SheVentures

Imagine your significant other dies unexpectedly from a heart attack. In the midst of grief, you must find the resilience to go on while raising children and deciding how to move ahead professionally.   This week's guest — Sejal Lakhani-Bhatt — shares her story of the unexpected and how she managed to balance her family, her health, and her profession. Lakhani-Bhatt speaks candidly about her global banking career and how mentorship helped her climb the ladder at Deutsche Bank. Her husband, a tech entrepreneur, supported Lakhani-Bhatt when she decided to leave her banking job. Though she envisioned time with her children and yoga classes as a stay-at-home mom, her husband suggested she use her certified (and much-needed) project management skills at his tech startup. Today, TechWerxe, a turnkey cybersecurity company in the Northeast, is thriving with Lakhani-Bhatt at the helm. As more cyberattacks affect us personally and in business, TechWerxe provides enterprise-level security needs for small and medium businesses. Lakhani-Bhatt encourages solopreneurs to prioritize cybersecurity essentials, offering practical and affordable insights on securing data and devices for smaller businesses that may not have a tech team.  Lakhani-Bhatt, opens up about her early childhood memories, why working in male-dominated careers has not been a stumbling block, what it was like to work with her spouse, and how she coped with sudden loss.  Listen to the episode as Lakhani-Bhatt shares authentically about her successes — and provides sensible tips.   Highlights:  Lakhani-Bhatt's childhood and what it meant to be raised in an Indian family What it was like to work in global banking in the 2000's How mentorship/sponsorship played a key role in Lakhani-Bhatt's career Curious about Lakhani-Bhatt's view on being a woman in two male-dominated industries? Tips for working on a startup with your spouse Insights on coping with grief and effectively managing the complexities of anger  How to protect your business and personal information with practical cybersecurity tips designed specifically for solopreneurs Why solopreneurs and small business owners should prioritize the practical importance of financial literacy to understand and manage your books and records effectively Learn essential cybersecurity tips to protect your business and build trust with your customers.

Named one of Inc. magazine's top 100 female founders to watch, Maggie Adhami-Boynton is well-versed in the pivots required for an early-stage company to morph into a viable, scalable business.  A 15-year startup veteran, she understood earlier than most the rapid evolution of digital apps and e-commerce and hit the ground more than a decade ago. Adhami-Boynton helped grow Canada's Plastic Mobile, an award-winning mobile app agency, to acquisition in 2015.  In 2019, she soft-launched ShopThing, one of North America's first live video commerce apps, which quickly amassed hundreds of thousands of followers. She is also one of the 2.3 percent of women who have successfully raised venture capital, closing a $10 million round in 2022. Curious how Adhami-Boynton identified niche tech opportunities and how she leveraged her knowledge to start and grow a VC-funded business? Who doesn't love to shop with an app?! Highlights: 
 Learn how Adhami-Boynton became an early adopter of digital marketing before it was mainstream. Why consider a soft launch before quitting your day job Why age matters when starting a company, plus resources for founders How ShopThing streams online shopping events, and how customers can participate and, well, shop!  Where Adhami-Boynton learned firsthand about early product adoption and marketing, and how this knowledge helped her when she started ShopThing How to avoid common content creation barriers  Explore how ShopThing empowers consumers to become content creators in the dynamic world of live video commerce. 

Kimberley Nixon tells it like it is. Yes, she is a Los Angeles–based venture capitalist and the founder and managing partner of Open Venture Capital. Yes, she is passionate about increasing access to investment for women of color, who we know raise less than 1 percent of all venture capital. Nixon is also keen to share the human side of her life. Health is a topic she knows intimately as she overcame cancer in her late 20s after a misdiagnosis. Today, she is balancing, like many of us, her passions with being a wife and mother to two tweens. If you are looking for a relatable, smart, hip role model, Nixon is it! Highlights Nixon, who grew up in a Caribbean neighborhood in Brooklyn before gentrification, reflects on how “New York is a living, breathing manifestation of resilience.” Nixon shares how a total stranger helped prep her for an interview at Deloitte while waiting for their own interview for a more senior position. Nixon discusses being diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, a curable form of cancer. Though the same lump was misdiagnosed more than a year before, Nixon considers herself fortunate that she was able to receive care at Johns Hopkins. How Nixon's passions for access to health, education, and real estate investing sparked the idea of raising her own venture fund Testing a venture fund and building a startup both require a proof of concept stage. Nixon explains honing in on companies that increase access to healthcare.

If you're feeling stuck in your pursuit of success in the music industry despite all the hard work and effort you're putting in — you're not alone! Karla Ortiz, founder of Monark Entertainment, delves into her struggles and victories as a woman of color in the entertainment industry.  Early in her career, Ortiz shaped digital marketing campaigns for megastars like Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, and Nelly Furtado. Decades later, she founded Monark Entertainment, an agency focused on streaming and digital marketing, with a particular emphasis on supporting women of color. Ortiz shares her experiences as a female executive, addresses challenges women face in the music industry, and advocates for strategic team-building and selective engagement.  Her journey took an exciting turn when she became a professor at the Los Angeles College of Music. Ortiz's story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead for women in music and entertainment. Highlights  Ortiz gives tips to college students on how to mine LinkedIn and social media to find the type of internship you want. Fun fact: Ortiz remembers her first cassette. Remember those? The song was “La Isla Bonita.” Do you know the artist? 
 Witness Ortiz's pivotal shift from major music labels to entrepreneurship, a decision that reshaped her career. Quiz: What are the four most essential platforms in the music industry? 

Gain valuable insights as Ortiz reflects on her journey as a female executive, sharing lessons learned on the challenging yet rewarding path of entrepreneurship. Ortiz explains why she believes incubators for musicians are important and why they end up with a bigger cut of their work.

 Ortiz shares her vision for the future of the music industry, predicting trends and possibilities.

Ever wondered how one woman can impact racial wealth and investment equity as well as advancements in women's health? In two decades, Erika Seth Davies transitioned from a career in development and fundraising to becoming the CEO of Rhia Ventures, a groundbreaking fund that secured an impressive $44 million (in 2022) to revolutionize the U.S. women's health market through impact investing.  But wait, there's more! Davies isn't stopping at women's health. She's also the mastermind behind the Racial Equity Asset Lab (the REAL), an impact investing venture tackling the persistent racial wealth gap. Tune in as we explore the significance of this groundbreaking initiative and its potential to reshape the narrative around capital allocation and wealth creation for minorities. Highlights 

 Lessons learned from Davies' extensive experience in fundraising, providing valuable wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs

 Explore the investment strategy of Rhia Ventures and how it strategically shapes the landscape of women's health funds

 Addressing the crisis in healthcare for Black women, Davies sheds light on the pressing issues and challenges that need urgent attention Insights of the decision-making and strategy in impact investing, unraveling the thought processes that drive transformative change  Davies shares valuable tips for women and minority entrepreneurs, offering guidance for navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.
 Davies delves into the harsh realities of racial inequity in venture capital — and shares the challenges and potential solutions for a more inclusive future

From Nigeria to London to Paris to the United States, Pauline Idogho's journey has taken her on a whirlwind tour of different cultures and experiences. But it's her ability to adapt to change that has made her a successful entrepreneur. As the founder of Mocktail Club, an innovative line of elevated non-alcoholic beverages, not only does Idogho take pride in offering delicious, natural drinks, but she also dedicates 1 percent of her sales to support clean water initiatives around the world. She tapped into an ever-evolving market — and has learned to diversify her distribution channels and stay connected with her customers through social media. Idogho's story can inspire you to embrace change and thrive in constant change, on this episode of SheVentures. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover the undeniable advantages of adapting to change for sustained success in your business ventures. Unravel the potential of diversifying distribution channels to reach a wider audience and boost revenue. Master the art of engaging customers on social media for a stronger online presence and genuine relationships. Explore the pivotal role flexibility plays in navigating an ever-evolving entrepreneurial landscape. Gain insight into the significance of inclusivity in branding and marketing for optimal resonance with a broader demographic. Check out Mocktail Club's blog for tips and recipes. Help this small business by recommending Mocktail Club to local retailers or bars and asking them to carry the products. Donate to Mocktail Club's clean water access initiative by making a purchase or directly by visiting the website. For more information, visit the show notes at https://www.sheventurespodcast.com/podcast/pauline-idhogo-podcast-episode

Becoming a parent is a seismic pivot in itself. Add the societal pressure to breastfeed — with virtually no support and sleepless nights — and you have a rocky six months. But it doesn't need to be this way.   Andrea Ippolito, CEO of SimpliFed, created a community to help women navigate everything from finding an insurance-covered lactation consultant to exploring different formulas to scoring the best-quality breast pump. Ippolito offers free classes and directories of allies and providers and works with workplaces and insurers to help parents get the support they need.  As a mom herself, Ippolito knows firsthand the paucity of resources for parents who need support to do what's best for their new baby and her nutrition. With her background working with the Department of Veteran Affairs and launching and selling her first product (an AI-driven health appointment scheduler), Ippolito has the track record to make a difference. Show highlights How Ippolito pivoted from biomedical engineering to creating her first product, an AI-driven scheduler, which she successfully sold to a healthcare company The arc of Ippolito's entrepreneurial journey and how engineering and healthcare intersect Ipollito recalls her experience as a new mother and how it informed her decision to create SimpliFed. Ippolito's crusade for workplace support for parents and breastfeeding working moms Why it's essential to challenge gender biases that stand in the way of women providing nutrients to their babies. Yes, really! How her past experiences in healthcare and understanding systems helped Ippolito conceive SimpliFed Why support should start well before the baby is born What challenges breastfeeding working mothers continue to face Why access to networks and supportive infrastructures are essential for women entrepreneurs Ippolito on motherhood: “Moms are often discarded as the wrapper and moms deserve more help and care.” How the SimpliFed platform helps individuals, companies, and insurers work together. Why it matters to not only be a visionary but also a doer, one willing to execute tedious tasks integral to startup success. Why should every family educate themselves about their rights under the Affordable Healthcare Act? How to find out what your insurance covers in terms of postpartum care and baby-feeding assistance Telehealth can play a key role in supporting new parents and/or those seeking treatment for mental health. Ippolito suggests everyone stay informed about healthcare innovation and transformation efforts by following the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the General Services Administration. Why it is essential for healthcare to continue to innovate — and our role as consumers. How to find out more about Ippolito and SimpliFed

