Opportunity Knocks by EmpowHer Purpose

I'm thrilled to release episode 117 of the “Opportunity Knocks” podcast. I had the pleasure of speaking with Linda Sivertsen, an accomplished author, book coach, and the creative force behind Beautiful Writers. Linda's journey is a testament to the power of listening to intuition, trusting the creative process, and showing up for your dreams—no matter how impossible they may seem. She is also a fellow Trojan. Fight on! ✌️ And drumroll please, my writers coach! Yes, I have committed to getting started on writing my book. You see, we have many ideas, and all need to enlist support to get to our goals! I'm ecstatic!

In episode 116 of the Opportunity Knocks podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kashmira Gandhi, co-owner of Body Balance Hawai‘i and a Lead Instructor at the studio's premier location in Ala Moana Center, O‘ahu. Kashmira's story is an incredible example of embracing change, building connections, and finding purpose through movement.From her roots in Rhode Island to her life in Hawai‘i, Kashmira has seamlessly blended her business expertise with her passion for wellness. A NASM Certified Personal Trainer and creator of the BodyCycle Method, Kashmira approaches fitness as a connection between happiness and health—embracing physical, emotional, relational, and community well-being. Known for her high-energy BodyCycle classes and her dedication to empowering others, she's trained over 35 talented instructors and holds multiple certifications in cycling, Lagree, TRX, and Barre.This episode also celebrates an exciting new chapter: Opportunity Knocks is going Hawaiian! We're thrilled to announce a special retreat in Hawai‘i, creating opportunities for meaningful collaborations with inspiring female entrepreneurs like Kashmira. The retreat will feature sound baths, yoga classes, and other incredible experiences, all in the spirit of fostering connections and building community with our sisters in Hawai‘i.During our conversation, Kashmira shared her inspiring transition from a corporate and production career—including stints with House Hunters International—to co-owning one of Hawai‘i's most sought-after fitness studios. She offered invaluable insights on leadership, managing rapid growth, and creating a welcoming space where movement and joy intersect.Key highlights from our conversation:•

When Katie Chin left her high-powered corporate career to follow her creative instincts, she had no idea she was setting the stage for an incredible journey of discovery and reinvention. From navigating life as a chef, entrepreneur, and award-winning culinary personality to unveiling her family's inspiring legacy through a one-woman show, Katie's story is a testament to resilience, risk-taking, and authenticity.On Episode 115 of the Opportunity Knocks podcast, I sat down with Katie Chin, celebrated chef, author, and performer, for an inspiring conversation about embracing creativity, honoring her mother's legacy, and the power of community in building a meaningful career.

When Laurel discovered that diverse founders deliver 25% higher returns despite receiving less than 2% of global venture funding, she knew she'd found her mission: transforming this disconnect into opportunity.

Happy, happy Thanksgiving Week!

Tamalin Srisook Polo joins me for Episode 112 of Opportunity Knocks: "Be In the Know. Bespoke. Be Open." All of these words really embody not only who Tamalin is, but the work she does with her incredible boutique experiential marketing and events production business, Savior Agency. As a young, single mother also at the beginning of  her career, Tamalin knew the power of taking risks and chose courage early and often, starting her own business. She began her career in tech sales, and while she was a high performer, the lack of purpose was something she could no longer continue on with.She's now been producing high-end experiences and events for major brands for more than 20 years. The name of her business, Savior (French), means to “be in the know,” and that's who Tamalin is through and through — someone with their finger on the pulse of trends, but also deeply with herself.This episode features a great conversation with the highlights:

Let's get pumped for Episode 111 of Opportunity Knocks “Building Strength through Teamwork and Community” featuring Lisa Solomon, the Founder of The Studio (MDR), a Lagree studio with five locations in LA and a sixth coming in 2025. This is a special episode, given that it is 111 - an angel number representing good luck, opportunity, confidence and profound transformation. Such a perfectly fitting number for my dear friend Lisa, who I had the joy of facilitating with at an incredible Women's Wellness Event here in LA last week. After falling in love with the Lagree method workout and out of love with her career as an executive in the music industry, Lisa opened The Studio (MDR) during the peak of the recession. They beat all the odds and have been booked and busy since day one, more than a decade ago.There are many golden nuggets from my chat with Lisa, including:

Hiya! Happy Friday people have been loving these mini pods because they're bite-size information on brilliant topics! Your host, Michelle Valenzuela Wolf, here with a new mini-episode reflecting upon the importance of connection, especially in midlife. So let's dive in!The kids are dropped off at school and you are finding yourself looking in now what?Last week I published a New blog post entitled “Empower Yourself: Midlife Reflection on Connection,” on this very topic amd one of my favorites C-O-N-N-E-C-T-I-O-N and today's mini-side gives you more nuggets!I recently returned from a bucket list trip to the South of France with dear friends of 15+ years. It was such a magical time, not only because of the incredible setting, but truly we had the gift of time. Time to listen, receive and be present with one another. To listen to one another dreams and goals for our lives.It was also a pivotal experience personally, an opportunity to connect with myself as well. I am one of those rare people who love long airplane rides, I do my best thinking and writing. I took a leap and then did it again. Listen to learn:

Do you believe money is energy?

