Podcast appearances and mentions of julie castro abrams

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.

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

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

On this episode of The Leadership Habit Podcast, host Jenn DeWall sits down with Julie Castro Abrams to explore how developmental life stages impact career success. Our needs and priorities shift throughout life, and understanding these transitions can help us make better decisions, set realistic expectations, and align our goals with our values. Whether you're […] The post How Developmental Life Stages Impact Success with Julie Castro Abrams appeared first on Crestcom International.

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

Discover the unexpected side of a remarkable leader, Julie Castro Abrams, as she shares her journey and vision for women's empowerment. Stay tuned to find out her surprising hopes for 2025 and the inspiring work she's doing to make a difference worldwide. Don't miss out on this exclusive conversation that will leave you feeling inspired and empowered. In this episode, you will be able to: Mastering the art of empowering women in leadership roles leads to increased career fulfillment and success. Uncover effective strategies for building diverse boards and creating an inclusive workplace culture. Explore the critical importance of diversity in corporate governance and its impact on organizational success. Discover powerful ways to support women entrepreneurs and startups, driving innovation and economic growth. Learn how to navigate career growth and seize board opportunities, propelling your professional journey to new heights. My special guest is Julie Castro Abrams Julie Castro Abrams, the CEO and Founder of How Women Lead, is a highly accomplished expert in empowering women in leadership roles and driving diversity in corporate governance. With a strong commitment to justice and community, Julie has played pivotal leadership roles in various organizations focused on women, children, Latinos, economic development, and the arts. Her extensive accolades, including the Women of Color Action Network Leadership Award and her role as Governance Chair for the Women's Funding Network, attest to her significant impact in supporting women entrepreneurs and startups. Julie's dedication to creating a supportive network for women and her proven ability to facilitate rich conversations that drive change make her an invaluable asset in navigating career growth and board opportunities for women. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:02 - Welcome and Introduction 00:03:27 - Personal and Professional Development 00:09:46 - The Credo of How Women Lead 00:10:16 - Supportive Network and Advocacy 00:12:44 - Visibility and Empowerment 00:13:27 - Taking Up Your Power 00:14:33 - Countercultural Behaviors 00:16:37 - Celebrating Black Women's Leadership 00:18:53 - Unabashedly Visible Struggle 00:23:31 - Disrupting Groupthink on Boards 00:26:16 - Importance of Diversity in Decision Making 00:28:35 - Empowerment through Women's Retreats 00:32:06 - Evolution of How Women Lead's Programming 00:33:18 - Addressing Gender Equity in Venture Funding 00:36:14 - Reversing Cultural Narratives of Division 00:39:32 - Encouraging Women to Pursue Leadership Roles 00:40:26 - Normalizing Conversations about Leadership 00:41:03 - Redefining Masculinity 00:43:36 - Creating Supportive Spaces for Women 00:49:33 - Hopes for 2025 Connect with Julie Castro Abrams on LinkedIn to stay updated on her work and initiatives. Visit www.howwomenlead.com to learn more about How Women Lead and their programs for women's leadership and board opportunities. Join the Difference Makers community on Patreon at www.patreon.com/aworldofdifference to access exclusive content, including additional insights from Julie Castro Abrams and other guests. Explore other interviews and articles featuring Julie Castro Abrams to gain further insights into her work and expertise. Consider supporting and advocating for women in your network by encouraging them to explore leadership roles and opportunities, and by recognizing and valuing their contributions. Connect with us: https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com Linkedin YouTube FaceBook Instagram Threads Patreon Bluesky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover the unexpected side of a remarkable leader, Julie Castro Abrams, as she shares her journey and vision for women's empowerment. Stay tuned to find out her surprising hopes for 2025 and the inspiring work she's doing to make a difference worldwide. Don't miss out on this exclusive conversation that will leave you feeling inspired and empowered. In this episode, you will be able to: Mastering the art of empowering women in leadership roles leads to increased career fulfillment and success. Uncover effective strategies for building diverse boards and creating an inclusive workplace culture. Explore the critical importance of diversity in corporate governance and its impact on organizational success. Discover powerful ways to support women entrepreneurs and startups, driving innovation and economic growth. Learn how to navigate career growth and seize board opportunities, propelling your professional journey to new heights. My special guest is Julie Castro Abrams Julie Castro Abrams, the CEO and Founder of How Women Lead, is a highly accomplished expert in empowering women in leadership roles and driving diversity in corporate governance. With a strong commitment to justice and community, Julie has played pivotal leadership roles in various organizations focused on women, children, Latinos, economic development, and the arts. Her extensive accolades, including the Women of Color Action Network Leadership Award and her role as Governance Chair for the Women's Funding Network, attest to her significant impact in supporting women entrepreneurs and startups. Julie's dedication to creating a supportive network for women and her proven ability to facilitate rich conversations that drive change make her an invaluable asset in navigating career growth and board opportunities for women. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:02 - Welcome and Introduction 00:03:27 - Personal and Professional Development 00:09:46 - The Credo of How Women Lead 00:10:16 - Supportive Network and Advocacy 00:12:44 - Visibility and Empowerment 00:13:27 - Taking Up Your Power 00:14:33 - Countercultural Behaviors 00:16:37 - Celebrating Black Women's Leadership 00:18:53 - Unabashedly Visible Struggle 00:23:31 - Disrupting Groupthink on Boards 00:26:16 - Importance of Diversity in Decision Making 00:28:35 - Empowerment through Women's Retreats 00:32:06 - Evolution of How Women Lead's Programming 00:33:18 - Addressing Gender Equity in Venture Funding 00:36:14 - Reversing Cultural Narratives of Division 00:39:32 - Encouraging Women to Pursue Leadership Roles 00:40:26 - Normalizing Conversations about Leadership 00:41:03 - Redefining Masculinity 00:43:36 - Creating Supportive Spaces for Women 00:49:33 - Hopes for 2025 Connect with Julie Castro Abrams on LinkedIn to stay updated on her work and initiatives. Visit www.howwomenlead.com to learn more about How Women Lead and their programs for women's leadership and board opportunities. Join the Difference Makers community on Patreon at www.patreon.com/aworldofdifference to access exclusive content, including additional insights from Julie Castro Abrams and other guests. Explore other interviews and articles featuring Julie Castro Abrams to gain further insights into her work and expertise. Consider supporting and advocating for women in your network by encouraging them to explore leadership roles and opportunities, and by recognizing and valuing their contributions. Connect with us: https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com Linkedin YouTube FaceBook Instagram Threads Patreon Bluesky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does this sound familiar? Have you been told that the key to finding your next role is to simply upload your resume and wait for the perfect opportunity? Yet, there you are, feeling stuck and frustrated, with no results in sight. It's time to break free from ineffective job search strategies and discover a new approach that actually works. Let's dive into resilience strategies for job loss and recovery and uncover how to land your dream role. In this episode, you will be able to: Mastering Executive Recruitment Strategies: Unlock the secrets to attracting top talent and building a high-performing team. Embracing Career Transition and Resilience: Discover how to bounce back stronger and more confident after a career setback. Unveiling the Benefits of Sabbaticals and Time Off: Explore the rejuvenating power of taking a break and its impact on professional growth. Crafting a Personal Brand with Podcasts: Learn how to leverage the podcasting platform to amplify your professional presence and reach a wider audience. Navigating Job Loss and Recovery Strategies: Uncover effective tactics for overcoming job loss and charting a successful path to your next opportunity. My special guest is Kristen Revell. Kristen Revell is a powerhouse in the executive search and recruitment field, boasting over two decades of expertise. As the President and Founder of The Revell Group, she has been instrumental in delivering tailored talent solutions for clients seeking top-tier professionals. Kristen's extensive career includes leadership roles at Robert Half, where she showcased her prowess in business development, strategic accounts, and leadership training. Besides her professional accomplishments, Kristen's ventures outside the corporate realm include hosting the podcasts, Curiosity with Kristen and Where Next Travel with Kristen and Carol, where she delves into inspiring conversations about business transformations and travel experiences. Her passion for uplifting and inspiring others shines through