Divorce is a life pivot that touches many, and it can be civil or act as a wrecking ball. You may know Kenya Duke from her BET+ show The Gary Owen Show, with her now ex-husband and their three children. Duke, an entrepreneur, real estate investor, and host of the podcast Truly Kenya, shares her experience of divorce, as well as its emotional and financial impacts. The pain of financial instability and the struggle to make ends meet can be overwhelming. But there is a way to regain control and find empowerment. Duke tells her story from childhood to what it means to be a Black woman in the entertainment industry. Duke shows how to rise above a nasty, acrimonious public divorce, take care of yourself, and build a secure financial future, in this episode of SheVentures. Highlights Duke describes her humble upbringing, and how growing up in a lower-middle-class neighborhood instilled values of community, hard work, and resilience.  Duke's foray into the entertainment industry might not have been planned, but her pulse on various unconventional topics quickly catapulted her into the limelight. What it was like to work with her then-husband and children as the producer of The Gary Owen Show Why Duke prefers to be “behind the camera” instead of seeking stardom What it was like to have her marriage fall apart and the media scrutiny of her family and their personal lives Duke's tips on how to rebuild your financial independence after a divorce If you are single or getting married, Duke suggests taking control of your finances and opening a separate bank account for personal economic independence. Learn about how Duke invests in the real estate market. Duke's humorous take on the transition to dating with kids Tips for balancing a robust career, nurturing motherhood, and ensuring self-care How the transformative power of community — specifically women of color — helped Duke Duke candidly discusses how young hopefuls can explore the possibility of a career in the entertainment industry, whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes. By openly sharing her experience, Duke emphasizes that financial stability and success are attainable goals for any woman given the right mindset, education, and perseverance. Find Duke on her social media for behind-the-scenes content, and listen to her podcast, Truly Kenya.  

Have you ever considered opening a spa, but the number of unknowns stopped you? Not Crystal Bethea, founder and CEO of C3 Wellness Spa, who pivoted from Army veteran to  licensed massage therapist, cosmetologist, and entrepreneur. Bethea is passionate about massage, acupuncture, and other wellness modalities. Coming from a family of veterans, she's passionate about helping vets maintain their health and to help them pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and find fulfillment in their post-military lives. That's why C3 Wellness Spa is a franchise and ready to expand! Bethea works with her husband, Marus Bethea, also a veteranwho is a medical billing expert. The spa is committed to working with its clients and their health insurance benefits, to see if the spa's services are covered. Show Highlights  Explore Bethea's transition from military life to creating her own thriving spa franchise. Understand the potential power of word-of-mouth marketing and mechanisms to build a loyal client base. How Bethea incrementally grew her clientele starting with a mobile business through referrals. Bethea, who does not use paid marketing, demonstrates the value of reputation and client satisfaction in scaling a business. Get insights into the process and benefits of insurance company credentialing. If you are a veteran, check to see if you qualify for government benefits and inquire about receiving 100 percent coverage for services at C3 Wellness Spa through the Department of Veterans Affairs. The key steps and strategies Bethea uses to run a solid business Uncover the opportunities for exponential business growth through franchising in the wellness industry. As a woman of color, Bethea speaks about the importance of generational wealth.

Imagine rising through the ranks of the Federal government for three decades until one day a sudden heart attack forced you to reevaluate your life priorities. Debra Owens, Ph.D., is an Army veteran, former U.S. Postal Service employee, and a U.S. Department of the Treasury human resources manager. By all accounts, she built a stable career while raising two children, going through a divorce, and taking every opportunity possible to educate/upskill herself, tireless in her pursuit of knowledge. While building her career, Owens was often asked by friends or family about how to navigate the Federal government. Initially, Owens helped because that's her nature. Then it kept happening, and Owens recognized a gap in the market: helping people navigate the complexities of working with the Federal government, in addition to working with women on how to define and take action on their passions.  Owens' heart attack — which happened while she was working her then side hustle and full-time job — was a pivotal moment where she decided to follow, well, her heart and retire from the government. Today Owens is the founder and CEO of her own development consulting firm, Encore Empowerment International, an author, motivational speaker, executive coach, and consultant who holds multiple degrees and licenses, including one as an ordained minister! This is a story about resilience and determination. Key Highlights
 Owens reflects on her upbringing, her education, and what it was like to be a woman in the military Where Owens met her first husband, and her experience transitioning to civilian life Why resilience and adaptability are essential in your personal and professional life What led Owens to constantly seek change and pursue education until she obtained her Ph.D. What it was like to fire employees in the Federal government How entrepreneurship manifested in Owens as a side hustle more than 15 years ago Owens speaks about her heart attack, her recovery, and her quick realization she needed to take action The roles faith and support have played in Owens' life  Owens speaks candidly about how she overcame life's emotional challenges The significance of community involvement and support in fostering inner strength and endurance How did Owens transition to entrepreneurship full-time? Delve into the dynamics of personal relationships and uncover pearls of wisdom from real-life marriage experiences Real talk about Owens' lessons from divorce Owens discusses regret and balancing work and family Where to find out more about Dr. Owens, her company Encore Empowerment International, and how you can work with her as an executive coach to enhance your leadership skills or develop conflict resolution techniques, or how you can hire her as a motivational speaker

The pivot from finishing high school, college, or graduate school to landing one's first job is often filled with anxiety. If you are like most recent grads, you have zero idea of how to approach your job search — unless you are one of the smart or lucky students who proactively sought help or had an amazing career development department. The truth is many grads lack foundational knowledge in how to interview, write a winning cover letter and a resume, use LinkedIn, and most importantly, how to be proactive, tenacious, and confident in their career search instead of waiting for it to unfold passively. And that's assuming they know what field they want to explore. As a mother of two Gen Z daughters and the mentor to a handful of young women who've interned at SheVentures podcast, I've witnessed the need for quality job guidance firsthand. When I received a review copy of Beth Hendler-Grunt's practical manual, The Next Great Step: The Parents' Guide to Launching Your New Grad Into A Career, I knew I wanted to speak to her about the book as well as her role as the enterprising founder of Next Great Step, a company dedicated to guiding recent graduates through the transition from school to the job market. A proud mother to two college-age sons, living the transition in real-time, Hendler-Grunt brings a unique, empathetic perspective to her work. With decades of robust professional experience prior to founding Next Great Step, Hendler-Grunt leverages her workplace expertise and uses it to inform her job-seeking strategies, help grads understand their talents, and acknowledge and confidently articulate their professional value.  Next Great Step is a one-stop shop for some quality free checklists and videos. Hendler-Grunt embraces a B2B2C business model where she helps students, parents, colleges, universities, and corporates looking to hire recent grads or provide internship opportunities. Highlights Let's address the elephant in the room: Graduates' mismanagement of expectations in job search, their lack of coping mechanism for rejection, and how they can learn positive and proactive tools, habits, and mindset. If you are still in school — even a freshman — learn what you can do to build career readiness. Why clarity and educated risk-taking matter What gender differences has Hendler-Grunt seen in career challenges? Find out how to apply your professional acumen for your children's benefit while respecting their independence. Create a culture of trust with your children through candid communication. Develop an effective career mentorship structure fitted to the individual requirements of the young adults around you. Unearth the powerful secret to successfully pivoting careers and thriving in today's volatile job market. Discover the transformative value of embracing failures and missteps in your career path. Learn practical strategies to smooth your transition from academia to the professional world, which will add value to your early career journey. Unearth the hidden significance of internships and how they provide critical industry insights. Understand the pressing challenges university career services face, how this might affect your journey, and how you can advocate for yourself. Learn how to hone your skills to distinctively shine in the competitive job market. Buy Hendler-Grunt's book, The Next Great Step: The Parents' Guide to Launching Your New Grad Into A Career, or visit Next Great Step online if you are a student, a parent, a career services office, or a corporation. Next Great Step offers a myriad of ways to help in this essential transition.

In the cutthroat world of Hollywood, Tanika Ray — a renowned TV personality who appeared on networks such as NBC, HGTV, VH1, Lifetime, and is perhaps best known for covering red carpet events such as the the Oscars, MTV Music Awards, and the Golden Globes, to name a few — is refreshingly candid about her public and acrimonious divorce with her co-star and now former husband and the soul-searching required to pivot forward and focus on her passions. Ray, 51, describes her newish podcast Mamaste with Tanika Ray as “celebrating mommying AF while bossing like a queen.”  We marked this episode explicit in case you find the F-bombs objectionable that host Doria Lavagnino and Ray use as they discuss marriage, divorce, coparenting, motherhood and Hollywood's well-known representation problem on this episode of SheVentures. Highlights How Ray built her career as a woman of color in Hollywood and why it's essential to create a more realistic portrayal of women's experiences, breaking away from stereotypical Hollywood narratives and opening doors for more diverse and genuine representation within the industry Explore the pivotal role that self-care plays in enhancing your performance in your career and personal life. Ray provides serious real-life financial tips for any woman thinking about or in the thick of a divorce. Ray discusses the transformative power of women uplifting one another within their communities. Navigate the delicate equilibrium required to manage professional obligations alongside family commitments. Unravel the complex web of generational trauma — and uncover methods to disrupt this cycle and implement constructive boundaries. Acknowledge the need for broadening the scope of diversity in Hollywood and its social significance. Why navigating a demanding career and family life is a hurdle many — especially women in the public eye — confront daily plus tips that can help If you want to pursue a Hollywood career, consider the negative aspects of the entertainment industry, such as the lack of personal time and the pressure to conform, and evaluate if your goal is worth the potential sacrifice. There is no “right” answer in life! Recognize the progress made in achieving representation for people of color in Hollywood. Subscribe to Tanika Ray's podcast, Mamaste, to join the community of mothers and to enjoy entertaining content about motherhood. Check out Tanika Ray's socials and YouTube channel for real talk about motherhood.