I'm back with the second mini solo episode of Opportunity Knocks! The first, “Embracing Fear and Finding Freedom” was so well received that we have our second one coming out! Mini Pod ✌️lots of good quick nuggets.Episode 108 “Empowering Your Leader Within: Leading with Confidence” is all about tapping into the leader we all have inside.

ATTENTION Calling fellow curious non-conformists! Kodi Kitchen Berg, Founder of Equipt, owner of Ojai Ice Cream and the former Dr. Maggie on General Hospital, is my guest for Episode 107 of Opportunity Knocks “Leading with Curiosity.”As Kodi transitioned into motherhood, she stepped out of the lime light of entertainment and into the world of entrepreneurship. She knew she had a brilliant idea that needed to be brought to life! Plus, she was destined to find  a bit of balance between career and mommy-hood.

Get ready to step into a fashion and entrepreneurial journey with my dear friend and guest for today's Opportunity Knocks Episode 106, Elaine Kim. “Embody Sustainable Success” defines Elaine and the way she makes women feel, as well as the brands she's built. Founder of Elaine Kim Collection, Elaine is a designer and serial entrepreneur that cares deeply about quality, sustainability and the collaboration between her and her customers. Her clothes are absolutely divine and I always get stopped when I'm wearing her pieces! An immigrant from South Korea. Elaine moved to the U.S. at age 7 and began her fashion career in LA in the 80s. She was a pioneer in bringing brands major European labels like John Galliano to Los Angeles.She designs with sustainability as a core value; from material to the design, they are created for longevity. Listen now to hear our conversation around: ✨ Evolving to serve your customers✨ Her mission of sustainability  ✨ Clothing as a tool ✨ Leadership and learning as entrepreneurs and mothers✨ Respect and discipline…. and so much more  Enjoy the episode and live fashionably and sustainably, my friends! Leave a review or a comment and let us know what you think!

Today on Opportunity Knocks, we have a special solo episode with me, Michelle Valenzuela Wolf, on one of my favorite topics: fear.I love fear because it's truly a catalyst. If you ask yourself “what's the worst that can happen?” and dig into what could happen—most of the time, it's not that bad.Women are especially prone to letting their fears dictate whether or not they move forward— and the truth is that we are so much more capable than we allow ourselves to believe.On the other side of embracing fear is FREEDOM! When you move forward knowing when fear is present, you are choosing power. You are choosing courage. You are choosing vulnerability. And regardless of the outcome, you stood strong in the face of fear. We can do hard things. The greatest tools are already within you. Enjoy this mini-solo podcast, I can't wait to hear what you think!

I'm so excited to share this extremely soul-centered conversation! Today on Opportunity Knocks, Ep. 104 “From Feat to Faith,” I'm excited to welcome Leah Zaccaria, yoga entrepreneur and Founder and Owner of Shefayoga. My dear friend and yoga instructor Shayna Hiller introduced me to Shefayoga years back and it's my favorite studio in Los Angeles. It's a spiritual studio that really I go to become aligned.

We've had some incredible downloads for Opportunity Knocks

Are you ready to Unlock Your Life's Purpose by finding YOUR and YOURS only Palm leaf?!?! Meet the incredible ancient practice of the Indian Palm Leaf Reading or Nadi reading with our latest guest on Opportunity Knocks

Communication and relationships are KEY for Episode 101 of Opportunity Knocks! I'm thrilled to chat with POWERHOUSE Communications exec Jennifer Acree, Founder and CEO of JSA+partners.You know I always tout that connection is

We are tipping into the 100th Episode of the Opportunity Knocks podcast with our release of Episode 99: Mindfulness - Stand in Your Power with Kalika Yap. Kalika is a beacon of innovation and empowerment.

Exciting News! As they say, SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST and THIS IS THE LAST release and 95th episode of the Opportunity Knocks podcast for 2023! ✨Do you feel like you are ENOUGH? We all have had experiences in our lifetime where we were not only told we are not ENOUGH but we also don't feel as if we fit in certain communities whether it be cultural, color, gender, race etc

Jen Principe is a soul stylist with a sole purpose; to help transform lives from the outside in. Jen is a personal and celebrity stylist whose empowering work in fashion has been featured on Hallmark's Home & Family, the Associated Press, and Inside Edition. In 2021, she was featured as a top celebrity LA stylist on Inside Beverly Hills (BBC Network), where video cameras followed her around as she dressed her high-profile clients. Her expert knowledge has led to styling jobs for the covers of Focus, Calabasas Style, Ventura Blvd, Inside North Ranch (N2 Publishing), and Sherwood Life magazines.  As a seasoned stylist of 10+ years, Jen leads strategic seminars in Southern California on the power of personal presentation through clothing, where she teaches the simple and powerful tools about tailoring, colors, body types, and trends that can be easily implemented into anyone's wardrobe. She also hosts the KTLA segment “How to Be Your Own Personal Stylist.”  Her debut book, A common thread, is a fashion for the soul book filled with inspirational stories about the two constants in her life; faith and fashion. In it, she uses the latest scannable QR technology that leads the reader to companion tutorials on how to build the ideal wardrobe from the ground up, ultimately providing an affordable styling platform that anyone can afford.   Her nonprofit of eight years, The Phoenix Effect, provides personalized photoshoots for those affected by trauma, cancer, and life-threatening diseases. She helps survivors reignite parts of themselves that have become dormant during the healing process. By providing a day of respite from illness to feel pampered through fashion, each survivor embraces their inner and outer beauty. She curates individualized photoshoots, styling her Phoenix from head-to-toe, which are later memorialized as coffee table books. 

Ready for the holidays??? Ha!

Opportunity Knocks is so close to celebrating its

I am excited to share Episode 91 of the Opportunity Knocks Podcast

One of my 2023 goals was to reach my 100th episode of the Opportunity Knocks Podcast

Who's ready for a deep dive into the power of communication? This 89th episode of the Opportunity Knocks Podcast

When was the last time you truly checked in on your gut health?

Have you ever wondered about the true purpose of your soul? It's a question that often leaves many of us searching for answers for years without clarity. As someone deeply passionate about serving others on their journey and specifically to  uncover their purpose, I've found a profound connection to this quest and it's time to share it publicly with all of you. The Akashic Records - the energetic space that stores your soul's history - past, present and future.

Do you love soccer or as they say fútbol?⚽️ This next new guest couldn't have been better timed ⏰ to release the latest episode of the Opportunity Knocks Podcast!

We are excited to be back and ready to release so many new episodes of the Opportunity Knocks Podcast.

I am excited to announce a new format for sharing my podcast. We will be highlighting several different gold nuggets that are dropped in each episode.Continuing with our sleep theme this week is our latest episode of Opportunity Knocks Podcast! I am thrilled to welcome back the incredible @elissagoodman as our guest.

When was the last time you said YES to a bold question and had a big gain⁉️ I would guess for many not lately! This week on the Opportunity Knocks podcast

Who here has joined the pickleball craze?Well if you are one of the 36.5 million people that LOVE pickle ball we have a BIG treat for you! Plus a solution to the court shortage and I LOVE solutions!This week's brand new episode of Opportunity Knocks features friend Shawna Wilson Founder of SBW Tennis Academy, a lifelong competitive tennis enthusiast  and coach and the Head of Tennis & Pickle at SwimplyAfter a successful career as a top-ranked junior player and collegiate athlete, Shawna realized her true passion  for the sport was in teaching others.  She has had such an interesting trajectory in her career journey, and it is more than fascinating to listen to! A journey of love, loss, growth and reality check. Struggling with her own obstacles around locating open courts in the Los Angeles area, Shawna quickly saw an opportunity to pursue a never been done before idea to seek out open courts by private households and rent them out to private individuals. Who isn't looking for open courts these days? Basic supply and demand providing an easy booking app alternative for people! Thank God!With over 14 years of experience coaching players of all levels, Shawna has helped numerous juniors receive college scholarships and has worked with top high school players and beginning juniors, as well as adults.  Her energy and love for the game is unmatched and comes through in every lesson she teaches. I am fortunate enough to have had Shawna coach all 3 of my girls and her passion for the sport is contagious. Plus, she has also coached me. Lucky her!In this interview, we discuss:

Another chance to listen to the Opportunity Knocks podcast! So download it and subscribe NOW‼️Do you seek balance in your day to day life? ⚖️ Do you struggle to stay organized and on track?

The Opportunity Knocks podcast is back this week with an incredibly delicious guest, Tara Bench!

Happy Thursday! And welcome back to a truly fun and enlightening episode of the Opportunity Knocks podcast.

Can you believe it's already February?! We're starting off the 2nd month of the year with a POWERHOUSE female entrepreneur, a good friend of mine, and someone who has an endless amount of advice and inspiring stories for my fellow entrepreneurs! This week on the Opportunity Knocks podcast, I sat down with Heather Turner, the CEO and Co-founder of Tamarack Capital Partners. Heather is a self-made rockstar who has taken a non-linear path to the success she's achieved which is one of the reasons her story is so valuable.Heather has been involved in several billion dollars of real estate transactions throughout her career and has worked for some of the most storied companies in the world including The Walt Disney Company, Goldman Sachs, and even the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In her current role as the head of Tamarack, she oversees the acquisition, development, and management of hospitality real estate assets. The firm is currently invested in and manages assets valued at approximately $1 billion. She serves on a number of boards, both professional and philanthropic, and is a guest lecturer on real estate investments. Simply put, she's very accomplished, so gracious with her knowledge, and loves to help others seek out the best versions of themselves.During our chat, Heather provides a lot of actionable advice including:

Happy Thursday! I'm back this week with a celebrity from California (even if you haven't heard of her yet) and a powerhouse on the national food scene.

How much do you know about mediums and psychics? Have you ever worked with one or witnessed one in action? Well, this week's guest on the Opportunity Knocks podcast is one of the most well-known, and for good reason.Debbie Johnson is a Psychic/Medium with a special connection to the Angelic Realm and has been working with clients all over the world for 20+ years. She brings messages from your Angels to you. These messages include information about your future, your health, and any other subject where guidance is needed.She began to see spirits as a small child, but when she spoke up about it, she was told to stop making up stories because no one saw what she saw. She re-discovered her gift in her 20s via music, which grew stronger when she studied Reiki. During Reiki sessions, Debbie not only saw and heard human spirits, but she also witnessed the magnificence of the Archangels and their abilities to help others. She would not have believed it, had she not seen it with her own eyes. Debbie not only delivers messages, but she is also able to see into the spirit and physical body if needed and channel powerful healing energy that clears blockages and entities that can sometimes be the cause of physical and mental illness.In addition to the readings, Debbie is a Usui Reiki Master/Teacher who has been practicing Reiki for 20+ years. Combining her connection to the Angels along with her Reiki training, she can produce healing music and guided meditations to aid both the spirit and body in maintaining health and happiness.  This conversation was SO POWERFUL. We cover topics including:

What role does food play in your life? Is it a net positive or a negative? And how does it impact things outside of your physical health? Did you know it's as important to your brain as it is to the rest of your body?My guest this week on the Opportunity Knocks podcast has answers to these questions and so much more. Chef Anne Thornton is a classically trained chef known for creating delicious, nutrient-dense, plant-based food to help people heal themselves. She's extremely knowledgeable about nutrition, sustainability, and the impact our food choices and habits have on our health, as well as on the health of the planet. She works with top nutritionists and doctors to create food to help her customers eat their way to their happiest, healthiest, most aligned lives. You may have had chef Anne's plant-based creations at Little Pine in LA; while Anne was Executive Chef it was named Vegetarian Restaurant of The Year. Or maybe you've eaten some of her delicious baked goods at The Waverly Inn in NYC. Or you've seen chef Anne cooking up a storm on TV, either as a guest on one of the national talk shows or on her own Food Network show Dessert First with Anne Thornton. Or via Áine Organics, a project based on her vow to only create healing, whole-ingredient, sustainable, plant-based food.Tune in to learn SO MUCH about food, health, and life as we touch on things like:

Today's episode of the Opportunity Knocks podcast is mystical.

OK, this story is wild!

Black Friday is coming earlier this year!

Wow wow wow. Are you in for a treat.

Two male guests in a row!

Ladies and gentlemen, you are in for a treat! I could not be more excited to bring you this week's episode of the Opportunity Knocks podcast featuring someone I now consider my friend, Kurtis Lee Thomas. And the start of adding more male entrepreneurs to the podcast who have had major influences on my life. Kurtis has definitely done that!I was blessed to meet Kurtis via his Breathwork Detox program and I use the word blessed intentionally because he and his program have changed my life. So when he agreed to chat with me for the podcast and give me the opportunity to share him with all of you, I knew the stars were aligning in a big way.Kurtis is a renowned keynote speaker and one of the world's leading Corporate Mindfulness Trainers. He's spoken at the largest consciousness expositions in the world and has shared the stage with speakers such as Deepak Chopra and top Tony Robbins trainers.Kurtis has worked with Ivy League colleges and top fortune 500 companies such as Nike, as well as the world's most prestigious casinos including Foxwoods Resort and MGM Grand Casino.Kurtis has dedicated his career to awakening the best in people by quantifiably enhancing creativity, productivity, and connection within the workplace. And he's a well-studied and practiced expert boasting titles that include:

Happy National Coaches Day! I think it is a sign that it falls 1 day prior to my birthday each year.

Have you ever been in a seemingly great situation but felt unfulfilled and contemplated leaving to find something more aligned with your purpose? If you answered "yes" or even "maybe" then that's a sign that you NEED to tune in to this week's episode of the Opportunity Knocks podcast.My guest this week is Pamela Salzman, a certified holistic health counselor, full-time cooking instructor and chef, and best-selling author of ✌️ cookbooks.