in her work, making her a trusted advisor and a captivating voice in the industry. The key moments in this episode are: 00:08:12 - Moving Abroad and Expatriate Opportunities 00:12:19 - Job Search Strategies 00:13:04 - Career goals and company research 00:14:30 - Thorough evaluation before joining a company 00:16:25 - Personal well-being and work-life balance 00:19:28 - Identifying toxic work environments 00:24:00 - Recognizing burnout and the need for self-care 00:25:17 - The Challenges of Being a Difference Maker 00:26:27 - Finding the Right Company Culture 00:30:19 - Utilizing the Services of a Recruiter 00:35:05 - Making a Difference in People's Lives 00:36:58 - The Cost of Recruitment Services 00:37:14 - Importance of Clarifying Payment Expectations 00:37:40 - The Importance of Taking Time Off 00:42:08 - Favorite Travel Destinations 00:47:07 - Kristen's Impact in Career Transition Connect with Kristen Revell on LinkedIn for career advice and opportunities Check out Kristen's podcasts Curiosity with Kristen and Where Next? for inspiring stories and travel insights. Visit Kristen's website to learn more about her work and how she can help you in your career Join the Patreon community for exclusive content and deeper insights from Kristen Revell: https://www.patreon.com/aworldofdifference Tune in next week to hear from Julie Castro Abrams, founder and president of How Women Lead, for more inspiring conversations about making a difference. Connect with us: https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com Linkedin YouTube FaceBook Instagram Threads Patreon Bluesky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does this sound familiar? Have you been told that the key to finding your next role is to simply upload your resume and wait for the perfect opportunity? Yet, there you are, feeling stuck and frustrated, with no results in sight. It's time to break free from ineffective job search strategies and discover a new approach that actually works. Let's dive into resilience strategies for job loss and recovery and uncover how to land your dream role. In this episode, you will be able to: Mastering Executive Recruitment Strategies: Unlock the secrets to attracting top talent and building a high-performing team. Embracing Career Transition and Resilience: Discover how to bounce back stronger and more confident after a career setback. Unveiling the Benefits of Sabbaticals and Time Off: Explore the rejuvenating power of taking a break and its impact on professional growth. Crafting a Personal Brand with Podcasts: Learn how to leverage the podcasting platform to amplify your professional presence and reach a wider audience. Navigating Job Loss and Recovery Strategies: Uncover effective tactics for overcoming job loss and charting a successful path to your next opportunity. My special guest is Kristen Revell. Kristen Revell is a powerhouse in the executive search and recruitment field, boasting over two decades of expertise. As the President and Founder of The Revell Group, she has been instrumental in delivering tailored talent solutions for clients seeking top-tier professionals. Kristen's extensive career includes leadership roles at Robert Half, where she showcased her prowess in business development, strategic accounts, and leadership training. Besides her professional accomplishments, Kristen's ventures outside the corporate realm include hosting the podcasts, Curiosity with Kristen and Where Next Travel with Kristen and Carol, where she delves into inspiring conversations about business transformations and travel experiences. Her passion for uplifting and inspiring others shines through in her work, making her a trusted advisor and a captivating voice in the industry. The key moments in this episode are: 00:08:12 - Moving Abroad and Expatriate Opportunities 00:12:19 - Job Search Strategies 00:13:04 - Career goals and company research 00:14:30 - Thorough evaluation before joining a company 00:16:25 - Personal well-being and work-life balance 00:19:28 - Identifying toxic work environments 00:24:00 - Recognizing burnout and the need for self-care 00:25:17 - The Challenges of Being a Difference Maker 00:26:27 - Finding the Right Company Culture 00:30:19 - Utilizing the Services of a Recruiter 00:35:05 - Making a Difference in People's Lives 00:36:58 - The Cost of Recruitment Services 00:37:14 - Importance of Clarifying Payment Expectations 00:37:40 - The Importance of Taking Time Off 00:42:08 - Favorite Travel Destinations 00:47:07 - Kristen's Impact in Career Transition Connect with Kristen Revell on LinkedIn for career advice and opportunities Check out Kristen's podcasts Curiosity with Kristen and Where Next? for inspiring stories and travel insights. Visit Kristen's website to learn more about her work and how she can help you in your career Join the Patreon community for exclusive content and deeper insights from Kristen Revell: https://www.patreon.com/aworldofdifference Tune in next week to hear from Julie Castro Abrams, founder and president of How Women Lead, for more inspiring conversations about making a difference. Connect with us: https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com Linkedin YouTube FaceBook Instagram Threads Patreon Bluesky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You've got the power, and it's time to ignite it! As a Caring Leader® and a woman, embracing your personal power means leading with confidence, your unique style, and a vision that inspires change. When you own your strengths and voice, challenges become opportunities, and you uplift those around you. By stepping into this power, you're not just advancing your career—you're shaping the future of Caring Leadership. WHEN YOU'RE READY, HERE'S HOW WE CAN HELP: Masterclass and More: https://www.caringleadershiplearning.com/ Engage your people with work culture consulting: https://employeefanatix.com/ Hire Heather to speak to your group: https://www.heatheryounger.com Access free Active Listening On-Demand Webinar: https://heatheryounger.com/webinar/ Access free Art of Caring Leadership resources: https://www.heatheryounger.com/kit Book a consultation or general contact: https://heatheryounger.com/#contact ---------------------------------------------------- For more Leadership Motivational videos, click here to subscribe to my channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@heatherryounger Let's connect on social! https://www.facebook.com/HeatherRYounger https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherryounger/ https://x.com/HeatherRYounger https://www.instagram.com/heatherryoungerofficial/ https://www.youtube.com/c/HeatherRYounger-EmployeeLoyalty-LeadershipExpert ---------------------------------------------------- About Heather R Younger, J.D., CSP Heather R Younger is a highly sought-after speaker, 2x-TEDx speaker, diversity, equity and inclusion strategist, and contributor to leading news outlets. She is also the Founder and CEO of Employee Fanatix, a leading employee engagement and consulting firm.  After over 25,000 employee engagement surveys and years of working with organizations to transform employee engagement, here's what Heather has seen over and over:  When you know how to listen, employees will tell you exactly what they need to bring their full selves to work.  Book Heather to speak at your event or organization. Visit heatheryounger.com or https://www.cmispeakers.com/heather-r-younger. for more details.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today, I had the incredible Julie Castro Abrams on the show. She's a powerhouse in the world of women's wealth and empowerment who has used her career to help build up other women to give them opportunities that previous generations before her have never had.  Julie opened up getting her first internship at the University of Chicago which ultimately sparked her passion for working with other women in social justice initiatives. From there, she's worked in countless roles, most notably as CEO of the Women's Initiative for Self-Employment. To highlight her current mission, Julie shares about the gender disparity that still exists in asset management and leadership roles, especially for women of color. She believes that the more women we help find their voice and power, the more we can rebalance the power scales for future generations.  Julie's story is a testament to the decades she's dedicated to helping women find opportunities to change their lives. Her vision for the future is clear — she wants every woman to understand the power of her financial decisions and use that power to create systemic change. It's an inspiring legacy she's building for future generations of women in finance and beyond.      Key Topics: Reflecting on the incredible economic and social barriers for women just a few decades ago Julie's first exposure to ideas that changed her worldview forever Seeing women use their wealth for transformational causes for the first time The impact of women leaders in Julie's life growing up Forming her life philosophy in her early career Helping women become business owners as the CEO of the Women's Initiative for Self-Employment Navigating work and chronic illness Becoming foster parents for the first time Learning the true value of how money can change lives Deciding to shift her career in her 40's to focus on getting more economic power in women's hands  At what point Julie felt she had power over her own finances Realigning investments with core values Creating an opportunity for an economic power play for women Spending money on fun and enjoyment  Connect with Julie online:   Website: https://www.howwomenlead.com/ The New Table: https://www.howwomenlead.com/new-table LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-castro-abrams/ Instagram: @howwomenlead Find more from Syama Bunten: Instagram: @syama.co, @gettingrichpod Website: https://scalingretail.com/, https://syamabunten.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/scalingretailconsulting

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

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

When women are in positions of power and influence, it's better for people, profits, and the planet. But society up to this point has not been conditioned to see women as influential, successful leaders. We at How Women Lead are working to change how the world perceives women leaders and our credo is our guiding light on this journey. Today we are compiling Julie's episodes about the four tenets of our credo into one place to inspire and motivate you to help us in our cultural transformation. This week's episode 105 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the How Women Lead credo! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams is sharing the importance of reinforcing the voices of other women and actionable steps you can take right now to be unabashedly visible in whatever you do.Some of the talking points Julie goes over in this episode include:The importance of creating a countercultural credo to amplify women's leadership and capabilities.Empowering women through making connections and using your network to benefit others.Combatting the cultural dismissal of women's voices through media representation.Julie's personal journey in overcoming self-doubt and a fear of public speaking.Don't forget to head over to How Women Lead to learn about the different branches of the organization and how you can get involved.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 - HWLJoin us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Julie Castro Abrams is the Managing Partner of How Women Invest and CEO of How Women Lead. How Women Lead was established in 2011 and is driving for a world where women have a seat at every table where decisions are made and is currently a network of over 100,000 professional women. How Women Invest is an early stage venture firm seeking to realize untapped economic potential by focusing on the intersection of female founders and female investors. She is also the co-founder and CEO of Limitless Bridge Capital, sits on the Advisory Board of Nia Impact Capital among multiple other roles.   Our conversation is a sweeping one which traces the origins of Julie's passion for empowering women in professional settings and spends considerable time on the benefits of networking, knowledge sharing and developing a voice. We talk about the benefits of a community, and how to build one, and how to bridge the confidence gap that many women experience when it comes to finance and money matters. This relates to empowerment and inviting more women in to finance and investing, which for some is angel investing.Julie discusses the importance of angel investing as both spark and growth capital in an ecosystem, and how going about it can generate the virtuous cycle of more confidence, more status and better community and relationship.We move then to discuss the need for a New Table, at which women and men are represented equally, and how to message this so that women respond and get the support they need.  There is more information about How Women Lead here: https://www.howwomenlead.com/the-movement Series 1 of 2024 is supported by Apollo Global Management, a leading provider of alternative asset management and retirement services solutions. Apollo seeks to provide clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum and is focused on empowering retirees, building and financing stronger businesses and driving a more sustainable future. 

Women's voices have been and continue to be culturally dismissed and discouraged. Women are very rarely quoted in science and financial journals, as well as make up only about 25% of all of the people who are quoted as experts in the news media. The fourth element of our credo at How Women Lead is to Be Unabashedly Visible, and today, Julie is sharing her journey to be more visible. This week's episode 100 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about being unabashedly visible! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams is sharing the importance of public speaking in creating change and actionable steps you can take right now to be visible and take up space. Some of the talking points Julie goes over in this episode include:The cultural narratives that hold women back that we have heard from a young age.Embracing your power and influence, and overcoming self-doubt.How public speaking can create change and how you can improve your public speaking skills.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

2024 will be a year of tremendous change, and tremendous noise.  With elections in key regions, we are likely to be subjected to a volley of rhetoric and uncertainty will be the order of the day. In times like this, it seems even more important to reach out to our wise community for their insights on what should stay the same, and evolve, amid this uncertainty. Tune in to hear about the power of networks, the importance of investing in relationships for the long term, the need for certainty and the importance of hearing the bad news early - particularly as a credit investor.  We also talk about the blue economy, the power of capital, company culture and blockages to effective governance, as well as the transformational role of alternatives in individual portfolio.  Tune in to hear from Catherine Beard, about her path through private credit and Jason Singer about what it means to provide solutions to clients on a global scale, and how alternatives will grow as portfolio components.  Uwe Schillhorn charts his career, which involved stints in Latin America and other Emerging Markets, and describes how the desire for certainty drives advisory behaviors even amid great market volatility while Paul Richards takes us deep inside the governance mindset and teaches us some words that every board member and executive should learn.Elizabeth Browne charts her extraordinary career and family history of female empowerment and shares the kind of founder she is now committed to supporting, while Asha Mehta takes us on a journey of her own, describing the Power of Capital, the book she wrote with the same title, and how being an Adventure Capitalist has become her life's mission.Chris Gorell Barnes describes the depths and opportunities in investing in the Blue Economy, and Shane Lanigan describes why credit investors need the bad news upfront, while discussing the opportunity set in Ireland and the UK. Julie Castro Abrams talks us through creating a seat at the table for all women, while Angela Miller May returns to the podcast to update us on her new CIO role at IMRF in Illinois, and how she is determined to leave no stone unturned in making an impact.  Series 1 of 2024 is supported by Apollo Global Management, a leading provider of alternative asset management and retirement services solutions. Apollo seeks to provide clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum and is focused on empowering retirees, building and financing stronger businesses and driving a more sustainable future. 

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. In this week's episode 97 of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie shares her journey of philanthropy and impact!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! CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

The technology industry is predominantly led by white men under the age of 45. While this has been the case for a long time, many different types of founders are starting to enter the space and attempting to get venture funding. Venture firms and funds that focus on often underrepresented founders, especially women of color, are truly making an impact in the technology space and paving the way to change other investor's attitudes toward whom they invest in. Victoria Kennedy is here to talk about Seed to Harvest Ventures and how they put women of color first in their firm. This week's episode 92 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about investing in women of color entrepreneurs and founders! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Victoria Kennedy share the importance of using one's existing skills and strengths to pursue their passions and actionable steps you can take right now to build community and network as you seek funding. Victoria Kennedy is the Founder and GP at Seed to Harvest Ventures, a venture firm committed to setting up early-stage companies that are historically overlooked and providing them with education, resources, and connections to scale their business. Victoria has unparalleled expertise in building products and assembling high-performance teams and has consulted for companies like Goldman Sachs and The Today Show with NBC.Some of the talking points Julie and Victoria go over in this episode include:Transitioning careers from a product leader to starting a venture firm.Women of color founders deliver 35% higher ROIs than white male founders.The challenges of being a black woman in a predominantly white male-led industry.Using your existing skills to pursue your passions.You can listen to Seed to Harvest's podcast, Adventures in Fun(d)land, on Spotify!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 VICTORIA KENNEDY:LinkedInInstagramSeed to Harvest VenturesCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Every woman has an instance in her childhood where her voice was ignored. Maybe she was told to be seen and not heard, maybe she was looked over in class to speak, or maybe she was told to take up less space. This cultural bias against women's voices needs to be put to an end and it starts with us supporting one another and speaking up to affirm another woman and make her voice heard.  This week's episode 89 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about reinforcing women's voices when they speak up! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams shares the importance of supporting other women when they speak and actionable steps you can take right now to open opportunities for women's voices to be heard. Some of the talking points Julie goes over in this episode include:Women being ignored is a cultural problem, not an isolated incident.How Harvard Business School documented gender bias that kept women from reaping the full benefits of attending the school.All women have been told to be seen and not heard as children, and this carries over well into adulthood.Steps we can take to open doors and create opportunities for ourselves and the women around us. Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Today's epsiode is as empowering and educational as it is heartwarming. I'm talking to Julie Castro Abrams, who I've dubbed as the Fairy Godmother of Investing for women. Julie is the Founder + CEO of How Women Lead, as well as a gender and social justice activist who is actively changing the financial landscape for women in the world. Her latest project, The New Table, is essentially Girl Code for women and wealth. In today's conversation, Julie talks about the energetics and accessibility around investing (and how doable it really is for many of us), as well as the importance of supporting women-owned companies while building our own wealth. This one's gonna blow your mind. Let's go girls. Learn more about Julie's mission, How Women Lead, here.

