital, a member of Golden Seeds, and the Chair Emeritus of the Angel Capital Association (ACA), the global professional society for angel investors. In 2022, Marcia spoke at TEDx Charlotte and she currently hosts The Angel Next Door Podcast. Some of the talking points Julie and Marcia go over in this episode include:Investing in early-stage companies that make a positive impact.The transparency and democratization of information on crowdfunding platforms.How philanthropic dollars can be directed to for-profit companies, providing a triple win of social impact, financial returns, and tax deductions.The value of cheerleading and social media support for entrepreneurs and offering expertise, networks, and mentorship.You can find Marcia's book, “Do Good While Doing Well” wherever you get your books, or by visiting her website!Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH MARCIA DAWOOD:WebsiteLinkedInThe Angel Next Door podcastCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

It feels like AI has taken over the world since Open AI released ChatGPT at the end of 2022. The widespread use of large language models, however, has shown a great deal of bias and misinformation, in addition to being less than intuitive. So how do we create better AI? Ewa Ding is here this week to share her thoughts and mission to make AI more human-friendly! This week's episode 132 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about designing human-centered AI! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Ewa Ding is sharing the importance of understanding AI's capabilities, limitations, and ethical considerations. and actionable steps you can take right now to educate ourselves about AI and its uses. Ewa Ding is a product and design leader on a mission to make AI more human-friendly and genuinely useful. As the founder of UX4AI, she blends her passion for impactful experiences with expertise in human-centered AI strategies, digital transformation, product strategy, and UX design. Some of the talking points Julie and Ewa go over in this episode include:Understanding AI's capabilities and limitations as we reach a peak in its use.The challenges of applying human-centered design principles to AI.The need for AI to be designed with user needs, values, and ethical considerations in mind.Encouraging women to become involved in AI development and to demand safe and privacy-protecting AI tools.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH EWA DING:LinkedInWebsiteUX4AICONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Women's voices have been and continue to be culturally dismissed and discouraged. Women are very rarely quoted in science and financial journals, as well as make up only about 25% of all of the people who are quoted as experts in the news media. The fourth element of our credo at How Women Lead is to Be Unabashedly Visible, and today, Julie is sharing her journey to be more visible. This week's episode 131of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the fourth tenet of ouw How Women Lead Credo: being unabashedly visible! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams is sharing the importance of public speaking in creating change and actionable steps you can take right now to be visible and take up space. Some of the talking points Julie goes over in this episode include:The cultural narratives that hold women back that we have heard from a young age.Embracing your power and influence, and overcoming self-doubt.How public speaking can create change, and how you can improve your public speaking skills.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Every woman has an instance in her childhood where her voice was ignored. Maybe she was told to be seen and not heard, maybe she was looked over in class to speak, or maybe she was told to take up less space. This cultural bias against women's voices needs to be put to an end, and it starts with us supporting one another and speaking up to affirm another woman and make her voice heard. This week's episode 130 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the third tenet of the How Women Lead Credo: reinforcing other women's voices when they speak up! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams shares the importance of supporting other women when they speak and actionable steps you can take right now to open opportunities for women's voices to be heard. Some of the talking points Julie goes over in this episode include:Women being ignored is a cultural problem, not an isolated incident.How Harvard Business School documented gender bias that kept women from reaping the full benefits of attending the school.All women have been told to be seen and not heard as children; this carries over well into adulthood.Steps we can take to open doors and create opportunities for ourselves and the women around us. Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast.CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

“Deals are made on the golf course.” “Your network is your net worth.” How often have we women heard these phrases throughout our lives, only to be scolded or warned against doing these same things that men are encouraged to do? It's time for us to change the cultural narrative around using our connections to create professional opportunities for ourselves and the women around us. This week's episode 129 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the second tenant of the How Women Lead credo: saying yes to helping each other! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams is sharing the importance of making introductions for other women and actionable steps you can take right now to increase opportunities for yourself and women around you!Some of the talking points Julie goes over in this episode include:It's not what you know, it's who you know.How women are discouraged from making introductions for one another when men are encouraged to do so.The power of actively making connections.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

In a world where women leaders are still facing immense challenges and criticism, our role as advocates for each other has never been more important. Too often, we've seen women tear each other down, rather than lifting each other up. But when we commit to refusing to participate in the toxic dynamics that hold us back and instead use our voices to build other women up, amazing things happen. We're thrilled to share this replay of Julie Castro Abrams discussing the first pillar of our How Women Lead credo. This week's episode 128 of How Women Inspire is about the first tenet of the How Women Lead credo: be fierce advocacy for all women and transforming work culture! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams shares the importance of lifting up and supporting other women and actionable steps you can take right now to advocate for the women in leadership roles in your life. Some of the talking points Julie goes over in this episode include:The physical toll of microaggressions in the workplace.What leadership is like for women in a world designed for men.The oxymoron of ‘women's leadership” in America and the lack of models for women leaders.How being fierce advocates for one another will help women step into their confidence and power as leaders.It's time we change the culture of how we are together so that all women can feel like they have a path forward and do it with fewer battle scars.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