Maya Ford cares deeply about truth in marketing. As the founder of Ford Momentum!, she challenges stereotypes, ignites innovation, and is conquering the business world with a diverse mentorship style and a strategic mindset.  Nearly all marketing consultants champion their data prowess, so what makes Ford stand out (in addition to her two decades of experience in marketing, communications, and operations)? Her hunger for knowledge and penchant to challenge the status quo cause her to break free from the conventional narratives that surround various societal groups. Ford is not afraid to call a spade a spade. Ford uses a new proprietary data-led methodology called STOLO (Standard of Love) that helps communities address unique regional or local problems accurately and compassionately. STOLO, backed by MIT's Data, Economics and Development Policy program, is quickly becoming the go-to process for accurate data collection. Why is STOLO so powerful? Historically, data has been used to confirm a theory instead of being used to offer new considerations. STOLO incorporates five pillars to guide data collection and analysis: Literacy Economic power Values Self-esteem Justice Ford uses these pillars to inform data collection (surveys, gamified mobile apps) with the end goal of driving equitable results that are true to what people want and need, not only of benefiting those in power. STOLO is a radical way of helping the historically under-represented own their data and their voices — and leverage their assets for change. Listen to Ford describe STOLO in action, provide case studies where STOLO is already creating change, and why she believes this methodology will be embraced by more communities. If you are a corporate leader, a parent, or a community member who desires change and isn't afraid to tackle problems head-on, this episode is for you. Key Highlights Unravel the importance of inclusive data compilation and storytelling in fostering societal advancement. How has traditional data aggregation fallen short of addressing the entire community Gain insight into Maya Ford's entrepreneurial arc and her efforts to confront systematic challenges as she pivots to entrepreneurship as a small business owner. Understand the pivotal role diverse mentorship and strategic planning play in every entrepreneur's journey. Learn about a STOLO case study in Houston, the process and costs of STOLO projects, and how the goal is to create more inclusiveness by representation. Realize the power of collaboration with skilled people in stimulating business success. Explore how technology is altering human relationships, influencing mental health, and reaching marginalized communities. Connect with Ford on LinkedIn to stay updated on her work and insights in marketing, communications, and operations. Consider hiring FordMomentum! to implement its data-driven approach in your own organization or community. Join the STOLO community and use its model to identify and prioritize the standards and values that are important to you and your community. Support FordMomentum!'s goal of creating justice, fairness, peace, and economic power by engaging with its services or spreading awareness about its work.

What on Earth is the JOBS Act? How can I get my foot in the door of the investing world? Should I take my entire maternity leave? If you've ever asked yourself these questions, then this SheVentures episode is for you.  Shari Noonan, co-founder and CEO of Rialto Markets, has always had an eye for market shifts. Not only did she witness the days when Wall Street traders used actual paper to trade on the floor of the stock exchange, but Noonan was also integral in digitizing trades. Now, with Rialto Markets, she makes the investment opportunities brought on by the JOBS Act easily accessible.  Noonan reflects on the positive changes in the workplace she's witnessed over the years. More women are in senior positions, and creating support networks is getting easier. Going on maternity leave may still seem daunting in competitive industries, but Noonan has one thing to say about that: Take all of it.  For Noonan, her pivot from working in large firms to entrepreneurship took eight years. Even so, it still took time to feel like a “true” entrepreneur. Learn how she conquered her imposter syndrome and immersed herself in the world of entrepreneurship. Follow along as Noonan describes how any woman can utilize Rialto Markets to invest. Plus, learn about the benefits and risks associated with investing in early-stage companies.  Highlights: How Noonan's academic experiences shaped and influenced her fascination with finance and international studies.  The biggest innovations in financial services in the past 20 years, according to Noonan. Why so few women have a seat at the table in the finance industry and how women can take charge  Take your maternity leave. Period.  Striking out on your own can be hard, but it's often made harder by clinging to former connections.  A review of the JOBS Act, its impact on the markets, and how Rialto was created to bridge the gaps between the industry and investor.  Noonan explains how Rialto can be utilized by the average woman and the risks and benefits that come with investing in the companies it funds.  What makes Rialto Markets different from any other crowd-funding platform.  Interested in investing? Research the companies you're interested in and familiarize yourself with the lingua franca of finance: financial statements.  Noonan predicts that in five years industry staples, such as the 60-40 investing rule, will be subverted, and that Rialto will be there to ease the transition.  Artificial intelligence, its potential effects, and other looming upheavals in the finance industry, per Noonan.  Ready to learn more? Go to rialtomarkets.com

Major personal events can be agents of change. Jan Patterson, M.D., candidly reflects on how her own cancer diagnosis —  shortly after her son's suicide —  implored her to find inner strength and alternatives to augment her traditional Western medicine background.  As a result, Dr. Patterson (an infectious disease and integrative medicine specialist) began to explore and embrace holistic remedies like breathwork, meditation, and essential oils to help balance and heal both her patients — and herself. With a 30-year career as a physician and teacher, Dr. Patterson, co-author of the book Breath for the Soul: Self Care Steps to Wellness, focuses on how we can have agency in our health.   A key takeaway: Combining both Western and Eastern modalities emphasize disease prevention and stress reduction and benefit one's physical and mental health.  We feature a heartfelt discussion on maternal grief and guilt, having tough conversations with your children, and incorporating self-care into your life — stat! This episode of SheVentures will explore new healing methods that can help not only your physical well-being but your mental health, too! What sparked Dr. Patterson's interest in becoming an infectious diseases doctor?  How did Dr. Patterson's interest in holistic medicine expand after she lost her son to suicide? Dr. Patterson's fellowship at the University of Arizona allowed her to learn more about non-traditional healing methods like breathwork, meditation, and essential oils. What is Dr. Patterson's biggest tip to being there for your children and those dealing with grief around you? How faith, friends, integrative medicine, and meaningful work helped Dr. Patterson in her healing journey. Despite a constant emphasis on traditional medicine, there is plenty of evidence for using non-traditional healing methods. How a cancer diagnosis shortly after her son's suicide pushed Dr. Patterson to examine her life and focus on what had the most meaning The silver lining of life pivots  How to forgive yourself and address misplaced guilt Dr. Patterson reflects on her greatest wins — including her two sons, her contribution to improved healthcare, and her implementation of integrative medicine at the hospital, in her practice, and in her life. Dr. Patterson tells listeners simple preventative techniques they could implement in their lives today!

The devil's in the details, and it's easy to get lost in them where money is concerned. Post–high school education is no exception, and it's rarely made easy. From saving to taking out loans — and paying off said loans — the cycle seems downright Sisyphean.  Patricia Roberts, founder and COO of Gift of College and author of Route 529: A Parent's Guide for Saving for College, gets it. And, with her expertise with education savings plans, she's here to help you make the details and devil within work for you. Her company makes it easy for anyone to open an education savings plan online in a matter of minutes. Plus friends and family can contribute $25 to $200, and the funds don't expire! As a first-generation college student herself, Roberts knows the struggles many face when thinking about post–high school education. For Roberts (who's also an attorney), specializing in the intricacies of 529 education savings plans was personal — she and her husband wanted to provide their son with choices not readily available to them.  Some myth-busting about 529 education savings plans:  Did you know they pay for a myriad of education-related expenses, such as K–12, trade schools, and college? Many 529 plans have tax benefits — check your state. The owner of the 529 plan can change the beneficiary to another family member — or use it for themselves. Roberts also discusses diversity in the workplace and how far it's come along since the 90s — but acknowledges it still has a ways to go, especially in traditionally male-dominated industries like financial services.  Save time sifting through different 529 resources and find the information you need in one fell swoop with Roberts' insight. Learn about Roberts' recent pursuits on LinkedIn and Instagram, and check out the hashtag #radicalgenerosity on Twitter for inspiration! Find out who benefits from a 529, what can be done with the money, and more on this episode of SheVentures!  Roberts discusses the lessons learned from her late mother and how crucial self-care is to long-term health.   As a first-generation college student herself, Roberts reflects on the social and financial roadblocks she faced — and how she's striving to ensure her son avoids the same pitfalls. From working in financial services to attending law school at night, Roberts' early career and personal motivations led her to working with 529 savings plans (tax-advantaged education savings plans).  How diversity in the workplace has evolved since the 90s, according to Roberts  Corporate ladder climbing tips: Understand your motivation and your gifts, cultivate a community that supports you, and highlight your accomplishments when appropriate.  How 529 plans are underutilized — plus Roberts' tips for ensuring you reap the most benefit Through Gift of College (a college-savings platform started by Roberts), setting up a 529 plan can be as easy as buying a gift card. The differences and similarities between the 529 and the ABLE plan — and how each can best serve you   Roberts debunks the biggest misconceptions surrounding 529 plans.  Three skills that eased Roberts' transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship  Roberts is active on LinkedIn and can be found on Instagram and Facebook at @route529mom. More information about Gift of College can be found at giftofcollege.com.

Imagine being the youngest female member of the Mongolian government and the country's first female state secretary of digital development.  For Bolor-Erdene Battsengel, these are not mere titles. She crafted, implemented, and executed a plan to transform Mongolia into a “digital nation” by leading the E-Mongolia Project, ensuring internet access across the country. Before her plan, the nation faced challenges in digital inclusion. Today, she estimates 80 percent of Mongolian adults have internet access. When Battsengel left her government position due to alleged cyberbullying, she continued her focus as a social entrepreneur in technology. She pivoted to create a program, Girls Code, that teaches coding skills to girls from disadvantaged, rural communities in Mongolia. Battsengel, raised in a rural community herself, worked at both the World Bank and the United Nations, and received an MBA as well as a  master's in public policy from Oxford. She was named a Next Generation Leader by Time magazine and a Forbes 30 Under 30 in Asia.  Listen to Battsengel describe her journey as a child from a rural village in Mongolia to becoming an advocate of social entrepreneurship on this episode of SheVentures. Highlights: Battsengel describes how her childhood in a small town in Mongolia influenced her to become a passionate advocate for digital access. A self-described nerd, Battsengel remembers finishing high school at 14 and being the youngest person in the room for most of her professional life. How Battsengel transitioned to Oxford where she earned her master's in public policy The World Bank and the United Nations both taught Battsengel how to implement programs to address a social need. She shares why she thinks so many programs fail due to a lack of cultural understanding. How the pandemic was used to promote E-Mongolia, a platform that offers more than 1,300 services to its citizens on its platform Gender perception in Mongolia and the challenges faced by women and girls who hold managerial or executive roles Battsengel discusses her experiences with age and gender discrimination in politics and the tech industry as well as the cyberbullying she faced as a result of her political activism. Why creating a culture of equality and collaboration to support women in leadership is her mandate  Battsengel discusses the admissions process for GirlsCode, a free program, which is highly competitive and involves four exams and four interviews with the girls, their parents, and their teachers. Expansion plans: Battsengel hopes to expand the GirlsCode initiative to other countries;  how international sponsors can help make a bigger impact.  Make a donation to GirlsCode at girlscode.mn

Many of us are told that confidence is innate. Not so fast, says Selena Rezvani, an award-winning journalist specializing in training people leadership skills and author of Quick Confidence: Be Authentic, Create Connections and Make Bold Bets on Yourself. Sure, many women face imposter syndrome, but they beat it one tiny step at a time. Action is the key. Rezvani started in social work, but after realizing that maintaining work-life balance was impossible, she transitioned to a position where she could apply her skills from social work to multiple workplaces to reduce employee hardship.  While pursuing her MBA, Rezvani designed a project to interview women in leadership positions in business. Her only female professor gave her this advice: Go after the giants. Learn how Rezvani engineered the perfect emails to politely and uniquely slide into the inboxes of C-level executives.  These interviews became her first and second books. Take a risk and e-mail the CEOs of a company you love for an interview. You'd be surprised how many said yes.  Follow Rezvani as she details workplace scenarios — such as asking for a raise — and gives tips on how to best approach them.  To build confidence, Rezvani says, think like a dog: Don't overthink too much — just do. Be the first to greet others. Extend a hand for a handshake. Be the first to welcome others into the workplace. Tune in for a discussion about how gender bias affects children, the ups and downs of reducing gender disparity in the workplace, and battling imposter syndrome. Challenge harmful perceptions of what a leader in the workplace should look like and affirm a healthy work-life balance. Rezvani describes her moments of pride and regrets in exercising confidence in the workplace, on this episode of SheVentures. Highlights Discover Selena Rezvani's number-one female role model. After pivoting from social work to pursue an MBA, she focused her research on women in leadership positions. See what pushed Rezvani to score interviews with notable women despite her doubts. Rezvani on networking: Be short, direct, and specific.  How the workplace is primed to favor men and why this leads to women being underrepresented in leadership positions We internalize gender roles from a young age. How Rezvani instills female empowerment in her children and dismisses gender stereotypes.  Rezvani provides actionable tips on how to navigate common workplace scenarios women encounter. Imposter syndrome is debilitating and can be alleviated by reframing one's mindset. Rezvani discusses how men are celebrated disproportionately over women in the workplace, while intersectionality is often glossed over. Workers are commonly discouraged from setting boundaries when balancing work and life. Are you inhibited in your workplace? Try initiating a conversation more often — watch your confidence soar!  Rezvani reflects on how to use courage to power through feelings of doubt and to take action against avoiding regret. Quick Confidence is a book that originated as bite-sized confidence tips Rezvani provided initially in a LinkedIn newsletter. She quickly amassed almost 100,000 subscribers and a book deal! Rezvani shares how it went down.

Do you want to create a harmonious and productive work environment where employees feel engaged and innovative? Are you searching for ways to lead with mindfulness and unlock the full potential of your team? In this SheVentures episode, our guest, corporate mindfulness guru Keren Tsuk, Ph.D., reveals the key to achieving these goals as the founder of Wisdom To Lead, a company with clients including Google and Bayer. Tsuk explores her wide-ranging pivots within the corporate world and combines them with a personal, 20-year mindfulness practice. Tsuk — an international teacher, consultant, entrepreneur, and author — shares practical strategies and insights on incorporating mindfulness into leadership, fostering a culture of connection, creativity, and success. Her new book, Mindfully Wise Leadership, is a practical guide for implementing mindfulness in the workplace. By implementing Tsuk's proven techniques, you can cultivate a workplace that thrives on mindfulness, leading to increased employee satisfaction, enhanced collaboration, and, ultimately, extraordinary results. Tune in to discover the power of mindfulness in leadership. Episode Key Takeaways: Discover the transformative power of mindfulness when applied to leadership. Explore the rewarding balance of material ambitions and spiritual fulfillment in business. Uncover the multifaceted struggles of incorporating mindfulness into the corporate sphere. Learn about unique courses and retreats geared toward cultivating mindful leaders. Witness the art of career, academic, and family management and how Tsuk pivots with agility. More Highlights: Why Tsuk decided to start her mindfulness-based leadership company, Wisdom To Lead How mindfulness helps overcome personal and professional resistance and fear Tsuk describes the role of mindfulness in her personal life and her practice. Balancing roles: Tsuk reflects on how she earned her Ph.D., taught, and started her company. The unique challenges Tsuk faces as a female founder include the importance of setting boundaries and asking for respect in the workplace. Learn how mindfulness can be integrated with diversity, equity, and inclusion in any organization. How Tsuk uses feedback from course participants to continuously iterate and improve Scaling her business by crafting a mindfulness-based leadership course and offering it to the corporate world Resources, recommendations, and how to work with Wisdom To Lead Check out Tsuk's book Mindfully Wise Leadership and her pragmatic approach to implementing mindfulness in the workplace.

Have you heard these myths about work-life balance in venture capital? Myth #1: You have to sacrifice your personal life to succeed. Myth #2: Only men can handle the demands of the industry. Myth #3: Taking time for self-care is a sign of weakness. But let's be real, these are all…myths. And Ashley Aydin, principal at VamosVentures, is here to share the truth about balancing work and life in venture capital.  As a successful VC, she knows firsthand the challenges and rewards of juggling a demanding career and personal life. Get ready to debunk these myths and learn practical strategies for achieving work-life balance in the startup world. In this episode, you will be able to: Unravel the untapped value of diverse funding in venture capital Appreciate the impact of empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs on driving sustainable economic growth Aydin's career pivots from Morgan Stanley to working with an early-stage startup and subsequently earning her MBA from MIT Sloan School of Business Real talk about the marginalization of Black and Brown consumers — and what you can do Acquire the recipe for achieving work-life equilibrium in the fast-paced environment of venture capital Get a glimpse of the cutting-edge technological solutions tackling the complexities of aging and elder care Why Aydin is focused on investing in and empowering Latinx entrepreneurs. Hone your skills in delivering persuasive pitches that leave a lasting impression on potential investors The tips mentioned in this episode are: Prioritize building a strong company culture as a founder to attract and retain top talent Focus on creating a viable business model that can scale quickly and target a large, growing market Know and understand your consumer or target audience to build a product that meets their needs and priorities Consider impact-oriented investing and allocating dollars toward diverse founders to make a big impact Seek out and learn from those who have been through similar experiences to gain insights and guidance

Most people move once or twice in their life, but the move is seldom across continents. Following her now husband, Carice Anderson undertook a journey that led to much more than just a new location. Her book, Intelligence Isn't Enough: A Black Professional's Guide to Thriving in the Workplace, outlines how to overcome such big changes, remain authentic, and much more. As a Black woman and the first member of her family to enter the corporate world, Anderson isn't a stranger to facing challenges in the workplace. Though many businesses are slow to make progress, you don't need to be. As Anderson points out: Change starts with the individual. Discover how Anderson turned these obstacles into lessons for women of color, on this episode of SheVentures. Timestamps: 2:00 Anderson's move from the United States to South Africa  5:30 Culture differences between the U.S. and South Africa  8:18 Challenges Anderson experienced as a first-generation corporate worker 9:47 The framework of Anderson's book 12:56 Anderson explains how to develop your personal brand.  17:07 Authenticity in the workplace  22:12 Anderson grades corporate America's relationship with Black professionals.  26:27 Transforming yourself  28:06 Anderson discusses the difference between working in your business and working on your business. 32:25 Key takeaways for women of color in corporate America 

Swank A Posh CEO Ebony Swank pivoted from being a high school dropout and teen mom to building a $40M+ year fashion empire that sells body-positive clothes for women in a little over a decade. Swank bootstrapped her company with $12,000, and the first iteration of her online business failed. She attributes her success to grit, determination, hard work, being data-driven, and trial and error.  The next time you think you can't accomplish something or there are too many cards stacked against you, listen to this episode of SheVentures for inspiration, as we take a deep dive into Swank's life, her wins, and her trade-offs.  Highlights: Swank reflects on her childhood and the sacrifices her own mother made to provide for her family. Swank describes her sudden pivot to becoming a teen mother. Swank's first job was an entry-level position in accounting and she worked her way up. Trial and error: Swank's first retail business failed, as did a hair salon.  Swank reflects on how this taught her invaluable lessons on pricing and controlling overhead costs. Swank reveals how she became phenomenally successful at online marketing — and shares her secret sauce. Insight on how to be a good negotiator and get the best outcome.  Taking the supply chain into her own hands. How many buyout offers has Swank received? Three key tips for women of color who want to stand out professionally. Paying it forward: Why Swank created a secondary business called Business Best Friends, a program to help entrepreneurs learn how to run their businesses.  Financial literacy and leadership in action: Swank mentors young Black women from entry-level employees to become high-level executives at Swank A Posh.