“Deals are made on the golf course.” “Your network is your net worth.” How often have we women heard these phrases throughout our lives, only to be scolded or warned against doing these same things that men are encouraged to do? It's time for us to change the cultural narrative around using our connections to create professional opportunities for ourselves and the women around us. This week's episode 72 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the second tenant of the How Women Lead credo: saying yes to helping each other! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams is sharing the importance of making introductions for other women and actionable steps you can take right now to increase opportunities for yourself and the women around you!Some of the talking points Julie goes over in this episode include:It's not what you know, it's who you know.How women are discouraged from making introductions for one another when men are encouraged to do so.The power of actively making connections.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

In this episode of Money Tales, our guest is Julie Castro Abrams. Julie is a hard charging activist who very early on knew what she did not want to be– and that was a trophy wife. This is because when she was young, Julie saw her mother's friends navigating divorces and ending up destitute as a result. Julie wanted to have a family and a career, and she also wanted to protect herself from the financial risk that her mom's friends experienced. Julie successfully crafted the life she wanted, including finding a spouse who has had a strong enough ego to be an ally and support her role as the family's breadwinner.Julie is the founder and Managing Partner of How Women Invest, an early-stage venture firm focused on high growth, tech enabled women-founded enterprises. The firm is a culmination of her lifetime of work propelling women founders to launch and find success with training, capital and networks. Julie brings her extensive experience identifying and supporting early-stage entrepreneurs and twenty years as a CEO and board director. She is bringing her extensive networks, leadership and entrepreneurship experience to disruption of the venture landscape.An active investor and advisor to start-ups, and as the leader of the nation's largest microenterprise and microfinance organization for 11 years, Julie has helped launch over 6,000 women into successful businesses. In her role as CEO of Women's Initiative for Self Employment, an SBA Certified Development Financial Institution, Julie drove innovation in the US microenterprise and finance space. Investing in extensive research about the indicators of long-term success for women entrepreneurs, Julie brings deep intellectual prowess, extensive networks and experience to this transformative venture firm.Today she is advising the SBA, White House and Congress on national legislative initiatives to address economic opportunities for women. She serves on the California First Partners Project as an advisor regarding corporate board diversity. In her role as Founder and CEO of How Women Lead, she has been a driver of legislative initiatives and transformation in the US and California. Julie serves as an Advisor to financial services firms including the fin-tech start-up LENDonate and Nia Capital. She previously served as an advisor to Beneficial Bank and as the Governance Chair for the Association for Enterprise Opportunity and the Women's Funding Network. As the CEO of How Women Lead, she is at the center of the movement to disrupt antiquated, unequal systems by propelling women into even greater leadership roles and increasing opportunities for all women. Julie has been an essential driver of the ecosystem for women on corporate boards in California. Julie has been a national leader in the movement and drove the successful passage of the groundbreaking Senate Bill 826, requiring public companies to have women on their boards. The recipient of many accolades, she has been awarded the More Jobs Genius Award, the Morgan Stanley Innovation Award, Cisco's Innovation in Technology Award, the League of Women Voters' Women Who Could Be President Award, the Stevie Award for Best Non-Profit Executive, and the Commission on the Status of Women's Human Rights Award. She has also been featured in six books, including "Scrappy Women in Business", "Women of Courage", and "The Missing Mentor", and she has been featured in Fast Company's video series "30 Second MBA."Learn more about Money Tale$ > Subscribe to the podcast Recent episodes See all episodes > Form CRS Form ADV Terms of Use Privacy Rights and Policies

In this episode of Money Tales, our guest is Julie Castro Abrams. Julie is a hard charging activist who very early on knew what she did not want to be– and that was a trophy wife. This is because when she was young, Julie saw her mother's friends navigating divorces and ending up destitute as a result. Julie wanted to have a family and a career, and she also wanted to protect herself from the financial risk that her mom's friends experienced. Julie successfully crafted the life she wanted, including finding a spouse who has had a strong enough ego to be an ally and support her role as the family's breadwinner. Julie is the founder and Managing Partner of How Women Invest, an early-stage venture firm focused on high growth, tech enabled women-founded enterprises. The firm is a culmination of her lifetime of work propelling women founders to launch and find success with training, capital and networks. Julie brings her extensive experience identifying and supporting early-stage entrepreneurs and twenty years as a CEO and board director. She is bringing her extensive networks, leadership and entrepreneurship experience to disruption of the venture landscape. An active investor and advisor to start-ups, and as the leader of the nation's largest microenterprise and microfinance organization for 11 years, Julie has helped launch over 6,000 women into successful businesses. In her role as CEO of Women's Initiative for Self Employment, an SBA Certified Development Financial Institution, Julie drove innovation in the US microenterprise and finance space. Investing in extensive research about the indicators of long-term success for women entrepreneurs, Julie brings deep intellectual prowess, extensive networks and experience to this transformative venture firm. Today she is advising the SBA, White House and Congress on national legislative initiatives to address economic opportunities for women. She serves on the California First Partners Project as an advisor regarding corporate board diversity. In her role as Founder and CEO of How Women Lead, she has been a driver of legislative initiatives and transformation in the US and California. Julie serves as an Advisor to financial services firms including the fin-tech start-up LENDonate and Nia Capital. She previously served as an advisor to Beneficial Bank and as the Governance Chair for the Association for Enterprise Opportunity and the Women's Funding Network. As the CEO of How Women Lead, she is at the center of the movement to disrupt antiquated, unequal systems by propelling women into even greater leadership roles and increasing opportunities for all women. Julie has been an essential driver of the ecosystem for women on corporate boards in California. Julie has been a national leader in the movement and drove the successful passage of the groundbreaking Senate Bill 826, requiring public companies to have women on their boards. The recipient of many accolades, she has been awarded the More Jobs Genius Award, the Morgan Stanley Innovation Award, Cisco's Innovation in Technology Award, the League of Women Voters' Women Who Could Be President Award, the Stevie Award for Best Non-Profit Executive, and the Commission on the Status of Women's Human Rights Award. She has also been featured in six books, including “Scrappy Women in Business”, “Women of Courage”, and “The Missing Mentor”, and she has been featured in Fast Company's video series “30 Second MBA.”

Julie Castro Abrams, CEO of How Women Lead, 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 works with top executive women to change structures that are unequal. Her leadership impact includes changing laws on women on corporate boards, doing movement building to ensure women put board service on their path and placing women on boards. She is an expert on building boards that add a strategic advantage including proactive searches for women on corporate boards. Laurel Mintz, founder and CEO of award-winning marketing agency Elevate My Brand, explores some of the most exciting new and growing brands in Los Angeles and the US at large. Each week, the Elevate Your Brand podcast features an entrepreneurial special guest to discuss the past, present, and future of their brand.

Investing is a powerful tool for creating generational wealth and creating a secure financial situation. Often, however, women have less education on investing and are spoken down to by advisors, even though women are more likely than men to take their advice. Freda Zietlowis here this week to talk about the importance of women having financial literacy and finding happiness in their lives. This week's episode 63 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about happiness and investing strategies for women!In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Freda Zietlow are sharing the importance of financial literacy and actionable steps you can take right now to increase your happiness. Freda Zietlow is an international investment banking and wealth management executive. She has over 25 years of experience. She's served on many nonprofit boards and corporations in the last decade. Today, she's the managing director of the Fiduciary Trust, a subsidiary of Franklin Templeton with $30 billion of assets under management. Some of the talking points Julie and Freda Zietlow go over in this episode include:Courageous stances for women in leadership positions to take.The type of women Freda likes to advise and work with.Current hot topics in the corporate boardroom.What we can do to live happier lives as we 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 FREDA ZIETLOW:LinkedInCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWLOnly 2.1% of venture capital went to women-founded companies in 2022. We are done waiting or fighting for a seat at the table—today, we are committing to build The New Table; women-funded, women-run. I invite you to invest in your power, don't wait—join The New Table today.

In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the world of Venture Capital and explore the untapped potential of women investors.Julie Castro Abrams is the Founder and Managing Partner of How Women Invest, an early stage venture firm focussed on high growth, tech enabled women-founded enterprises.Despite women-led startups generating 10% more in cumulative revenue over a five-year period, only 1.9% of venture capital dollars went to female founders in 2022.Thamina and Julie discuss the reasons behind this disparity and how high net worth women can be recruited as Angel investors and Limited Partners in Venture Capital funds to help bridge the gap.With How Women Lead and How Women Invest, Julie has built a network of 17,000 top executive women, who are now investing as a community, 50% of them being women of color.For the first time ever, we have a huge volume of women with 30 years of work experience, with power, influence, and some wealth and as Julie likes to put it: “We're not going to wait for other people to break down barriers for us.”Julie and Thamina also open up about their relationships with their Latino partners and talk about how initiatives like Latina In Sight are challenging cultural stereotypes and creating opportunities for women in the Latin community.

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? Because the information has not been there, until now. Patricia Lizarraga is here today to talk about how we can consciously invest in women now and in the future. This week's episode 62 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about WCEO and investing in the future of women's leadership! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Patricia Lizarraga are sharing the importance of designing the world you want to see and actionable steps you can take right now to invest in women now and in the future. 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:Breaking ground by collecting data on women outperforming in investing.Women CEOs are incredible - they have to be to make it to the top.What an EFT is and why you should invest in WCEO.If you want a certain kind of world, you have to build it yourself.To learn more about Hypatia and the Women CEO EFT, go to https://www.wceoetf.com/.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:LinkedInTwitterCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWLOnly 2.1% of venture capital went to women-founded companies in 2022. We are done waiting or fighting for a seat at the table—today, we are committing to build The New Table; women-funded, women-run. I invite you to invest in your power, don't wait—join The New Table today.

Choosing a life partner and raising children are two of the biggest challenges people face in life. While this path is different for everyone, there are certain lessons Julie has learned along the way that she feels would be helpful for those asking her to share her personal experiences. This week's episode 60 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about building strong relationships with your partner and children! In this episode of the How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams is sharing the importance of finding a steadfast life partner and actionable steps you can take right now to develop a positive relationship with your kids. Some of the talking points Julie goes over in this episode include:Choosing a life partner that shares your values.The difficulties of one partner coming from a very gendered environment.Taking about your children in a way that sets them up for success.Being present with your children while they practice their hobbies will create a stronger bond between the two of you.Relationships and parenting are not a one-size-fits-all approach, but Julie is happy to share some of these parts of her life and what worked for her.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 - HWLOnly 2.1% of venture capital went to women-founded companies in 2022. We are done waiting or fighting for a seat at the table—today, we are committing to build The New Table; women-funded, women-run. I invite you to invest in your power, don't wait—join The New Table today.

Authenticity and empathy are two essential qualities for successful leadership. No one exhibits those qualities more than Ebony Beckwith, who also ensures that those she mentors take those principles to heart. This week's episode 59 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about authenticity and empathy in leadership.In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Ebony Beckwith are sharing the importance of making time for mentoring and actionable steps you can take right now to bring authenticity to your leadership position. Ebony Beckwith is the Salesforce Chief Business Officer & Chief of Staff to Marc Benioff. She is also the CEO of the Salesforce Foundation, overseeing the company's global philanthropic strategy. Additionally, she is the CEO of the Salesforce Foundation, overseeing the company's global philanthropic strategy.Some of the talking points Julie and Ebony go over in this episode include:How important it is for working women to let their daughters see into their professional life.Having a clear goal does not mean your path will be linear.Taking inspiration from the fact that people have not lost hope.Tips for searching for your first board opportunity.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 EBONY BECKWITH:LinkedInTwitterCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWLOnly 2.1% of venture capital went to women-founded companies in 2022. We are done waiting or fighting for a seat at the table—today, we are committing to build The New Table; women-funded, women-run. I invite you to invest in your power, don't wait—join The New Table today.

Success comes in all shapes and sizes. But one of the biggest marks of success is being an approachable leader who connects with empathy and humility while still getting the important work done. This week's episode 58 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about being more human in leadership! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and JeanAnn Nichols share the importance of empathy in leadership and actionable steps you can take right now to network in ways that make sense for YOU and fit into your everyday life! JeanAnn Nichols is an executive coach and keynote speaker with a recognized ability to enable leaders to seek their full potential through coaching, mentoring, and accountability toward desired goals. Through her executive coaching, she partners with C-suite executives who want to deliver superior business results in rapidly changing environments. JeanAnn is also a leadership professor at Stanford University. Some of the talking points JeanAnn and Julie go over in this episode include:In the midst of the Great Resignation, why did only 8% of women in leadership leave their roles?The HEARTI Leadership Quotient and the importance of “soft skills” in leadership.Networking isn't always going to big conferences. You can network YOUR way.Expanding your perspective and learning global perspectives from books of all sorts.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:LinkedInWebsiteStanford Continuing StudiesCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWLOnly 2.1% of venture capital went to women-founded companies in 2022. We are done waiting or fighting for a seat at the table—today, we are committing to build The New Table; women-funded, women-run. I invite you to invest in your power, don't wait—join The New Table today.

Between apologizing too much, not knowing how to actually achieve their goals, and the odds of success in an unfair world rarely being in our favor, women have to work hard and take risks to achieve their goals. Shellye Archambeau is here today to talk about what you can do to help yourself reach your goals. This week's episode 57 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about how to be unapologetically ambitious! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Shellye Archambeau are sharing the importance of goal setting and actionable steps you can take right now to plan out your future successes.Shellye Archambeau is an experienced CEO and board director with a track record of building brands, high-performance teams, and organizations. She currently serves on the boards of Verizon, Roper technologies, and Okta. She's also a strategic adviser to Forbes Ignite and the president of Arizona State University and serves on the board of two national nonprofits Catalyst and Braven. Shellye is also the author of Unapologetically Ambitious: Take Risks, Break Barriers, and Create Success on Your Own Terms.Some of the talking points Julie and Shellye go over in this episode include:How hard things that happen in our childhood and how our parents address them shape our adulthoods.Why knowing how to achieve your goals - not just setting them - is the key to success.Why women are supposed to ‘have it all', and why men aren't spoken about that way.Finding the type of self-care that's right for you, so you can keep yourself healthy.Check out Shellye's book Unapologetically Ambitious: Take Risks, Break Barriers, and Create Success on Your Own Terms.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH SHELLYE:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramTwitterCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWLOnly 2.1% of venture capital went to women-founded companies in 2022. We are done waiting or fighting for a seat at the table—today, we are committing to build The New Table; women-funded, women-run. I invite you to invest in your power, don't wait—join The New Table today.

Investing is a great way to achieve financial security and independence, but it can be difficult to get started if you don't know where to begin. All too often, women are left out of conversations about investments that would help reduce the wealth gap. This week's episode 56 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about how to achieve gender equity in investing! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Kristin Hull are sharing the importance of expanding access to information on investing and actionable steps you can take right now to invest in the causes and beliefs that align with your values. Kristin Hull is the Founder and CEO of Nia Impact Capital, a woman-led registered investment advisor leading the charge to change the face of finance. She has been an impact investor since 2007. Prior to devoting her career to transforming our financial system, Kristin was a full-time educator.Some of the talking points Julie and Kristin go over in this episode include:How much we can do together when we put respect first.All of the opportunities that exist for women investors, and how more opportunities open us as more conversations are had.The importance of a woman-founded mutual fund and how it democratizes investing.What it means to invest with an ESG lens.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 Links mentioned in today's episode:Invest for BetterCONNECT WITH KRISTIN:LinkedInThe Money Doula blogNia Impact Capital CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWLOnly 2.1% of venture capital went to women-founded companies in 2022. We are done waiting or fighting for a seat at the table—today, we are committing to build The New Table; women-funded, women-run. I invite you to invest in your power, don't wait—join The New Table today.

Creating a clear cultural framework that invites us to kick the cultural behaviors that hurt women has been important to us as How Women Lead from the start. This week's episode 55 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the first tenet of the How Women Lead credo: be fierce advocates for each other! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams shares the importance of advocating for other women and actionable steps you can take right now to advocate for the women in leadership roles in your life. Some of the talking points Julie goes over in this episode include:The physical toll of microaggressions in the workplace.What leadership is like for women in a world designed for men.The oxymoron of ‘women's leadership” in America and the lack of models for women leaders.How being fierce advocates for one another will help women step into their confidence and power as leaders.It's time we change the culture of how we are together so that all women can feel like they have a path forward and do it with fewer battle scars.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Women's Health is still seen as a niche market by most venture capitalists. But when talking about the health of half of the world's population, that couldn't be further from the truth. This week's episode 54 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about funding and equity for women's health! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Erika Seth Davies share the importance of using venture capital to improve women's health equity and actionable steps you can take right now to advocate for justice in women's health. Erika Seth Davies is the Chief Executive Officer at Rhia Ventures and Founder of The Racial Equity Asset Lab (The REAL), a venture that centers racial equity in impact investing and works to shift capital to address the persistent racial wealth gap. She previously served as Vice President of External Affairs at ABFE (Association of Black Foundation Executives) where she designed the SMART Investing Initiative, a field-wide effort to encourage foundations to incorporate a racial equity lens in endowment management practices through increased access for racially diverse- and women-owned investment management firms.Erika is a Social Entrepreneur in Residence with Common Future and a former Fellow, Equitable Access to Capital Markets in the Fair Finance portfolio of the Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation at Georgetown University. She was a member of the inaugural class of the ABFE Connecting Leaders Fellowship program, a recipient of the NYU Wagner School of Public Service IGNITE Fellowship for Women of Color in the Social Sector, and a member of the class of 2017 for Executive Leadership Institute of CFLeads.Some of the talking points Julie and Erika go over in this episode include:Leadership skills that have proven themselves in the last three years.Leveraging capital to advance reproductive and maternal health equity.Innovations coming in the women's reproductive and health space.The importance of believing in your capabilities, even when times are tough.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!CONNECT WITH ERIKA:LinkedInCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWLOnly 2.1% of venture capital went to women-founded companies in 2022. We are done waiting or fighting for a seat at the table—today, we are committing to build The New Table; women-funded, women-run. I invite you to invest in your power, don't wait—join The New Table today.