The workforce in the US is more diverse than ever. And with a large part of the educated workforce being made up of Latina women, strategies and ideas around investments are shifting. Emma Rodriguez-Ayala is here today to talk about how investors need to learn how Latino communities view and value money, bridging the financial literacy gap by teaching kids about money from a young age, and much more. This week's episode 127 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about unlocking the power of Latina investors and bridging the financial literacy gap! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Emma Rodriguez-Ayala is sharing the importance of investing in Latino communities and overcoming barriers to inclusion. and actionable steps you can take right now to start teaching your kids what they need to know about money. Emma Rodriguez-Ayala serves as Ariel's Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel as well as Board Secretary of Ariel Investments and Ariel Alternatives. With almost two decades of experience in investment management, Emma is a seasoned legal and operations executive with a passion for impact investing, DEI, risk management, and corporate governance. Emma is an independent director of First Bank Chicago, one of the largest privately held banks in Chicagoland. She serves on the board of Chicago television station WTTW and the Chicago classical music station WFMT. Additionally, she is a founder and board member of Angeles Investors, a Latino-focused angel investing group, and is a member of the Latino Corporate Directors Association.Some of the talking points Julie and Emma go over in this episode include:The growth of women in investment management.Investing in financial literacy and teaching kids about money from a young age.The importance of understanding the Latino community's value system when engaging with them financially.How leadership means looking at the big picture and watching for obstacles for your team.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH EMMA RODRIGUEZ-AYALA:LinkedInAriel InvestmentsCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

While women in general are underrepresented in leadership roles and corporate America, those least represented are Latina women. Despite being one of the largest sections of the workforce, Latina women make the least money of any demographic in the country; on average only being paid 62 cents for every dollar made by a white man. Marilyn Alverio founded Latinas & Power as a way to bring Latina women together to share their experiences, elevate their voices, build strong networks, and navigate the changing workplace landscape together so that all women have opportunities in leadership. This week's episode 126 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about elevating Latina voices! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Marilyn Alverio is sharing the importance of creating work environments where you can bring your whole self to work and actionable steps you can take right now to build up your network. Marilyn Alverio is the Founder and CEO of Latinas & Power Corp., a non-profit organization that empowers Latinas to succeed as influential leaders and advocates in their careers and communities. She has over 30 years of experience in marketing, sales, and brand management, working with Fortune 100 companies and diverse audiences. Marilyn is also a keynote speaker on topics that include; DE&I, Women's Market, Latino Market and ERG's.Some of the talking points Julie and Marilyn go over in this episode include:The problem with being the “only” in the room in corporate settings.Slowly building a nonprofit from a small group of individuals sharing their experiences.Underrepresentation of Latinas in leadership roles and the impact of their experiences on their leadership.Prioritizing self-care and authenticity for Latina leaders.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH MARILYN ALVERIO:LinkedInX (formerly Twitter)InstagramLatinas & PowerCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWLJoin us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Women-led venture firms grew from 12 in 2010 to over 300 in 2020, representing new opportunities for women in leadership and innovation. As the first generation of women with decades of work experience and control of 50% of wealth, it's up to us to invest in companies who share our values, especially in women's healthcare. Ariane Tom is here this week to share about the importance of investing in healthcare technology, especially neuroscience technologies. This week's episode 125 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about investing in her wellness! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Ariane Tom is sharing the importance of involving women in venture capital and actionable steps you can take right now to find venture firms to invest in that align with your values. Dr. Ariane Tom is Founder & Managing Director of Kaleida Capital, investing in neurotech with domain expertise across deeptech, AI, and neuroscience. Throughout her academic career at Stanford, Ariane spearheaded research programs in neural interfaces with applications in brain-mapping, prosthetics, drug delivery, and neuromodulation. She is a published co-author in top-tier research journals Science Magazine and Nature Portfolio, collaborating across disciplines with luminaries Karl Deisseroth (optogenetics & CLARITY), Zhenan Bao (electronic skin), and Sergiu Pasca (organoids). Beyond the bench, she has applied over a decade of research insight to venture capital, patent law, and public policy, cultivating a top-performing investment track record by identifying and backing technologies of multiple Nobel Laureates.Some of the talking points Julie and Ariane go over in this episode include:Investing in neuroscience technology for the future of women's health.The unique perspective women bring to the role of innovation.Finding venture firms that align with your values to invest in.A primer on how venture investing works and what you can expect.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH ARIANE TOM:LinkedInX (formerly Twitter)WebsiteKaleida CapitalCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWLJoin us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

As we mark two years since the Dobbs decision which overturned Roe v. Wade, highlighting inequality in healthcare is more important than ever. Limiting access to essential reproductive care disproportionatelty affects women of color, non-English speaking folks, people living in poverty, and other marginalized groups. Kwajelyn Jackson is here this week to discuss her work in fighting for reproductive justice in Georgia and across the US, as well as addressing the intersections of issues like economic insecurity, racism, and lack of community support. This week's episode 124 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about intersectional reproductive justice! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Kwajelyn Jackson is sharing the importance of  considering multiple identities and systems of oppression when advocating for reproductive justice. and actionable steps you can take right now to support equal access to reproductive healthcare for all. Kwajelyn Jackson currently serves as Executive Director at Feminist Women's Health Center (FWHC) in Atlanta, GA, leading the entire organization's operations, abortion clinic, civic engagement, education and outreach teams. Since 2013 she has led the expansion of FWHC's statewide and national impact, and significantly deepened community partnerships. Kwajelyn has been named one of the 500 most powerful leaders in Atlanta by Atlanta Magazine for five consecutive years.Some of the talking points Julie and Kwajelyn go over in this episode include:The importance of acknowledging and addressing white supremacy and racial discrimination in policy.Community engagement and support for local organizations crucial for reproductive healthcare access.Challenges faced by independent clinics, including high costs of abortion care.Integrity-rooted leadership and balancing pragmatism and wild optimism.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH KWAJELYN JACKSON:X (formerly Twitter)InstagramFeminist Women's Health CenterBlack Mamas Matter AllianceCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWLJoin us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard