Podcasts about how women invest

What happens when a 56-year-old corporate executive says, “Why not me?” and launches a startup that scales, thrives, and exits in 4 years?Geetha Sreedhar did exactly that.In this unforgettable Do the Thing episode, Stacey Lauren talks with Geetha about the bold moves behind her startup journey, her principles for building powerful teams, what female founders really need to scale and sell, and why her post-exit life is far from retirement.They also dig into global travel, cross-cultural storytelling, and Geetha's new mission: funding the next wave of women-led innovation through How Women Invest.Whether you're in mid-career reinvention or dreaming of what comes after your big exit, Geetha brings the clarity, strategy, and lived wisdom that will light your fire.00:02 – Meet Geetha: From MBA to window office to startup CEO06:45 – Navigating corporate politics, promotions, and advocacy13:20 – Building a tech startup from scratch (and selling it in 4 years)22:10 – How to prep your business for a clean, profitable exit30:35 – Post-exit life: travel, legacy, and empowering women investors YouTube: https://youtu.be/e81XzgFMweU Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-not-me-geetha-sreedhar-on-startup-exits-bold-pivots/id1618590178?i=1000741731437 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/29sRWKSHU44lEPUrqspDNl

Use Your Investor Voice To Make A Big Impact – Meet Kristin Hull Founder NIA Impact Capital Name: Kristin HullTitle: Founder, CIO AUM: $530MWebsite: www.niaimpactcapital.com Bio:Kristin is the Founder, Chief Investment Officer, and Portfolio Manager of Nia Impact Capital. Kristin oversees research and decision-making for Nia's Flagship Global Solutions portfolio, Nia Growth and Dividend SMA, and Nia's Equity Forward Portfolio, leading company analysis, portfolio design, and criteria setting.Kristin started her investment career at Hull Trading and later Hull Investments, LLC, then combined her worlds of financial markets and systems change in 2007, becoming an early pioneer in the impact investing space after Hull Trading sold to Goldman Sachs.As President and Chair of the Board, Kristin supervised the creation of the first 100% mission-aligned foundation endowment in 2007. She went on to found Nia Community Investments and Nia Community Foundation, the second 100% impact-invested foundation portfolio in 2010.Nia Community is a 100% impact-invested portfolio of companies crossing the entire spectrum of impact investing opportunities from early-stage angel investments to public equities, funds, and loan guarantees. After extensive due diligence on public equity options, Kristin was called to create Nia Global Solutions to offer investors high-quality impact alongside daily liquidity.She spent two years at Domini Social Investments, working on fossil fuel–free portfolio options and building out Nia Global's six solution themes.Kristin is co-founder of Impact Hub Oakland and North Oakland Community Charter School, and she served on the founding board of George Mark Children's House. She currently serves on the advisory board of Limitless Bridge Venture Capital Fund, Emerging Women, How Women Invest, and several non-profit boards.Kristin is a Registered Investment Advisor. She earned her B.A. and teaching credentials from Tufts University in 1990, her M.A. in Research in Bilingual Education from Stanford University in 1995, and her Ph.D. in Urban Education from the University of California at Berkeley in 2006.