Do you struggle to monetize your business, need guidance on setting boundaries, and find sales to feel, well, sleazy? In this episode of SheVentures, Annie Ruggles, founder of the newly rebranded Quirk Works Consulting, speaks about coaching 200+ solopreneurs and small business owners who struggle with sales, much like Ruggles did in early entrepreneurship. You'll listen to her tips on relational sales, the value of investing in personal and professional relationships, and the importance of finding your community. Highlights:  How her musical theater background helps her read a room  Why she understands the plight of creatives when it comes to selling The importance of rebranding a business  Ruggles' mental pivot: “I am not only a sales coach but a marketer.” How to build authentic relationships with clients, listen, collaborate, and understand their needs  Why it's essential to contact clients for testimonials and referrals — and how to do it Book recommendations: Joy-Full AF: The Essential Business Strategy We're Afraid to Put First and Practical Ikigai Let's hear it until it sticks: Self-care is not selfish — and how Ruggles learned this firsthand. Key challenges female entrepreneurs face How to find your niche and why it matters Insights on the best social media platforms for business — it's not what you think! Ruggles take on ChatGPT and why it will never replace humans. Why do you need to delegate tasks that do not align with your strengths? Ruggles' professional wins and regrets, staying authentic, and overcoming sales avoidance  If you are struggling with your business, Ruggles recommends SellCoachSell.com, where you can find a copy of her noir sales novella. 
Extra bonus if you find Ruggles on LinkedIn, drop her a line, and let her know you heard her on SheVentures!

A successful podcast entrepreneur, as well as the founder and CEO of Ginni Media — a podcast strategy and creation company that serves both big-ticket clients and fledgling entrepreneurs with quality audio strategy, monetization, community building, and production tips — Ginni Saraswati, is the audio authority. After all, Saraswati, who has hosted a few morning radio shows, has embraced audio since….what? Radio?! Saraswati shares her journey from Sri Lanka to Australia to the U.S. and details her experiences in radio and podcasting. She also discusses the challenges she faced with racial intolerance and what it was like to come out as queer to her traditional family. Not for nothing, but Saraswati is keen on all creators staying true to their values — and preaches the power of authenticity in business. With characteristic authenticity, she recalls the business idea that failed and how she learned invaluable lessons from her mistakes as an entrepreneur. Listen to Saraswati delve into gender imbalance in podcasting as she speaks about being a woman in a male-dominated industry — and stick around for her tips for women looking to pursue their business dreams, on this episode of SheVentures Podcast. Highlights: Saraswati talks about radio and podcasting, her passions for more than a decade, producing award-winning content focused on pop culture, music, entertainment, and the LGBTQ+ community. What it was like to interview celebrities like Paula Abdul and be the host of two-morning radio shows in Melbourne, Australia As a Sri Lankan immigrant to Australia, Saraswati speaks about her cultural acclimation.  Entrepreneurship involves personal and professional transformations, including overcoming fear, reckoning with imposter syndrome, and learning to delegate tasks. Saraswati recalls coming out — and how she found support in the LGBTQ+ community. Facing discrimination and stigma, Saraswati found solace in the community and used her platform to amplify voices. Saraswati discusses the gender imbalance in podcasting and content creation and attributes it partly to obstacles and judgment women face. Representation is crucial in podcasting, and Saraswati's journey shows how important it is to amplify diverse voices. A failed event business, Blink, taught Saraswati that having a greater purpose is essential for success. She started Ginni Media as a side hustle and won five clients before quitting her day job. Today, her client roster includes Cynthia Rowley, Allure, Siemens, and many entrepreneurs. Saraswati faced numerous challenges in her entrepreneurial journey, including losing all her money. Ginni Media grows through referral clients, prioritizing quality over quick growth. Reviewing how podcasts can be monetized — and how to decide what is right for you Saraswati encourages people to reach out to her on Instagram at @ginnimedia or @theginnishow

Marjorie Radlo-Zandi is an accomplished entrepreneur, board member, and angel investor who started her career in sales and marketing and continued as a business development executive for decades. One major professional accomplishment: She grew a life science diagnostic company with angel funds, expanded it to more than 100 countries, and sold it to a multi-billion-dollar publicly held firm. Do you think she may know a thing or two about how to scale a business? Radlo-Zandi also reflects on timing and work-life balance. Learn which company she did not become employee number 3 at because she was becoming a mother, and knew she wasn't willing to spend 18-hour days at a promising startup and sacrifice her chance to show up for her daughter.  Radlo-Zandi is pragmatic about other work-life balance decisions she and her husband made, and she emphasizes the importance of finding equal opportunities for both spouses when making career moves. In her case, both she and her husband took turns putting their job first.  That said, Radlo-Zandi acknowledges she also has skills that are in high demand, so finding a job wasn't a struggle whether in Silicon Valley or the East Coast.  She stresses the significance of soft skills such as emotional intelligence, listening, and understanding cultural nuances in building relationships and trust.   Listen to Radlo-Zandi's candid discussion about how more women need to be in leadership roles. She underscores how angel investing and venture capital need to expand to a more diverse and inclusive community pool for investment opportunities. She talks business and is also refreshingly frank about the balancing act between her personal and professional lives on this episode of SheVentures. Timestamps 1:53 Radlo-Zandi recalls how growing up in a family of entrepreneurs helped shape her.  6:12 A firsthand account of being a woman in Silicon Valley in the 1980s 8:17 The current state of venture capital funding for female tech entrepreneurs 9:47 Discussion on the lack of access to friends and family rounds for diverse entrepreneurs as well as the need for improved government programs 13:05 Tips for dual-career couples who want to raise children and are considering moves for career opportunities 17:50 Steps for entrepreneurs contemplating an exit 18:51 Radlo-Zandi discusses the importance of cultural match and transparency in mergers and acquisitions. 24:16 Building relationships and establishing trust in different cultures and why it matters 28:37 The importance of work-life balance and its positive impact on productivity and health for both employers and employees 29:00 What are Radlo-Zandi's three important lessons for female entrepreneurs? 31:24 Radlo-Zandi discusses the exciting innovations in diagnostics, immunotherapy, and gene therapy in the life sciences industry as well as what the future may hold.

If you've ever suffered from anxiety and depression so debilitating that you knew you had to slow down to focus on your mental, physical, and spiritual health —  and uncover your career and life purpose —  this SheVentures episode is for you.

Franny Tacy, the owner of Franny's Farmacy, a cannabis franchise, shares her journey from pharmaceutical sales to cannabis farming. She discusses her struggles with student loans, disillusionment with the pharmaceutical industry, and love for farming. Tacy's story is one of perseverance and reinvention, and she encourages other women to follow their passions and take advantage of opportunities like the USDA loan for beginning farmers. Tacy acknowledges the challenges she's faced in the male-dominated cannabis industry, and how she still became one of the few female hemp farmers in North Carolina.    Listen to how Tacy's business began as a destination for community events, weddings, and goat yoga. She explains how she pivoted to hemp and cannabis farming, an unregulated industry (at the time). Tacy emphasizes the importance of building a strong brand and culture for her franchise. Learn how she measures her success with product safety, e-commerce, and her cannabis franchise model while remaining committed to diversity and mentorship on this smoking-hot episode of SheVentures! Timestamps 2:03 Why Tacy started in big pharma and her pivot to farming. 8:11 Tacy discusses purchasing a farm and the difficulties she faced. 11:43 What is regenerative agriculture? 15:40 Tacy's transition from a corporate career to the cannabis industry. 16:16 Getting involved with efforts to legalize cannabis cultivation. 22:50 Tacy's entrepreneurial journey in the cannabis industry. 24:39 Tacy stays independent in a cutthroat industry. 28:15 Keeping the business small and authentic while building a brand. 33:41 Are there women in executive roles in the cannabis industry? 39:50 Is cannabis a moneymaker? 42:25 Tacy encounters legal obstacles in different states. 

Have you ever wished your passion project or side hustle could become your full-time gig ⁉️   Jamila Trimuel did, and though it took years of planning, she eventually transformed her personal and professional life. Today Trimuel is the founder and CEO of Chicago-based Ladies of Virtue, a nonprofit that's worked with thousands of girls of color on confidence-building, leadership, job-readiness skills, and combating the marginalization young women of color often face.   Listen to Trimuel speak candidly about why mentorship matters, and what it took to pivot from a stable job in healthcare administration to embrace a complete career reinvention. She speaks authentically about her motivations, fears, and wins — and guides listeners through the journey of starting a nonprofit and slowly scaling to where it is today.   Trimuel's long-term plan is to expand the organization nationwide. Through Ladies of Virtue, Trimuel is instilling confidence and empowering young women of color to succeed in whatever they choose to do. On this episode of SheVentures, learn more about Ladies of Virtue volunteer and mentoring opportunities.   If you would like to donate, please go to ➡️ lovchicago.org. ⬅️ Timestamps 3:16 Trimuel recalls how she realized the importance of positive role models. 15:53 How did she deal with life's challenges? 17:07 Real talk about coping with miscarriage 20:56 How Trimuel started Ladies of Virtue 31:59 Get ready for master tips for networking and relationship building. 35:59 Utilizing corporate sponsorships for mentoring opportunities 43:27 Trimuel addresses harmful misconceptions about marginalized women of color. 48:57 Why it's essential to meet women where they are 49:44 How Trimuel helps build confidence in young women 51:14 Steps to mentor proactively from a woman who has done it for more than a decade 52:58 Small acts of mentoring 56:00 Volunteer and mentoring opportunities with a virtual alternative 

Imagine experiencing a range of tropical fruit year-round right in your own home. From pink pineapples grown on farms in Costa Rica to fresh yellow dragon fruit native to Mexico and Central America, Desiree Morales provides exotic, tropical fruit in a box delivered to your doorstep. Morales recognized this niche during the pandemic — and went all in. Morales, CEO and founder of Tropical Fruit Box, a company dedicated to providing fresh, exotic tropical fruit to consumers, is an offshoot of the existing family business, WP Produce, which was started by her father, Willy Pardo. He started out selling exotic and tropical fruit from the back of his truck in Miami to provide the neighborhood staples common to their diet, but tough to find in local markets.  Morales' business experience helped her identify a gap in the market, which she filled with on-demand tropical and exotic fruit boxes. Inspired by her father's commitment to building relationships, Morales and her family collaborate with farmers globally to supply quality produce to customers. Listen to Morales discuss her experience as she grew up working alongside her father, how she applied her knowledge to expand the family business, and her pivot to building a venture of her own on this episode of SheVentures. 2:25 Morales speaks about her father's success 4:10 Following in her father's footsteps, Morales saw a need in today's market and worked to meet it 6:23 Morales describes her experiences growing up in the family business 8:58 What kick-started Morales' idea behind Tropical Fruit Box? 11:22 There were many roadblocks Morales fought to overcome 13:30 How did the COVID pandemic affect Morales' business? 20:53 Morales discusses her highs in business and personal life 23:15 Morales describes lessons she learned while building her business to what it is today 26:05 Tips for entrepreneurial women looking to build their own business

Imagine sourcing hand-sewn original lingerie from the labor of women who work in Ukraine and Russia, and navigating supply chain issues during the ongoing war. This is but one of many hurdles Angelina Mahany, founder, and CEO of Angie's Showroom, has overcome in her personal and professional lives.  This ex-Russian ballerina studied and worked on three continents before deciding to settle in the U.S. after a two-year long-distance romance with her now husband. Mahany transitioned to life in the U.S., where the culture, people, and food were foreign. She persevered and started an Instagram e-commerce reselling business selling handbags as a proof of concept. Once she realized she could earn money and balance motherhood, she focused on creating Angie's Showroom, an online store with hand-sewn lingerie.  She is offering SheVentures listeners 15 percent off of any lingerie purchases at Angie's Showroom. Use the code SheVentures15 at checkout, good until May 31, 2023, 11:59 PM EDT. Cannot be used with other discounts. 10:00 What it takes to become a professional ballerina, and why Mahany pivoted to economics after a decade of ballet 12:00 How Mahany's supply chain dried up in the ongoing Russia/Ukraine war 15:00 Comparing the cost and quality of higher education in Russia versus the U.S. 20:00 How Mahany met her husband online, and how they navigated a long-distance relationship for two years between Cyprus and Texas  26:00 Mahany speaks about getting deported after a visa mishap. She and her fiance spent thousands of dollars to get her into the U.S. 32:00 Reality sets in working remotely, newly married, pregnant, and in debt. 35:00 Mahaney's first foray into entrepreneurship in e-commerce, reselling and selling handbags on Telegram and Instagram @shopaholic.in.usa — and making a profit 37:00 How a bachelorette party led to the concept of Angie's Showroom 41:00 The difference between American and Ukrainian/Russian seamstresses  43:00 Expanding to consignment in Austin and creating her own lingerie designs 47:00 Plans for 2023: pricing versus sustainability, and finding the balance 49:00 Tips, pros, and cons on Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon Handmade

Have you ever struggled with personal finance or worried that you may never attain financial wellness? You're not alone. Certified financial planner Deanna LaRue is here to help you change your mindset.  LaRue recognizes the need for financial education, something often not taught in childhood or even high school. She started TimeWise Financial in 2009 — and with 18 years of experience — knows the importance of the personal connection between a financial advisor and her clients.  Money management is as much about mindset as it is about finding one's goals and planning for them. Listen to LaRue describe how she started her first business, at 24 (she knew her professional path earlier than many) and why she is intentional about women learning how to manage their assets. La Rue recalls obstacles and the other common challenges women face with personal finance.  Just in time for financial literacy month, LaRue provides a financial framework for women in each decade of their lives — and most importantly, she provides tips on how to overcome financial fear, on this episode of SheVentures. 1:55 LaRue discusses her professional path and her pivot to entrepreneurial clarity. 4:15 What are the key differences between a broker-dealer and a certified financial planner? 5:42 LaRue recalls her early hurdles including imposter syndrome. 12:50 What are the common financial roadblocks female clients face? 15:20 LaRue gives financial tips for women by decade. 29:30 Why it's crucial to consider relationships when it comes to money 31:30 Tips for overcoming financial fear 33:40 What are common money-related self-sabotaging behaviors? 37:00 What is one thing LaRue wishes she had done when she was younger? 38:00 Where you can learn more about LaRue and her business Disclaimer: Any recommendations or statements do not take into account the financial circumstances, investment objectives, tax implications, or any specific requirements of readers/listeners. Tips provided by guests on SheVentures podcast and/or editorial content on our website should not be construed as investment advice. 

Many of us are taught that it will take at least three to five years to crack a six-figure income as a small business. Dr. Karwanna D says it's possible to earn that amount in three to six months. How? From the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world always has cash on hand: the government.  Dr. Karwanna started in telecommunication sales and earned a high five-figure salary. She soon realized that working for a corporation meant losing agency over her time. She started bidding on small government contracts as a video creator and realized she could win government contracts after experiencing some early wins.  She has now taken lessons learned and converted them into a five-day challenge and a 90-day accelerator where she teaches small business owners strategies to land six- and seven-figure contracts with the federal, state, and local governments.  If you are interested in signing up for the next five-day challenge to pre-qualify your business, use this link. As a speaker, author of Don't Duck the Government Because They've Got Your Money, and business coach, Dr. Karwanna shares what she learned during her pivotal foundation-building years. Her courses are designed to help you skip the learning curve, but you still need to do the work. Dr. Karwanna shows up, is charismatic, and is ready to share her knowledge. Listen to her journey from barely seeing her kids to buying her time back via government contracting, on this episode of SheVentures.  03:17 Dr. Karwanna pivots from a 9-to-5 career to entrepreneurship 06:45 Her 9 to 5 and why she pivoted to entrepreneurship 14:09 How failing forward and government contracting returned Dr. Karwanna's time 19:29 She shows the steps to selling to the government 27:55 How one's mindset is crucial to wealth building 34:15 How her 90-day government accelerator program works 40:31 Tips for women who are starting as entrepreneurs 43:02 Dr. Karwanna shares her professional goals in 2023 45:19 Learn how government contracting could earn you more money in less time

How does a South Korean orphan who had difficulty walking grow up to become a seven-figure entrepreneur? One thing's for certain: It did not happen overnight for Sun Yong Kim-Manzolini.   Suffering from physical and psychological abuse for more than a decade as a child, Sun Yong Kim-Manzolini was adopted by an American family at the age of 14. The United States opened doors to a new life of creativity and hope for her.   While working as a nursing assistant for more than two decades, Kim-Manzolini realized her current salary would lead to a stark economic reality. She would not have enough money to live on in retirement. So she decided to teach herself about options trading. Not only did she succeed at it, but now, Kim-Manzolini wants to share her knowledge and strategies with the world.   A multifaceted entrepreneur, business coach, and mindset mentor, Kim-Manzolini is also the author of Opposites/Opposites, a guide to understanding partnership and compromise in a relationship.   Listen to Kim-Manzolini describe her traumatic upbringing and how she overcame a series of challenges to become a successful options trader, on this episode of SheVentures.   2:00 Kim-Manzolini describes growing up in an orphanage 11:50 She recalls transitioning into an American family 16:02 How she overcame childhood trauma  21:43 Career pivoting from nursing to options trading  28:23 Kim-Manzolini breaks down what options trading is 30:05 Types of strategies she uses with options trading  36:31 What should listeners be cautious about when trading options? 38:35 Where to find Kim-Manzolini on social media

Drinking in public can be awkward when you choose not to consume alcoholic beverages — for whatever reason. Becca Gardner, however, is paving the way to diminish this stigma.    Gardner is the founder and CEO of NKD LDY, an innovative company specializing in non-alcoholic spirits and beverages. The mission of NKD LDY is to ensure that delicious non-alcoholic mocktails are available along with wine and spirits. Gardner's personal experience stems from embracing sobriety after years of working in a high-profile and high-pressure NYC strategy consulting role. She pivoted both career and location and embarked on her purpose-driven business.    Garner hopes NKD LDY will normalize the choice to consume high-quality non-alcoholic drinks. Founded in Gardner's home state of Kentucky, NKD LDY uses actual distilled spirits as the base of its products. Once the alcoholic portion of these spirits has been gently removed, customers are able to enjoy aromatic and tasteful alternatives to whiskey, gin, and tequila.   Listen to Gardner discuss her experience with alcoholism and how she founded ALT Distilling, a venture-backed mission-based startup that creates non-alcoholic spirits under the brand NKD LDY, on this episode of SheVentures. 2:00 Gardner opens up about when she knew she had crossed the line into addiction — and how embracing sobriety led to a career pivot. 7:00 Gardner's “aha” moment with non-alcoholic drinks 9:35 How did Gardner translate a business idea she first identified while in the U.K. and apply it to the U.S.? 11:00 Gardner discusses the process of creating non-alcoholic beverages. 17:00 Curious about the NKD LDY product line? 18:10 Gardner discusses her success in raising venture capital. 21:40 How did Gardner create a board for NKD LDY?  26:20 Gardner shares her biggest surprise as a CEO.  30:20 Tips for women considering personal or professional pivots 