Women who step up to mentor other women in their careers have a direct and lasting impact on diversity and representation in their industry. This week's episode 52 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the importance of networking and mentoring women of color in leadership roles! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Shannon Nash share the importance of dreaming big and networking in the tech industry and actionable steps you can take to help other women pursue new career opportunities. Shannon Nash is the CFO of Wing, a subsidiary of Alphabet. She sits on the boards of several companies, including Netscout, Lazy Dog restaurants, and SoFi bank.Shannon is also an executive board member of How Women Lead, a board advisor for Black Women on Boards, and mentors others on their board journey.Some of the talking points Julie and Shannon go over in this episode include:The importance of getting women, especially black women, on boards.Why diversity on the boards of tech companies looks different in different parts of the country.Advice for young women working in tech who want to pursue C suite and board opportunities.How storytelling through film and digital media will help move the diversity needle forward. 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!CONNECT WITH SHANNON:LinkedInTwitterCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWLOnly 2.1% of venture capital went to women-founded companies in 2022. We are done waiting or fighting for a seat at the table—today, we are committing to build The New Table; women-funded, women-run. I invite you to invest in your power, don't wait—join The New Table today.

Diversity and representation in the venture capital and technology spaces are as important as ever. This week's episode 51 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about creating inclusive and diverse representation in venture capital! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Asmau Ahmed are sharing the importance of supporting diverse groups with capital and tips to better understand the changing technological landscape in terms of AI and machine learning.Asmau Ahmed is a senior leader at X (formerly Google X), Alphabet's innovation factory. She sits on the boards of CAA (Creative Artists Agency) and Quinstreet. She serves as an advisor to the Yale Entrepreneurship Society and is a member of the Opportunity Leadership Council. Asmau has a foundation in Engineering and Finance and over 20 years of experience as a venture-funded CEO, operating executive, and management consultant. She has led over $10B in digitally enabled innovations and operations spanning multiple industries including technology, consumer retail, manufacturing, and financial services. She is skilled at balancing disruptive innovation with operational, fiscal, risk management and regulatory compliance rigor. Some of the talking points Julie and Asmau Ahmed go over in this episode include:How race and gender factor into venture capital.The importance of diversifying investment portfolios and funding those often underfunded.How machine learning technology has changed over the past few decades, especially in regards to bias in data.How maching learning and AI could affect higher education in 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!CONNECT WITH ASMAU AHMED:LinkedInTwitterWebsiteCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWLOnly 2.1% of venture capital went to women-founded companies in 2022. We are done waiting or fighting for a seat at the table—today, we are committing to build The New Table; women-funded, women-run. I invite you to invest in your power, don't wait—join The New Table today.

One of the threads of leadership is to be connected with those who are in our organizations who are at various points in their careers and who may need somebody to help them get to where they want to go. This week's episode 50 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the value of the general counsel perspective on a corporate board!In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Shawnte Mitchell share the importance of diversity in a company's leadership (especially the C suite) and actionable steps you can take right now to be the best possible board member. Today's guest, Shawnte Mitchell, is the Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel at Genomatica. An accomplished attorney, she has nearly 20 years of experience of advising both publicly traded and privately held companies in the healthcare and life sciences industries. She joins Geno from Zogenix Inc., where she was most recently executive vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary, contributing to the development and execution of the company's strategic and operational plans and overseeing compliance, governance, SEC, intellectual property, data privacy, and contractual matters.Her background starts with a Biology degree from Stanford and a JD from George Washington University Law School. In her spare time, Shawnte likes to volunteer with a number of organizations, such as How Women Invest, and spend quality time with her two daughters.Some of the talking points Julie and Shawnte go over in this episode include:The importance of representation and diversity in leadership.The role of general counsel and the assets they bring to a board.Elements that make a board director stand out.Giving yourself grace while working towards your goals.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!CONNECT WITH SHAWNTE MITCHELL:LinkedInCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWLOnly 2.1% of venture capital went to women-founded companies in 2022. We are done waiting or fighting for a seat at the table—today, we are committing to build The New Table; women-funded, women-run. I invite you to invest in your power, don't wait—join The New Table today.

Content Warning: This episode includes mention of child and animal neglect and abuse. There's a developmental stage between ages 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. In this week's episode 49 of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie shares her journey of philanthropy and impact!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! CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWLOnly 2.1% of venture capital went to women-founded companies in 2022. We are done waiting or fighting for a seat at the table—today, we are committing to build The New Table; women-funded, women-run. I invite you to invest in your power, don't wait—join The New Table today.

Venture capital is the most expensive form of capital there is because of the equity and control you're giving up so it is in your best interest to do your due diligence to research the people behind the big decision-making. This week's episode 48 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about securing the right VC as a female entrepreneur!In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Lara Druyan share the importance of women mentoring, supporting, and lending a helping hand to other women in the ways that men often do and actionable steps you can take right now to pitch yourself to secure VC with investors that are in alignment. Today's guest, Lara Druyan is the managing director with Silicon Valley Data Capital, a seed and early stage venture capital fund focused on enterprise software and financial technology Fintech. She serves on the board of directors of CIBC, US Bancorp and Syncron, the leading global digital transformation consulting firm focused on financial services. Lara also has 25 years of experience in all phases of technology, product creation, and associated change management. She is an award winning business transformation leader and leverages her understanding of how large enterprise buys technology to advance startups in which she invests. As she puts it, she is one of the very few venture capitalists who has been on the buying side of technology, an impressive accomplishment to say the least. Some of the talking points Julie and Lara go over in this episode include:What it means to be a product manager in every role you hold. Advice for female entrepreneurs to find the right investor for them (not all money is good money).Starting a company and investing in an economic downturn.  The impact and influence working moms have on their children.  Prioritizing relationships to maintain and expand your network. Achieving things that are difficult means that you are going to fail a lot of the time and that's totally fine. The whole point is to dust yourself off, realize it wasn't the right opportunity for you, and have the tenacity to keep going. 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!CONNECT WITH LARA DRUYAN:LinkedInCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWLOnly 2.1% of venture capital went to women-founded companies in 2022. We are done waiting or fighting for a seat at the table—today, we are committing to build The New Table; women-funded, women-run. I invite you to invest in your power, don't wait—join The New Table today.

The climate crisis has seen major changes in the past few decades. We've seen companies starting to step up to make positive climate changes and there are ways you can help with that. This week's episode 47 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about how you can positively impact the climate crisis!  In this episode of the How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Virginia Klausmeier share the importance of massively curbing carbon emissions. We also chat about actionable steps you can take right now to make changes in your own business and life to support our climate. Virginia has dedicated the last 10 years to solving climate change, and on this life path, she founded a venture-backed climate tech company, Sylvatex (SVX) Inc. Sylvatex has won numerous awards/funding at industry conferences and venture competitions and is an affiliate with National Laboratories (LNBL) and USDA. Virginia is currently active in advising climate tech and minority-led organizations as well as a fellow/member of All Raise, Unreasonable Group, Alliance of CEO's, Astia, Silicon Valley Leadership Group and is actively working on the growth and commercialization of Sylvatex Inc. Virginia attended Singularity University and the University of Oregon earning her B.S. in Chemistry/Economics and a M.S. in Engineering. Virginia currently has a number of patents pending and has been a speaker at a number of domestic and international events. Prior to this venture, she managed the new development ideas for a fortune 500 medical device companies and led the US clinical and biomechanical research. Virginia was featured as one of the "Top 10 women in biofuels" and was selected by Forbes for "30 under 30 in Energy". Last but not least, she is the proud partner to Ryan Irwin Klausmeier and the mother to two little boys River and Dakota.Some of the talking points Julie and Virginia go over in this episode include:How her life journey has been a series of epiphanies that have led her to this moment. The power of being a coachable person and how that helps her bring her education and interests into her work and business.How to create substantial amounts of carbon change in our world. Ways that collaboration has had such a huge impact on being able to create positive climate change. 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!CONNECT WITH VIRGINIA KLAUSMEIER:LinkedInSylvatexCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWLOnly 2.1% of venture capital went to women-founded companies in 2022. We are done waiting or fighting for a seat at the table—today, we are committing to build The New Table; women-funded, women-run. I invite you to invest in your power, don't wait—join The New Table today.