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Reenita M Hora, author of the book Vermilion Harvest. Reenita is a founder, executive-level content, operations, and marketing leader, and prolific writer. With multiple years of experience in media, entertainment, communications, tech/innovation and wellness industries in the USA and Asia, she grows organizations, ranging from early-stage startups through mid-size businesses, through storytelling, creative marketing and business strategy. She has served as Head of Marketing at SRI International, Silicon Valley's pioneer science and deep tech research institute, VP of Content at hibooks/Otto Radio producer/presenter for Bloomberg and award-winning host for RTHK Radio 3 in Hong Kong. Reenita founded, built and sold Ayoma, a health and wellness brand, and has written seven books - five non-fiction and two fiction. She has contributed to The Hindu, South China Morning Post, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, CNN, Asian Investor, Times of India and National Geographic Kids, Cartoon Network Asia, Disney and more. She is a limited partner in the How Women Invest fund which specifically invests in women owned companies. She is working on her next novel and has recently launched Chapter by episode, a digital publishing platform for immersive chat fiction stories with diverse themes.   In my book review, I stated Vermilion Harvest by Reenita M. Hora is a historical fiction set in 1919 India during the time of Ghandi's peaceful resistance. As I read historical fiction, I realize how much history I know very little about. Of course, I have heard of Ghandi, but I knew nothing of General Dyer or his attack at the Jallianwallah Bagh. Although fiction, this novel helped me understand the goings-ons prior to, during, and immediately following this attack that eventually changed the fate of the nation.   Reenita did an amazing job with her characters Aruna, who is an Anglo-Indian schoolteacher, and Ayaz, a Muslim law student with political leanings - as well as a host of minor characters. I also loved how she didn't shy away from difficult topics like British rule that kept the Indian population as nothing more than slaves, the tension between three different religions in the region, romance between those of different backgrounds, the plight of Anglo-Indians, single mothers, standing strong in the face of adversity, and more. Finally, I loved a philosophy put forth that good often comes from bad. It is something I needed to hear.   Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1   Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290   You can follow Author Reenita M Hora Website: https://reenita.com/ FB: @ReenitaMalhotraHora IG: @reenita_storyteller X: @reenita_story LinkedIn: @Reenita Malhotra Hora   Purchase Vermilion Harvest on Amazon: Paperback: https://amzn.to/46mBlhO Ebook: https://amzn.to/46poOu1   Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1   Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/onlineforauthors   #reenitamhora #vermilionharvest #historicalfiction #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Are you a woman with financial resources, feeling frustrated by the challenges you see in the world, from limited representation for women in leadership to underfunded female-led companies? Do you believe your money could do more than just grow in a traditional portfolio – that it could be a powerful tool for change? In this episode of How Women Inspire, we tackle the exciting intersection of women's wealth and global impact with Laura Henson. Discover how women hold the key to transforming industries, driving innovation, and solving critical problems by intentionally investing in the future they want to see. This week's episode 179 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about building wealth through values-aligned investing! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Laura Henderson is sharing the importance of investing with purpose and aligning investments with personal values. and actionable steps you can take right now to take control of where your investments are directed. Laura Henderson is the Founder and CEO of HVM Communications. A seasoned marketer with more than two decades of experience in high-level strategic communications, Laura launched HVM Communications in 2009. A communications expert who specializes in business and lifestyle, she has developed strategic plans, and managed campaign execution for some of the world's most admired brands, such as Hermès, PHYTO Paris, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, Method, European Wax Center, Asprey, Pratesi, Missoni and Salvatore Ferragamo.Some of the talking points Julie and Laura go over in this episode include:The power and influence women have by currently controling 52% of the wealth.Aligning your investments with female founders to help close the funding gap.The importance of discussing investing with your friends and other women you know to help break the stigma that women “don't know about investments.”How venture investing is more accessible than people think - often starting at $25,000.Your investments can be a direct reflection of your values. Don't sit on the sidelines when you can be a catalyst for change. Take control of your financial power and step into the venture space. Explore investment opportunities, join communities like How Women Inspire that connect you with funds and female founders, and start making your money work for the world you envision.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH LAURA HENSON:LinkedInHVM CommunicationsCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Content Warning: This episode includes mention of child and animal neglect and abuse. There's a developmental stage between 45-65 where having an impact is one of the most important parts of this stage in our lives and it is so important to take a moment to reflect on the impact we want to have on the world.Today, we're focusing on Julie's story and how she came to the work she does today with How Women Lead. This week's episode 178 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about philanthropy, racial justice, and feminist leadership! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams shares how her childhood experiences were the foundation for her decision early in life to spend the rest of her life trying to make the world a better place and reflecting on her continued efforts to open her heart and door to others by caring for them and loving and accepting them as they are. Some of the talking points Julie goes over in this episode include:Being cognizant of the power dynamics in nonprofit organizations and setting realistic expectations of gratitude. Sharing Maimonides ‘Ladder of Philanthropy' and the high value placed on philanthropy through partnership.The 3 levels of impact Julie focuses on and examples of how this has played out in her life. Encouraging you to have a north star of your own values to drive the impact and influence you have on the world.  Julie shares her story to show that being a life-long philanthropist and living a life of service is not easy but the gifts that come for both you and the people you help are immeasurable.  Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Are you a top executive woman feeling the call for a significant career change, but grappling with the fear of the unknown, the exhaustion of past challenges, or the question of "who am I" outside of your corporate identity? In this episode of How Women Inspire, Julie Castro Abrams, JeanAnn Nochols, and Lori Igleski dive deep into the world of career pivots, offering a roadmap to make your transition less stressful and more fulfilling. Join them as they explore how to align your mindset, leverage community support, and discover your true north in your next professional evolution. This week's episode 176 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about career pivots: navigating your next chapter with joy and success! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, JeanAnn Nichols and Lori Igleski are sharing the importance of aligning professional choices with personal values and actionable steps you can take right now to prepare yourself for a meaningful career pivot. JeanAnn Nichols is an accomplished executive with more than 30 years of diverse professional experience. She has managed engineering, product design, manufacturing, marketing, sales, communications, and IT operations for Fortune 500 companies. Most recently she served as a Vice President and General Manager for a $60B global technology company.Lori Igleski founded Heart-Led Ventures LLC in 2022, leveraging decades of financial services experience to guide organizations through transformational change and ensure the next generation of diverse leaders benefits from her expertise. Throughout her career, she spearheaded over 35 significant merger and acquisition integrations, reorganizations, and technology implementations, passionately advocating for both the client and employee experience by building robust change management and employee engagement strategies. Some of the talking points Julie, JeanAnn, and Lori go over in this episode include:Prioritizing professional rest and mindset alignment.Addressing common fears during a career pivot and embracing self-discovery.Leveraging community support for resilience.Building a portfolio career to fulfill diverse needs.What is one small step you can take today to align your current professional path with your deepest values? Share this episode with a friend who might be contemplating their own career pivot, and subscribe to How Women Inspire for more insights on leading, investing, and giving.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH JEANANN NICHOLS:LinkedInWebsiteCONNECT WITH LORI IGLESKI:LinkedInCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Azin Radsan Van Alebeek is a co-founder and managing partner at Emmeline Ventures. This early-stage fund invests in and supports female-led start-ups in tech-enabled, FemTech, FinTech, and Sustainability sectors. With over 30 years of experience as an executive and board-level advisor, she leverages her strategic planning and coaching skills to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses, achieve their goals, and create returns for investors. Azin is passionate about empowering women to achieve financial sovereignty and make a positive impact in the world. She volunteers regularly to mentor other women on financial literacy, angel investing, and playing big.   In today's episode, Azin shares how an invitation to do something she knew little about led to betting on herself and ultimately becoming an investor in women's health, wealth, and overall well-being. Azin breaks down her role as Co-founder of Emmeline Ventures and the firm's focus on improving women's lives. She describes the meandering journey that took her career from consultant to PTA leadership to firm partner. Azin offers a digestible overview of venture capital, helping us identify who can benefit from VC support and who is better off without it. Check out Emmeline Venture's website and the resources Azin mentioned: I Relaunch, Golden Seeds, Portfolia, How Women Invest, and Show Her the Money. Follow on Instagram: @azinradvan. Please follow us at @thisislibertyroad on Instagram; we want to share and connect with you and hear your thoughts and comments. Please rate and review this podcast. It helps to know if these conversations inspire and equip you to consider your possibilities and lean into your future with intention.

Julie Castro Abrams, Managing Partner at How Women Invest, discusses her firm's investment thesis.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Julie Castro Abrams is a venture capitalist and gender and racial justice activist who has spent the majority of her career working to build great women-owned companies and economic access for women. She is the founder and CEO of How Women Lead, a network of 14,000-plus top executive women who come together to learn, break barriers to success, and make an impact. Using her extensive background, Julie helps top executive women harness and activate their power across all aspects of their careers and lives. She also leads the sister organization, How Women Invest, an early-stage venture capital firm seeking to realize untapped economic potential by focusing on the intersection of female founders and female investors, particularly those of color.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Send us a textOn this episode of Badass Women in Business, hosts Aggie and Cristy sit down with Julie Castro Abrams, the CEO of How Women Lead and How Women Invest. Julie shares her journey of empowering women to break barriers in leadership and investment, the cultural biases that hold women back, and the tangible strategies to rewrite those narratives.Julie discusses the "middle essence" life stage, a transformative period where women shift from climbing career ladders to seeking meaningful impact. With a network of over 25,000 women, Julie sheds light on the importance of collective action to increase women's representation on corporate boards and in venture capital. From the power of diverse leadership to practical advice for navigating investments, Julie's insights resonate deeply with entrepreneurs, executives, and changemakers alike.Notes:Cultural Narratives and Self-Limiting Beliefs:Many powerful women struggle with internalized narratives stemming from early life. Julie highlights the need to identify and rewrite these stories.Confidence is a key element for breaking through these barriers.The "Middle Essence" Life Stage:A period in life (mid-40s to 70s) when women focus on making an impact and building meaningful connections.Women need peers who can inspire and support them at this stage.Women on Corporate Boards:Julie's work has helped drive initiatives to increase the number of women on corporate boards, leading to better financial performance and decision-making.Companies with diverse boards disrupt groupthink and are better positioned for long-term success.Investment and Economic Power:Women are underrepresented in venture capital, receiving just 1.8% of funding in 2023.Julie advocates for women to invest in women-led companies and funds to shift this imbalance.Angel Investing vs. Venture Funds:Angel investing involves direct investments into startups, often high-risk but with potential for personal connection.Venture funds offer diversification and professional management, reducing individual risk.Julie's Leadership Philosophy:Empowering women requires collective action and accountability.Her initiatives like #GetOnBoard and The New Table aim to create systemic change by mobilizing women in leadership and investment.Connect with Julie Castro Abrams:Website: How Women Lead | How Women InvestLinkedIn: Julie Castro Abrams | How Women LeadInstagram: @HowWomenLeadFacebook: How Women LeadTune in for actionable insights and strategies to fuel your leadership journey and expand your impaKeep up with more content from Aggie and Cristy here: Facebook: Empowered Women Leaders Instagram: @badass_women_in_business LinkedIn: ProveHer - Badass Women in Business Website: Badasswomeninbusinesspodcast.com

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

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

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

It's time to embrace your power and influence, no longer worried about societal expectations.Julie Castro Abrams is an expert in board governance, investing, and is an experienced CEO, movement builder, and leader. As the CEO of How Women Lead, a network of over 24,000 women, she is dedicated to breaking ceilings for women both individually and collectively. She is the Managing Partner of How Women Invest, the country's largest venture fund focused exclusively on women founders, and is passionate about helping women rise to positions of power.Julie shares the concept of the middle essence—when women in their 40s need to have an impact, be happy, and do meaningful work. Women own 52% of the wealth and have the financial power to drive significant change. However, there is a disparity between wealth control and decision-making, and most financial decisions are still made by men.It is time to break cultural barriers, and women should advocate for each other, reinforce women's voices, make introductions to expand networks, and be unapologetically visible through podcasts, books, and their communities. Entrepreneurship is key for women to take control and create more inclusive systems because women-led businesses often have a pro-social focus, addressing issues like climate change, good working conditions, and local community support.The challenge of investment women are facing can be fixed with the help of women-run venture funds that are growing and funding solutions for women's businesses. All this information and encouragement can be found in this episode and also in women's circles. So, finding a community that aligns with your values and needs—whether for business or social purposes—will be very helpful.Ladies, embrace every stage of your life, speak up, and pursue your dreams unapologetically.Show notes:⚡ Julie quit her job as a CEO: she felt the urge to impact the world by activating women to make systemic changes. 03:32

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

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

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the political landscape and the pressure to vote a certain way as a Christian woman, then you are not alone! The conflicting narratives and the fear of making the wrong choice can be paralyzing, leaving you feeling isolated in your decision-making process. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover the impact of US elections on Christians and gain insights into navigating political beliefs with faith. Learn about the crucial role of empathy in effective political leadership and its significance for shaping a compassionate society. Explore the intersection of Christian nationalism and politics to understand the complexities of religious identity in the political landscape. Uncover the significance of voting as a Christian woman and how your voice can make a meaningful impact in shaping the future. Gain insights into recognizing and addressing spiritual abuse in the context of US politics, empowering you to navigate faith and politics with wisdom and discernment. My special guest is Johnna Harris Johnna Harris, a white Christian woman and a proud mom, brings a unique perspective to the table. As the host of Bodies Behind the Bus podcast, she shares compelling stories of spiritual abuse survivors, shedding light on the impact of faith and politics. Her journey as an adoptive mom has fueled her passion for issues like adoption, family preservation, and abortion, shaping her political stance. Living in Arizona, an epicenter of Christian nationalism, Johnna's experiences offer a thought-provoking insight into the intersection of religion and politics, especially for Christian women. With her down-to-earth approach and relatable experiences, Johnna's voice adds a valuable layer to the conversation on voting, empathy, and faith. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:02 - Introduction to the Podcast 00:00:34 - Better Help Sponsorship 00:01:38 - Election Day and Political Landscape 00:04:53 - Navigating Voting as a Christian Woman 00:09:23 - Impact of US Politics and Trauma 00:14:08 - Pro Choice vs. Pro Life 00:15:38 - Trump's Influence 00:21:12 - Kamala Harris Rally Experience 00:26:32 - Leadership and Empathy 00:28:36 - Women in Peacemaking 00:28:44 - redefining strength and empathy 00:29:27 - Kamala Harris as a prosecutor and advocate 00:32:38 - Longing for empathy and joy 00:39:51 - The impact of the election on women's lives 00:42:50 - Navigating Spiritual Abuse and Reflecting on Character and Integrity Issues 00:43:23 - Recognizing Narcissistic Behavior and Seeking Support 00:44:12 - Warning Signs and Calls for Support 00:49:24 - Spiritual Abuse and Coercion in Voting 00:54:09 - Hope for an Empathetic and Empowered Future 00:57:16 - Connecting through FaceTime 00:57:47 - Observing elections from Asia 00:58:14 - Voting as a family legacy 01:00:13 - Empowerment through voting 01:01:32 - Embracing diverse perspectives Your allegiance lies with God. End of discussion. - Johnna Harris Follow Lori Adams-Brown on social media for updates and discussions on important topics. Join an organization like How Women Lead or How Women Invest to be part of a community that supports and empowers women in leadership roles. Educate yourself on the political landscape and make an informed decision when voting in local and national elections. Consider making a donation to support political candidates or causes that align with your values and beliefs. Engage in respectful and open conversations with others, even if you disagree, to promote understanding and empathy. Podcast Social Media Links https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/aworldofdifference/ https://www.twitter.com/@awodpod https://www.youtube.com/@aworldofdifference https://www.facebook.com/A-World-of-Difference-613933132591673/ https://www.instagram.com/aworldof.difference https://www.patreon.com/aworldofdifference Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get in the Game: Leadership, Board Seats, Venture InvestingTake a listen inspirational conversation with host Natalie Benamou, Founder of HerCsuite®, with Julie Castro Abrams, CEO of How Women Lead and Managing Partner of How Women Invest. Julie shares her transformative journey from supporting the funding of 6,000 women's businesses to leading initiatives that enhance women's representation in the C-suite, on corporate boards, and in the venture capital sphere.Highlights:Julie highlights the critical underrepresentation of women in venture capital, noting that only 1.8% of all venture funding goes to women-founded companies. She shares the impact of How Women Invest, which sets a manageable investment threshold, opening doors for women to become venture investors.The episode sheds light on an initiative by How Women Lead aimed at preparing women for leadership and board roles. Over 3,000 participants this year gained insights into navigating the challenges of securing top-tier positions.Natalie introduces HerCsuite® Boards Mastermind and HerCsuite® Boards Retreat as complementary programs that build on the momentum of #GetOnBoard Week, specifically designed to help women secure board positions on both private and publicly traded companies.Inspirational Quotes by Julie Castro Abrams:"Look around, are there five women you can encourage today? Tell them, 'I believe in you. Consider stepping up now so you're ready to get in the game when it's right.' There's nothing better I can do for a woman.""In the venture space, only 1.8% of all venture money goes to companies founded by women and 80% of all venture funding went to companies with no women in the founding teams.""When women rise, communities thrive. It's a chain reaction that changes the world."About Julie Castro AbramsJulie Castro Abrams is an expert in board governance, investing and is an experienced CEO movement builder and leader. As the CEO of How Women Lead, a network of over 24,000 women, she is dedicated to breaking ceilings for women individually and collectively. She is the Managing Partner of How Women Invest, the country's largest venture fund focused exclusively on women founders.How Women Lead#GETONBOARDWEEKJulie Castro Abrams LinkedInHow Women Lead on LinkedInHow Women Invest on LinkedInHow Women Lead PodcastConnect with Host Natalie Benamou, Founder HerCsuite®Natalie Benamou is the host of "Women Leaders on the Move '' and the Founder of HerCsuite®, a powerful women's network providing connect circles for women's careers and businesses. She is dedicated to making it easier for women to achieve success in all aspects of their lives. Natalie is also the Founder and President of HER HEALTHX, a nonprofit focused on improving health outcomes for women.Natalie Benamou on LinkedInHerCsuite® on LinkedInThis podcast is sponsored by HerCsuite® Board Retreats

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

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

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

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

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

What if the key to transforming your career and personal life lies in embracing discomfort and letting go of numbing habits? In this episode of "The Other Way," we sit down with Cecily Mak, a mother, writer, podcast host, Founder of the ClearLife movement, and co-founder of Wisdom Ventures, who shares her journey from a high-powered career in law to leading a movement focused on intentional living. Today we cover:Cecily's journey going from 20 years of diverse experience as an attorney, revenue leader, and COO to launching the ClearLife movement, authoring a book, and her podcastReleasing dimmers: aka substances, media, habits that “numb” or alleviate our uncomfortable emotionsAs a mindfulness practitioner, how Cecily balances aspiration with presence and contentmentThe key questions Cecily asks herself to tune into her values, her North Star, and honing her intuitionDaily practices for tapping into her intuition (including a simple way to recognize “signs” from the Universe)Navigating imposter syndrome and doubt (Even top tier executives and founders experience this! Loved the honesty)How a devastating breast cancer diagnosis pointed her more firmly towards her path (validation that “rock bottom” moments can point us towards our greatest gifts)+ so much moreAbout Cecily:Cecily Mak is a mother to two sons, writer, podcast host, co-founder of Wisdom Ventures, and the visionary behind ClearLife. ClearLife is a journey toward an undimmed life, where intention and presence flourish, unencumbered by the stigmas of addiction. Cecily's ClearLife journey, influenced by her triumph over breast cancer in 2022 and her late mother's battle with alcoholism, fuels her mission of transformation and healing. Through her work, she extends a compassionate hand to those navigating similar paths, guiding them toward a life defined by connection, clarity, and well-being.With over 20 years of diverse experience as an attorney, revenue leader, and COO, Cecily has spearheaded the growth of startups across various industries, including music, publishing, mindfulness, well-being, and crypto. As co-founder of Wisdom Ventures and co-founding limited partner of How Women Invest, Cecily is a champion for greater human connection and well-being. Her board memberships and support for various organizations, notably at SIY Global, and The U.S. Alcohol Policy Alliance, underscore her commitment to ethical leadership and social responsibility.Whether parenting her two sons, supporting impact-driven entrepreneurs, or engaging with a global community, Cecily embodies the principles of ClearLife, inspiring others to embrace authenticity and heart-centered living. Her dedication to fostering presence, healthier relationships, and intentional living resonates deeply with individuals seeking a path of alignment and fulfillment.Connect with Cecily:On SubstackOn InstagramOn Support the showTo connect with Kasia Join our monthly newsletter www.inflowplanner.com (use code "podcast10" for 10% off) @The_Other_Way_Podcast @InFlowPlanner Submit topic/theme/speaker requests

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

Preethy Padmanabhan is the founder and host of the 10X Growth Strategies - a hub for discussions on leadership and business growth through books. She is currently the VP of Marketing at Bidgely - providing AI-Powered Solutions for Utilities. Preethy is also a Board Member at TiE Silicon Valley, investor in and mentor to several startups. She is a LP at How Women Invest. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theindustryshow/support

The Jen Marples Show episode 169 is here!I'm revisiting one of my favorite conversations on the podcast with powerhouse Julie Castro Abrams, CEO of How Women Lead and Managing Partner of How Women Invest.  If you feel unsure about your next career move or how to advance while juggling other responsibilities, you'll find this discussion so helpful and inspiring!Julie and I also discuss how to overcome challenges in today's work environment, optimizing your personal brand to expand your opportunity and influence, and finding fulfilling work that fits your strengths.We also dig deep into one of my favorite topics: how women can best support each other!Julie Castro Abrams is a gender and racial justice activist who has spent the majority of her career working to build great women-owned companies and economic access for women. She is founder and CEO of How Women Lead, a network of 14,000-plus top executive women who come together to learn, break barriers to success, and make an impact. Using her extensive background, Julie helps top executive women harness and activate their power across all aspects of their careers and lives. She also leads the sister organization, How Women Invest, an early-stage venture capital firm seeking to realize untapped economic potential by focusing on the intersection of female founders and female investors, particularly those of color.Julie and I discuss:How Julie empowers women through leadership positions and corporate boards.The challenges women face re-entering the workforce, navigating ageism, and gender bias.The importance of networking effectively, building genuine relationships, and mentoring other women.How women can support each other through making introductions, amplifying voices, and acting as advocates.Finding fulfilling work that aligns with your strengths and values in a supportive environment.Embracing confidence in midlife while letting go of negative self-talk.Julie says: You're Not to F***ing Old! to Support Women!I hope you enjoyed today's show! If you'd like to find out more about how I can help you achieve your business or life dreams, you can book a complimentary 20-minute call HERE. Visit my website at www.jenmarples.com and if you sign up for my newsletter, I've got two free juicy gifts for you, my Stepping Into The Spotlight guide and my 12 Steps to Pivot guide. I'd love to connect with you on social media so please follow me @jenmarples on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube, and let me know if you listen to the show! Nothing makes me happier than connecting with you dear listener. Please help me by leaving a 5-star rating and written review on Apple HERE and a 5-Star rating on Spotify HERE. Thank you and have a beautiful day!Unedited AI Transcript HereCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS: How Women LeadInstagramLinkedinCONNECT WITH JEN MARPLES:Subscribe to my Newsletter

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

As women-founded companies receive only 2% of venture funding year after year, it's more important than ever for women founders and women venture capitalists to band together to reshape what it means to be an investor and an entrepreneur. Winsome Kirton and Tatijana Janko are two women advocating for and leading this change. They're here today to discuss diversity in investment, their experiences with bias in the investment space, and more. This week's episode 121 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about women leading change in startups and capital! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast,Winsome Kirton and Tatijana Janko are sharing the importance of investing in diverse women founders, both ethically and financially and actionable steps you can take right now to begin investing with your values. Winsome Kirton is the founder and CEO of Heard.io, a B2B ecosystem that drives and measures social impact by connecting businesses with companies that meet their ESG goals. After working as a media director and working on her first startup, Pack Elephant, Winsome realized how difficult it was to work with small and diverse-owned businesses on a big scale. She started Heard.io to combat those difficulties and allow companies to shop thoughtfully and intentionally for their corporate gifting needs.Tatijana Janko is the Founder and General Partner at Fjor venture capital. She most recently was a Mucker Capital backed founder of a software startup built for managing workflows of matrixed investment teams. As a fintech entrepreneur and independent sponsor she closed $56M in investments and helped to secure securitization and forward flow arrangements for insurance companies and hedge funds.Some of the talking points Julie, Winsome, and Tatijana go over in this episode include:New Table's mission to get 10,000 women investing.The challenges of being a black woman entrepreneur.The importance of amplifying women-owned and founded companies.The grit and unique perspectives offered by immigrant entrepreneurs.To learn more and join The New Table, visit the How Women Lead website today!Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH WINSOME KIRTON:LinkedInHeard.ioCONNECT WITH TATIJANA JANKO:LinkedInFjorCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWLJoin us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Have you ever considered how women can leverage their influence and resources to drive impactful changes in entrepreneurship and investing? In this episode, Marcia engages in a dynamic discussion on women's leadership, angel investing, and the power of collective action with Julie Castro Abrams. Julie is a seasoned leader in social justice and shares her journey into angel investing and how and why she created How Women Lead and How Women Invest, organizations inspiring women to make positive change.From breaking glass ceilings in corporate boards to investing in ventures with a social impact focus, Julie is at the forefront of empowering women to make a difference. This episode is a must-listen for those interested in the intersection of entrepreneurship, gender equality, and social impact, offering practical insights and inspiration for women looking to drive positive change in the investment landscape. To get the latest from Julie Castro Abrams, you can follow her below!LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-castro-abrams/https://www.howwomenlead.com/https://www.howwomeninvest.com/ Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!Website: www.marciadawood.com And don't forget to follow us wherever you are!Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.appleSpotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotifyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