If anyone knows how to create, run, take public, and exit a company successfully, it is Sheila Lirio Marcelo. The Filipino technology entrepreneur is famously known for founding Care.com, an online marketplace for childcare, special needs caregivers, tutors, and more.    After selling Care.com in 2020 for $500M, Marcelo embarked on a new business venture: the creation of Proof of Learn, a Web3 education platform, which allows students the opportunity to earn rewards while learning code blockchain, a skillset Marcelo says is rare.    Though Marcelo is an entrepreneurial icon, she is transparent about the values her childhood instilled in her that play a role in her success. Marcelo describes moving from the Philippines to the United States, and how it created challenges, biases, and opportunities to overcome on her way to the top.   Listen to Marcelo describe how she identified a gap in the market as a married mother and student that would lead her to create Care.com a decade before other companies embraced an online business-to-consumer model. She also shares the human side of entrepreneurship as well as the challenges she faced (and her wins), on this episode of SheVentures.   2:20 Marcelo describes growing up in the Philippines. 6:30 How did Marcelo balance both motherhood and a startup? 12:35 Marcelo weighs in on her educational accomplishments.  17:30 What was Marcelo's experience like as a woman of color founder?  20:32 Tips for women who aspire to be in leadership roles  23:10 Marcelo discusses her new career pivot, Proof of Learn.  29:50 How Marcelo's experience at Care.com influences her approach at Proof of Learn.  32:50 Marcelo speaks about a woman who inspires her and why 34:30 Where listeners can find more about Marcelo, her career ventures, and her current podcast, W3B'D.

Menstruation is often a taboo topic. From the potential confusion surrounding your first period to embarrassment while purchasing feminine hygiene products, there's a negative stigma many people associate with menstruation. And that's assuming you are not one of the 63 percent of women who have difficulty affording these necessary products.   However, CEO Vilmante Markeviciene, is bringing power and positivity to the feminine hygiene market. She is the founder of the U.S. brand Genial Day and the European brand Gentle Day, sustainable feminine care products aimed at minimizing rashes, skin irritation, and unpleasant period smells and spills.   Pivoting from a career in business administration and interior design, Markeviciene found herself at a crossroads in 2008. During the recession, she realized how expensive pads, tampons, period underwear, and related products were in the United States — and seized the opportunity to expand her business from the EU to the U.S.   Listen to Markeviciene describe her entrepreneurial journey, and how your purchases can support displaced Ukrainian people who menstruate, on this episode of SheVentures.   2:33 Markeviciene describes growing up in Lithuania. 7:22 Markeviciene's promise to donate one product to Ukrainians for each product bought  8:40 What were Markeviciene's early career pivots?  10:38 How did Genial Day start? 17:10 What is the product approval process?   26:20 Markeviciene discusses the complications of going global. Hint: How did she end up with two names for one company? Listen to her tips so it doesn't happen to you. 29:00 What role do women play in the feminine hygiene market?  36:00 Education is the base of Genial Day's mission.  43:30 Markeviciene breaks down sustainability with Genial Day products.  49:42 Tips for young entrepreneurs starting out  51:10 Where to find Genial Day products 

Octavia Goredema, the founder of career coaching agency Twenty Ten, offers a variety of work strategy sessions and workshops for underrepresented employees. With areas of expertise in career mentorship, stress management, and navigation, Goredema works to amplify and redirect the needs of women of color in entrepreneurship and corporate America.    Goredema is the author of Prep, Push, Pivot: Essential Career Strategies for Underrepresented Women, a career coaching guide for women of color.   Listen to Goredema discuss her career and life pivots from moving continents for romance to her wins and challenges as a minority business owner,career coach, and book author, on this episode of SheVentures.   1:45 Goredema discusses her childhood curiosity. 3:50 How Goredema was appointed to the Order of the British Empire 11:54 How Goredema pivoted from corporate America to startup agency founder and book author  17:30 What role has rejection played in Goredema's career?  23:09 How race and representation affect women of color in corporate America   30:40 Goredema discusses the three most common areas where women of color seek coaching. 34:10 Where listeners can learn more about Goredama and her book, Prep, Push, Pivot: Essential Career Strategies for Underrepresented Women

When you realize you are role models for millions of women, it's both exhilarating and scary. Sister co-founders Angela Muhwezi-Hall and Deborah Gladney had their reckoning this year as women of color founders. Both realized they are role models for all Black women — the 99.5 percent that haven't yet succeeded in raising capital like they have — and they feel added pressure and responsibility to succeed. Last year when we spoke, these founders covered their oversubscribed raise of $1.4M after completing the Techstars accelerator. In this episode, the sister-founder duo talks about raising more capital and share how it was tougher this time despite both being a “known quantity.” Listen to them candidly discuss race, venture capitalists, the rebrand of their career-discovery platform to WorkTorch, and their goals for 2023. And yes, we set a date to speak again in 2024 to trace their growth, hardships, and wins.  As women of color, the pair discuss role-modeling for other women in entrepreneurship and tech and how important it is to remain confident.  Tune in to hear about what they believe they've done well, where they can improve, and their respective goals until we speak next year.    2:40 Muhwezi-Hall and Gladney discuss the milestones and barriers of raising capital.  8:10 The duo talk discrimination in the tech industry as women of color founders.  11:50 Tips for staying fueled and dealing with microaggressions in the workforce  14:00 All about WorkTorch and why a rebrand was essential  19:45 How WorkTorch is positioned as a B2C and a B2B company, always free for job seekers with a subscription model for companies  23:45 The impact and responsibilities Muhwezi-Hall and Gladney face as minority founders 27:20 Three tips about entrepreneurship the founder-duo would give to their past selves  31:50 Muhwezi-Hall and Gladney discuss their goals for 2023.

Representation of women in the fintech industry is scarce. So scarce that women make up less than 10 percent of fintech founders or executive board members, according to a recent paper from the International Monetary Fund. But Sofiat Abdulrazaaq is changing the game for women of color in fintech. Abdulrazaaq is the co-founder of Goodfynd, a platform that began as a way to help consumers find nearby food vendors/trucks and facilitate ordering and delivery where available.  Goodfynd also has a B2B application. Abdulrazaaq identified the need for all mobile vendors — food or otherwise — to have an accessible and affordable one-stop shop to run their business. This “business in a box” model is meant to reach the under-served community of first generation and immigrant mobile vendors, allowing them to include what they need from the Goodfynd platform — without extra bells and whistles. What started off as an organic quest to find food trucks before the pandemic morphed into B2C and a scalable B2B model. Pivoting from a stint in privacy law (she got her JD then decided to become an entrepreneur), Abdulrazaaq shows resilience in the face of hardship as a woman of color in a male-dominated world.  Listen to Abdulrazaaq discuss raising capital and launching Goodfynd, on this episode of SheVentures. 1:45 Abdulrazaaq discusses her career pivots. 4:20 How did the idea for Goodfynd emerge?  10:15 Abdulrazaaq reflects how a grant from Lighthouse Labs helped her and her co-founders create a proof of concept.  19:05 Will Goodfynd expand its business model to all mobile businesses?  22:12 What does being an “impact-first executive” mean to Abdulrazaaq?  25:22 Abdulrazaaq shares her experience as a woman of color raising capital.  33:55 What are her three tips for women pursuing entrepreneurship?  38:06 Where can listeners learn more about Goodfynd?

With nearly two decades of experience in brand strategy, Talia Boone is no stranger to marketing and brand collaboration. From pioneering a creative marketing agency to starting a fresh-cut flower business, Boone is a prime example of what it takes to creatively execute an idea.  Boone discusses how branding, creativity, and social change were a catalyst to start Inter:Sect, an agency focused on brand amplification and social issues. By implementing multimedia strategies and social impact initiatives, Inter:Sect gives consumers and partners a platform to showcase their brands.  It was during the pandemic when Boone was stressed that she turned to flower arranging for peace of mind. In doing so, she found an unexpected business niche in the flower market. The idea of Postal Petals blossomed after Boone discovered that farmers needed a better way to sell their products. Now, Boone and her team provide consumers direct access to farm-fresh, high-quality flowers — delivered right to their doorstep.  Listen to Boone discuss her passion for social change and representation, as well as her pivot to entrepreneurship, on this episode of SheVentures.    1:17 Boone describes her activism awakening.  4:50 Boone discusses her creative marketing agency, Inter:Sect.  10:37 How have brands encapsulated the Black Lives Matter movement? 15:40 How to keep corporations and consumers accountable regarding representation  21:00 Boone shares her experiences as a woman of color in corporate America.  25:18 How did Boone start a business during the pandemic?  35:34 What can customers expect from Postal Petals? 37:37 Boone explores the most difficult and rewarding parts of starting a business.  43:17 Boone shares tips for women of color who want to start a business. 46:16 Where to find Postal Petals on social media 