When you start to do simple things every day that make an impact, those things will start to add up and cause a ripple effect to make a larger, more impactful change. This week's episode 46 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about taking small steps to cause a ripple effect of change!In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Rana Dajani share the importance of fostering the curiosity to continue learning, exploring, and growing in everything we do and actionable steps you can take right now to take responsibility for the change you want to see in the world.Today's guest wears many scarves in our society. Rana Dajani is a mother, grandmother, teacher, scientist, social entrepreneur, and human rights activist. She is currently a molecular biology professor at Hashemite University, President of the Society of Advancement of Science and Technology in the Arab World (SASTA), and President of the Jordan chapter of The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD). Rana recently won the 2022 Social Entrepreneurship Award from the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, the sister organization of the World Economic Forum. Her organization We Love Reading aims to install the love of reading and therefore knowledge in women across the world. We love reading won the Best Women in Film Documentary award, The Neighborhood Storyteller at the Mountain Film Festival in Telluride, Colorado, for its work on changing mindsets through reading to create change makers across Jordan. Rana is a sister of mine, a Women Leaders for the World graduate alum of that fellowship program. She continues to serve on the Women Leaders for the World Alumni Council. Most recently, her documentary was selected for the LA International Film Festival and she was a speaker at the United Nations to discuss how to achieve the SDGs through social and inclusive innovation. It is no surprise that Rana Dajani is a master of many scarves.Some of the talking points Julie and Rana go over in this episode include:The fundamental values that guide Rana's life and what she does to reinforce these values. How the organization We Love Reading helps children fall in love with reading through fostering role models.Finding balance in your roles by building a support network and following your passions.Creating partnerships and investing in the agency of others so that we can all move forward, together. When you look at the world as a Kaleidoscope, you can celebrate the idea that everyone brings their unique value together to create something beautiful for the greater whole. 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!CONNECT WITH RANA DAJANI:LinkedInInstagramWe Love ReadingFive Scarves bookCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

This week, episode 92 of The Jen Marples Show recaps the best advice, themes, and episodes for you to listen to based on where you are on your midlife business or personal journey! Check the blog post for all links and an exhaustive list of episodes mentioned.Best Advice throughout the podcast: Ep 36: Playing The Long Game in Partnership with Kathryn Keown Ep 46: Trusting Your Journey & Knowing the Sky is the Limit with Kathy Kamei, Jewelry Designer Ep 48: We must Support, Amplify, and Promote Women with Julie Castro Abrams of How Women Lead Ep 50: Building a Heart-Centered Business with Ellie Dominguez, owner of Ellie's Essential Blends Ep 54: The Women Who Came Before Us with Linda McCabe, Jen's MomEp 70: Having the Courage to Heal your Past Trauma with Melora HardinEp 71:Taking Risks and Going for It with Pattie EhsaeiEp 80: Serial Entrepreneurship & What it Means to be a Perennial with Gina Pell, Founder of The WhatEp 81: Getting Clear on Your Passion & Purpose with Career Coach & Business Advisor Laurel Rutledge And more...  Episodes on Menopause:Ep 64: Educating & Advocating for Women's Health at Midlife with Carmen Stansberry, Nurse Practitioner Ep 83: Jen's New Pause Symposium Debrief + 10 Ways to Change Your Life Right NowEp 85: Marrying Passion with Purpose to Create the First Doctor-led Online Birth Control Delivery Company with Dr. Sophia YenEpisodes with Product Business Owners:Ep 32: Reinventing Yourself at Midlife with Jennifer MaxwellEp 55: Partnership, Perseverance & Success in a Male-Dominated Industry with the Co-Founders of Laughing Glass CocktailsEp 85: Marrying Passion with Purpose to Create the First Doctor-led Online Birth Control Delivery Company with Dr. Sophia YenEp 90: Launching Your Side Hustle While Working 9 to 5 with Norma Quon, Owner of Norma's ToffeeAnd more...Episodes about Partnerships:Ep 38: Disrupting an Industry by Going with Your Gut with Stephanie Breitbard, Fine Art Consultant & Gallery OwnerEp 42: Enjoy the Journey, Not the Destination with Jenny Mitchell & Sylvia Otvsos of Your Next 50 PodcastEp 68: Kicking Off our Meet in Malibu Series with The Modern Day WifeEp 79: Tapping Into Your Best Midlife with the Hosts of Hot Flashes & Cool TopicsAnd more... Podcasts with Service-Based Business Owners:Ep 48: We must Support, Amplify, and Promote Women with Julie Castro Abrams of How Women LeadEp 53: Building Your Own Financial and Emotional Independence with Lisa Smith, Realtor Ep 82: Living Your Multi-Passionate Life with Fitness Instructor & Media Trainer Binay CurtisEp 86: Stop Underestimating Yourself & Start Seeking Opportunities with Julie Rootes  And more...  Unedited AI Transcript HereCONNECT WITH JEN MARPLES:Subscribe to my NewsletterJoin Jen's Private, Free Facebook GroupSend Jen a Voice Message InstagramLinkedInTikTok Work with Jen! Website

There is this narrative in the corporate world, particularly for women of color, that they are expected to emulate this white male culture in order to be successful. In reality, everything they need to have a successful corporate career is already innately within themselves. This week's episode 44 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about courageous and value-based leadership!In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Lizette Williams share the values Lizette lives by that allow her to lead courageously in every role and advice for people of color to stand up for themselves and what they want in a corporate environment.Lizette Williams is a leading marketing and advertising executive who drives the convergence of brand culture and digital, something we all need. In her current role, she serves as the Global Head of Vertical Solutions and Marketing at Meta (formally known as Facebook). In 2020, Lizette was named Advertising Woman of the Year by the Chicago Advertising Federation and has been listed as Crain's Chicago Business 40 under 40, Advertising Age Women to Watch, and Black Enterprise Top Women Executives in advertising and marketing. She is a leader and extremely well-known in her field. If you think she's already impressive as is, Lizette also serves on the Board of Directors of Real Self, a leading healthcare marketplace for people considering an elective cosmetic treatment. Additionally, she serves on the American Advertising Federation Hall of Achievements Election Committee. She has a passion for serving young people of color and women and as a result, has countless mentees across the country. Lizette is truly someone who leads courageously with her values. Some of the talking points Julie and Lizette go over in this episode include:Fostering an inclusive culture in the workplace by weaving it throughout the DNA of the company and measuring it over time. How the mentorship that Lizette received when she was young influences the ways she gives back by mentoring others.Investing in your team members to give them the best possible work experience while increasing productivity. Advice for people of color to confidently ask for what they want and courageously demand to be recognized. Removing the guilt of being a working mom by highlighting the lessons we are modeling for our children. 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!CONNECT WITH LIZETTE WILLIAMS:WebsiteLinkedInInstagram CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