In the world of founders and business owners, you'll find many people who start more than one company. You'll be hard-pressed, however, to find someone who has not only started multiple successful companies and a venture fund, but imbues all of her projects with as much passion, authenticity, and respect for her culture and values as Betsy Fore. Betsy has taken her success and turned to mentoring, funding, and supporting the next generation of Native American entrepreneurs through her from Velveteen Ventures, the non-profit Natives Rising, and more. Betsy is here today to talk about all of that and more! This week's episode 120 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about inspiring and funding Native American entrepreneurs! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Betsy Fore is sharing the importance of understanding one's deep inner ‘why' and actionable steps you can take right now to support Native American entrepreneurs, founders, and young professionals. Betsy Fore is the Founding Partner and Managing Director of Velveteen Ventures, a venture firm investing in Children & Planet for the next seven generations. Previously, she was the Co-Founder and CEO of Tiny Organics, Founder and CEO of Wondermento, creators of WonderWoof. Betsy is also Co-Founder & Board Member for Native Rising, a career accelerator for Indigenous founders & Indigenous technologists that provides funding and opportunities through mentorship, networking, events, job placements and career development.Some of the talking points Julie and Betsy go over in this episode include:The challenges of being a "ceiling breaker" as a woman of color in the tech industry.Lifting up other entrepreneurs to help them build companies and generational wealth.Overcoming fundraising challenges as a Native American woman through authenticity and passion.Partnering with indigenous organizations for economic empowerment.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH BETSY FORE:LinkedInInstagramNatives RisingVelveteen VenturesCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWLJoin us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Women control 52% of wealth in the United States. Despite that, less than 5% of women who can invest in venture capital actually do so. Venture capital is often portrayed as an avenue of wealth for the “bros” but if we come together as women, our unique value sets and perspectives can change the world by funding innovative, women-founded startups looking to find solutions that benefit everyone, rather than a privileged few. Today, Julie and Barbara Iyayi, CEO and Founding Partner of Unicorn Growth Capital, invite you to learn about venture capital as an opportunity to grow your wealth and help women across the globe. This week's episode 119 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about investing with purpose and power! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Barbara Iyayi is sharing the importance of investing in women-led companies, creating a more inclusive innovation economy, and actionable steps you can take right now to start investing in women-founded companies creating a better future. Barbara Iyayi is the CEO & Founding Partner of Unicorn Growth Capital, a Web3 VC fund that invests in the future of Finance, bridging TradFi & DeFi, to transform the financial infrastructure of the digital economy. She is an experienced venture capital and growth equity investor, and entrepreneur with over 17 years' experience in financial services, spanning venture capital, private equity, investment banking/M&A and technology.Some of the talking points Julie and Barbara go over in this episode include:How decentralized finance can open up investment opportunities worldwide.Aligning your investments with your values to help underserved markets.Investing in women-founded companies can help solve problems others ignore.The importance of investing in women-led companies and creating a more inclusive innovation economy.To learn more and join The New Table, visit the How Women Lead website today!Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH BARBARA IYAYI:LinkedInX (formerly Twitter)Unicorn Growth CapitalCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWLJoin us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Investing in venture capital has historically been a men's game, and the companies that receive funding reflect that. Less than 2% of venture funding is awarded to women-led companies, and that number has remained the same for many years. But as the pool of venture investors diversifies, we believe that number should grow. Tessa Flippin, Founder of Capitalize VC and Julie spoke about this topic in a LinkedIn Live that we're sharing with you today. This week's episode 117 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about rewriting the playbook for women's investing! In this episode of the How Women Inspire Podcast, Tessa Flippin discusses the importance of investing in women-founded and diverse companies and actionable steps you can take right now to demystify investing jargon. Tessa Flippin is the Founder and Managing Partner of Capitalize VC, a Chicago-based VC fund investing in pre-seed stage, diverse founders in the multi-trillion dollar, rapidly growing commerce industry at the intersection of commerce enablement, commerce infrastructure, fintech and consumer brands. Tessa began her career in venture capital as a venture investor at TechNexus, a Chicago-based fund, where she invested in enterprise SaaS technologies at the seed stage. She joined Genius Guild Greenhouse Fund as a Venture Partner, investing in founders in fintech, health tech and connectivity.Some of the talking points Julie and Tessa go over in this episode include:The challenges faced by diverse founders, including women and underrepresented groups, in accessing funding.Investing in social impact funds to drive financial return and support sustainable practices.The importance of diversity and inclusion in the entrepreneurial space.The impact of women-led businesses on society and the environment.If you're interested in joining The New Table, head over to our website for more information!Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of it to post in your stories and tag me! Don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH TESSA FLIPPIN:LinkedInX (formerly Twitter)Capitalize VCCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWLJoin us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Less than 2% of all venture funding every year goes to women-founded businesses. But while that number has not changed in recent years, the amount of women actively investing has increased significantly. Our mission at How Women Lead is to create opportunities and access for women investors to help increase the amount of funding for women in the venture space. Naseem Sayani, Co-founder and GP of Emmeline Ventures joined Julie for a LinkedIn Live that we're sharing with you today. This week's episode 116 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about investing with purpose and making a difference in investing as women! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Naseem Sayani is sharing the importance of investing in women-founded companies and actionable steps you can take right now to begin your investing journey today. Naseem Sayani is the Co-founder and Director of Emmeline Ventures, a female-founded early-stage fund investing in ambitious female founders building businesses that are helping women, in particular, manage their health, build their wealth, and live in a cleaner, safer world. Naseem has over 20 years of expertise in investing and business-building and has experience as an angel investor on her own.Some of the talking points Julie and Naseem go over in this episode include:The underrepresentation of women in venture capital and how the numbers have changed in the past few years. How women-led companies perform better for their investors, are more capital efficient, and continue to grow despite challenges in the industry.The importance and power of values-based investing.Making entering the venture capital space clear and accessible for women everywhere.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH NASEEM SAYANI:Emmeline VenturesLinkedInX (formerly Twitter)CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWLJoin us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Cecily Mak: The Founding of Wisdom Ventures Fund Cecily Mak is a co-founding general partner of Wisdom Ventures, committed to advancing technology and businesses based on compassionate design and is co-founding LP of How Women Invest, a venture capital firm that invests exclusively in women-led companies. Welcome to the Conscious Millionaire Show for entrepreneurs, who want to achieve high sales and positively impact humanity! Join host, JV Crum III, as he goes inside the minds of conscious guests such as Millionaire Entrepreneurs and World-Class Business Experts. Like this Podcast? Get every episode delivered to you free!  Subscribe in iTunes Download Your Free Money-Making Gift Now... "Born to Make Millions" Hypnotic Audio - Click Here Now! Please help spread the word. Subscribing and leaving a review helps others find our podcast. Thanks so much! Inc Magazine "Top 13 Business Podcasts." Conscious Millionaire Network has over 3,800 episodes that have been heard by over 100 million in 190 countries.