If anyone knows how to pivot from a traditional job to entrepreneurship, it's Kim Gros, founder of SteelCraft, a company that creates outdoor urban eateries from repurposed shipping containers. Starting in 2107 in Long Beach, California, Gros later expanded to outposts in Bellflower and Garden Grove. Gros — with a leap of faith and a loan — built eateries where tourists and locals can eat artisanal food, drink craft beer, and enjoy community events in a shared safe space.  Gros decided to dive into the food industry with little knowledge and abundant determination. She curated her business from start to finish with the help of economic development partners and an idea that would stand out: using shipping containers — a common sight in Long Beach (the second largest port in the world) — as a dining space. Gros shares how she executed her business plan from scratch.  Listen to Gros as she describes the ups and downs of implementing a business idea and shares her advice for navigating unexpected challenges and honing in on making your dream a reality, on this episode of SheVentures.  2:12 Kim Gros reflects on growing up with inspiring people  13:09 How to utilize human resources tactics in entrepreneurship  17:10 How did the creation of SteelCraft happen?  21:22 How SteelCraft partners with vendors  24:27 The three core values of SteelCraft  29:00 Where can you learn more about SteelCraft? 30:05 Closing advice from Gros on finding your passion 

How does a single mother battling substance abuse end up pivoting to a career in the White House? How does she then become founder and CEO of her own seven-figure business? The answer is within Rebecca Contreras herself. The CEO of Avant Garde, a human resources consulting firm, and author of a memoir, Lost Girl (in which she describes her childhood, her decisions as a young adult, and how she turned her life around), Contreras gives new meaning to perseverance, dedication, ambition, and humility.  Contreras' life has been anything but easy. Though she has been successful in her career, Contreras began facing challenges at an alarmingly young age.  In Contreras' eyes, growing up in an abusive dysfunctional household under the welfare programs paved a predestined path for failure. Determined to escape a cycle of trauma, Contreras relied on mentorship, endurance, and willpower to overcome the obstacles that weighed her down.  Listen to Contreras describe the trials and tribulations of her childhood and teenage years, and how she was able to go from potential destruction to achievement, on this episode of SheVentures.  1:45 Contreras opens up about her traumatic childhood. 8:30 Advice for young girls and women with painful upbringings  12:30 How Contreras leverages her network for success  18:10 Contreras discusses how she built her consulting firm from scratch.  20:52 How to incorporate self-care and love into your daily routine, and why it matters  23:20 How Contreras flourishes in a male-dominated industry  27:20 To what does Contreras attribute her personal success?

With 20-plus years of experience as a news anchor, Kerry Barrett is the last person you'd imagine to have a paralyzing fear of public speaking. How did this Emmy-award winner overcome her crippling fear?  She faced it, and turned it into one of her core strengths. Barrett once suffered from anxiety that left her crouched in the proverbial fetal position — yes, it was that bad. Now, she shares her public speaking and media training knowledge with clients at her namesake company, Kerry Barrett Consulting.  From one-on-one public speaking coaching to media training and public relations, Barrett and her team offer various options to make even the shyest person come to life on camera.  Listen to Barrett describe her fear of public speaking and how she pivoted from news anchoring to becoming an entrepreneur, on this episode of SheVentures.  2:18 Barrett describes her fear of public speaking.  9:14 What public speaking challenges are most prevalent among women? 15:05 Barrett describes her pivot to entrepreneurship. 19:26 What makes Barrett's consulting company different from others? 22:28 Barrett explains the process of assessing a client's video IQ.  27:11 Where does Kerry Barrett Consulting earn the bulk of its revenue?  29:15 Barrett gives her three don'ts when appearing on camera.  32:32 Barrett reflects on her biggest win and challenge. 

How does one balance work and intimacy to achieve success and stay sane? If anyone knows this answer, it's Cheryl Grace.  After decades as a corporate executive, Grace pivoted to entrepreneurship, to help other women achieve their dream work and personal lives.  Now she shares her tips through her business, Powerful Penny, a consulting firm for women who want to be intentional about identifying and achieving the next level of their career.  In this episode, Grace explains how she emphasizes her “fabulosity” mindset to clients, helping them set their priorities. Through one-on-one or group coaching sessions, Grace believes, any woman can achieve clarity to move forward. Listen to Grace discuss how to discover and cultivate a “fabulosity” mindset, on this episode of SheVentures.  1:55 Grace recalls her grandmother's influence on her childhood. 3:30 Grace highlights her impactful career milestones.  7:50 What led to changing to a multicultural marketing paradigm?  11:36 How can consumers tell if a brand is genuinely mission driven and not using social advocacy as a marketing ploy? 14:05 What propelled Grace to pivot into entrepreneurship? 16:50 What does Grace's company Powerful Penny offer clients?  19:00 Grace explains the “fabulosity” mindset. 24:20 What gender-based career hurdles does Grace see consistently as a workplace consultant?  

Can you imagine being paid $1,000 per minute for a speaking engagement? Tonya Rapley, internationally recognized speaker, millennial money expert, financial educator, bestselling author, CEO and founder of My Fab Finance, and owner of Club Loofah, doesn't need to imagine it because it happened to her. Learn about what attracted Rapley to entrepreneurship, why it matters to her to create generation wealth with passive income streams, and how she is able to so effectively engage with her audience. Rapley also discusses relatable mom guilt — and how it plays a role in her decision-making. In one case, she didn't want to miss her son's first dentist appointment and felt the real heart-wrenching tug moms experience every day as they try to balance a successful career with life. If you're building a brand, Rapley's story will inspire you. Listen to this episode of SheVentures. 5:00 Rapley describes a typical day. 8:24 How the idea for My Fab Finance came to fruition 13:10 How being a woman of color influenced Rapley's mission 16: 49 Tips for female entrepreneurs to build their brands 19:37 What was Rapley's biggest source of revenue last year? 21:50 How motherhood affects Rapley's personal and professional goals 25:54 What Rapley learned while navigating her divorce 29:05 What are the best and most regrettable decisions Rapley has made? 30:46 What women give Rapley inspiration? 34:57 Where listeners can find out more about Rapley and her businesses

Has love ever inspired you to risk it all and start a new business? Isabelle Andrieu left her home in France to follow her heart and her future husband to Italy. How could they create a company that melded their passions — hers in linguistics and her husband's in artificial intelligence (AI) and computer science — with an investment of $100? This was the catalyst for Translated, an AI-based translation company that — in the 20 years since its inception — now boasts 250,000 clients (including Google, IBM, Airbnb, and United Colors of Benetton) in 193 languages and 40 areas of expertise.. Andrieu's passion for mentoring women means action. Women have grown their careers at Translated: some starting as interns and climbing the ranks to director positions at the Rome-based company. More than 80 percent of Translated's project management team is female, according to Andrieu. Listen to how Andrieu fosters leadership, paid maternity leave, and is able (and willing) to raise new mothers' salaries and to help make their transition back to work humane. Any woman who is responsible for policies affecting women in the workplace will benefit from Translated as a case study. Though increasing a new mother's wage to meet the demands of childcare may cost the company in the short term, the loyalty is reciprocated and paid forward when employees are able to manage a healthy work/life balance. Learn how Andrieu and her team decided to diversify their earnings and invest in the younger generation of entrepreneurs with Pi School, a dual- entity program with a venture arm, hosting seed rounds for startups, and an educational arm, with a scholarship program that helps to develop AI engineers. The goal: to use AI to foster solutions in various industries. Tune in to hear Andrieu's journey from bootstrapped startup to global translation powerhouse on this episode of SheVentures. 2:18 How did Andrieu and her husband recognize the opportunity for Translated two decades ago? 9:14 How does Translated work and who is their ideal customer? 11:35 Andrieu explains how human translators and AI coexist 14:50 The key challenges the translation industry faces 18:06 How Andrieu's childhood shaped the vision for her career 21:53 What other companies could learn from Translated's investment in female employees 30:18 Where did the concept of Pi School come from 39:30 Why Andrieu believes women tend to shun careers in AI 40:46 Andrieu speaks about diversity in AI. 42:27 What Andrieu thinks of companies that have IPOs with billion-dollar valuations without turning a profit 49:11 Her entrepreneurial successes and lessons learned 55:39 Andrieu discusses the Italian government's support of entrepreneurs 58:25 Where listeners can find out more about Translated.com and Pi School

This mom's frustration with finding quality outdoor gear ⛷

Imagine locking eyes with a venture capitalist and saying, “I'm building a big, badass company. You would be so lucky to invest in me.”

How many Black women billionaires can you name besides Oprah and Rihanna?

When you think of a truck driver does that memorable scene from Thelma and Louise come to mind? Ellen Voie wants to change that stereotype and amplify gender diversity in the trucking industry; so she started Women in Trucking, a nonprofit, whose mission is to mentor women with the information, education, opportunity, community, and support they need to succeed in a male-dominated business. Established in 2007, the organization now boasts more than 4,000 members. Voie's pivot happened after earning degrees in broadcast journalism and communications. She landed a job in a steel fabricating plant where she moved up the ranks to transportation management and thus her second pivot into the trucking industry. Voie speaks about her organization's diversity and inclusion initiatives, the best practices for women drivers, and why “they should ask a lot of questions and make sure they know what they're getting into before signing on the dotted line.” She also lends her opinions on how the pandemic affected the trucking industry and why the turnover rate for “on the road” — or long-haul — drivers is so high. Listen to her five steps to consider before pursuing a career in the trucking industry, on this episode of SheVentures. 2:03 What attracted Voie to the trucking industry? 6:04 What was the catalyst for Voie to start her organization, Women in Trucking? 13:22 Voie talks about barriers to women in trucking 15:35 Five steps Voie would recommend to young women interested in trucking careers 18:32 Voie shares typical wages for entry- and intermediate-level drivers. 23:38 Why is there a demand for on-the-road drivers, and how is their job different from daily drivers? 26:05 Reasons Voie feels churn (the turnover rate) is so high in the trucking industry 29:40 How the pandemic affected the trucking industry 32: 52 What are the statistics on assault and microaggression affecting women in trucking? 35:17 Voie speaks about her organization's diversity and inclusion initiatives 40:02 Advice Voie would give her younger self and where listeners can find out more about WIT