When it comes to being a woman of color in the C-suite or corporate side of business, there can be a lot of pressures and residual inner dialogue that can make your own identity a blur. Women have edited themselves to fit the mold or the leader before them for a really long time, and this is even stronger in relation to those of color or with a different cultural belief than their white male counterparts. This week's episode 43 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about understanding and redefining the shadow side to being a woman of color in business, with Deepa Purushothaman! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Deepa Purushothaman are sharing the importance of redefining success for yourself, no matter what culture or society deems accurate for you, and actionable steps you can take right now to step into your power as a woman of color and powerful leader. Some of the talking points Julie and Deepa go over in this episode include:The significance and role of work on women of color, and how this plays a huge role in their lives and identities.How we as women edit ourselves and put ourselves on mute more times than we shout unless that's the expectation.The shadow side to being a woman of color in business, and how this can lead to not only being forced to fit stereotypes but the other significant (unpaid) roles we play in corporations.Hiding your identity: why some people choose to do that, and how easy or difficult it may be to do that.In this episode, Deepa shares her new book, along with a few of the amazing stories held within, to help share how women of color are truly stepping into their calling as the power brokers of the future. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips and to hear even more about the points outlined above.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!CONNECT WITH DEEPA PURUSHOTHAMAN:WebsiteLinkedInGet Her BookCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

When you put yourself out there for the service of others, that will come back to you tenfold in the number of people that show up in support of you. This week's episode 42 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about supporting women to step into positions of power!In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Jaclyn Jackson share the importance of setting the example of what it looks like to wholeheartedly support others and how you can put yourself out there in service of other women leaders. Today's guest, Jaclyn Jackson is the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for our country's National Equity Fund. She leads talent development, culture, and strategic planning and even oversees marketing communications so that they can meet their mission to deliver innovative and collaborative financial solutions and expand the creation and preservation of affordable housing in this country. Jaclyn is a brilliant, strong, and mission-driven agent of change who has committed her career to maximize the impact of all nonprofits, including her own. She has an MBA and a Masters in Human Resources from the Kellogg School of Management and a Bachelors in Business Administration from Devry University. Jaclyn is a board member of NHRMA Workers Comp Insurance company as well as my board for How Women Lead in Chicago. She sets a brilliant example for the world and I am honored to share her story with you all today. Some of the talking points Julie and Jaclyn go over in this episode include:The importance of providing access to affordable housing. Creating a network of supportive women to surround yourself with and grow together.A common trait that most male allies share that is valuable in their efforts to lift women up alongside them. The call to action for all of us in supporting women to step into positions of even greater power. Leadership skills that allowed Jaclyn to get to where she's at today. It is our purpose in life to support one another and encourage our fellow women to step into the leadership positions that will make an impact. 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!CONNECT WITH JACLYN JACKSON:LinkedInCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Julie Castro Abrams is the managing partner at How Women Invest, an early-stage venture firm focused on the intersection of female founders and female investors. She is also the CEO of How Women Lead, a network of executive women working to increase female leadership representation on boards and more. Julie engages with Women on Top with Haleh Moddasser about women supporting other women through venture funds. Julie debunks myths about women investors, demystifies terminology associated with venture funds, and describes the stages of a company and the investment risk level associated with each stage.

We often talk about scaling your business and team members but lack when it comes to planning and preparing for your exit. This week's episode 41 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about planning your exit strategy!In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Stephanie Gaffin discuss the upcoming wave of exits for women-owned business owners and actionable steps you can take right now to prepare your exit strategy BEFORE you're ready to leave your business behind. Today's guest is an accidental entrepreneur that leveraged her passion for helping people and integrated it into every aspect of her very successful career. After spending her career in healthcare, Stephanie Gaffin became the co-founder and Managing Partner of SLS Capital Investors and the Gaffin Group, where she now works with companies to innovate and build infrastructure for growth and successful exits. She is a proven executive with a strong track record for driving change in organizations. Stephanie helps create a common vision and a pragmatic plan to get there so everyone involved wins. She has such a unique ability to bring people together and, let's be clear, we're all more effective, find common ground, and solve problems better when we come together. Some of the talking points Julie and Stephanie go over in this episode include:The rate at which women-owned businesses and women-owned firms have grown over the years. Advice for women-owned business owners planning their exit strategy.Scaling goals you should prepare to hit in order to have a higher chance of selling your business. The challenges women entrepreneurs face when it comes to securing funding.Stephanie's mantra that covers the 3 elements that, in the right proportions, are critical to doing anything worthwhile. Before you settle on closing your business, I invite you to see the value in the company you've built and consider selling it to continue your wealth. 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!CONNECT WITH STEPHANIE GAFFIN:SLS Capital Advisors & The Gaffin GroupLinkedInCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

When we take calculated risks, we are rewarded with new opportunities and experiences that will have an impact both personally and professionally. This week's episode 40 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about taking calculated risks!In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Racquel Harris are sharing how Racquel has designed her life around finding curiosity and joy through a fulfilling career and the encouragement you need to open yourself to taking risks and reaping the rewards that come. Today's guest, Racquel Harris is an experienced leader with over 25 years working with Fortune 500 companies under her belt, including expat assignments in Canada, the UK and Switzerland. She has been a brand builder, leader, and former VP of merchandising for a billion dollar adult beverage business and the SVP of marketing for Sam's Club, the $500 billion division of Walmart. If you thought she was impressive already, Racquel also spent 15 years leading the marketing portfolio of several grocery brands at Kraft Foods, working in brands like Digiorno Pizza, Kraft Singles, Cheez Whiz, Cool Whip, Jello and more. Now that she is retired, she spends her time as an independent director, mentoring aspiring executives, and most important of all- enjoying her life. She is the director on the board of Beta Rudder, an advertising and marketing services company and also serves on the Board of Trustees of our favorite theatre company, the Steppenwolf Theatre Company. The list goes on. Racquel is also on the advisory board of a family owned industrial products company and recently joined me and our community on the Chicago Executive Board for How Women Lead. She has one of the most impressive resumes and I am honored to call her my friend. Some of the talking points Julie and Racquel go over in this episode include:The top leadership skills that allowed Racquel to have such a huge impact everywhere she went. Taking risks to further yourself in your career and how to know which risks are right for you to take. Advice for people looking to travel and get the gift that experiencing other cultures brings. The 3 question buckets to ask yourself in figuring out if you are on the right career path. What you need to know and do if you are preparing to retire early.We encourage you to life your life fully with intention, be open to evolving, and focusing on becoming the happiest version of yourself by taking whatever risks it takes to get you there. 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!CONNECT WITH RACQUEL HARRIS:LinkedInCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

As empowered women in thought leadership, we spend the majority of our careers making an impact in the industry we serve. But what happens after you retire? Retirement opens a new set of doors for you to explore your interests, find your passion and expand your impact in new ways, using what you've learned in your career to do so. This week's episode 39 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about repositioning yourself after retirement and extending your impact beyond your professional career. In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Violet Clark are sharing how you can reposition yourself after retirement and giving you the permission to explore and experiment with your interests to find what it truly is you want to do with your life.  Today's guest is undoubtedly a ceiling breaker. Violet Clark has been with Laner Muchin since 1988 and has been a partner at the firm since 1994. She collaborates with CEOs and their management teams to really focus on designing strategies, helping them achieve all of their business goals regarding human resource management to avoid the pain of labor issues and employment liability. She has more than 3 decades of experience representing both for-profit and nonprofit companies of all sizes and industries, as well as working with and for government and regulatory bodies, both on the local and federal levels. Violet was the first female and the first African American partner in her firm and has continued her legacy as a role model showing other women that they too can break ceilings and be successful in any position they set their goals to. Some of the talking points Julie and Violet go over in this episode include:The resilience it took for Violet to become the first female and the first African American partner at her firm and stick with that same firm for 35 years before retiring. Advice for making the greatest impact on society this season. Permission to play with your interests and release the things that are no longer adding value to your life. Extending your impact beyond your professional career through mentoring or using your knowledge and experience and applying it to something new. 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!CONNECT WITH VIOLET CLARK:LinkedInLaner MuchinCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Inclusive leadership is more important than ever. But what does it actually take to be a leader that shows the skills needed to be a good and inclusive leader? Our guest this week shares practical tips and strategies for being a better leader. This week's episode 38 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the essential skills needed to become an inclusive leader! With high hopes and tons of aspiration, fresh from business school, Dr. Debra Clary started her career as a  Frito-Lay Route Driver. In this role, which required long hours of physical labor, she learned the value of hard work and the value of an education. Dr. Deb has nearly three decades of experience with Fortune 100 Companies, holding executive roles at Frito-Lay, Coca-Cola, Brown-Forman (marketing Jack Daniel's), and currently, Humana, a leading health and well-being company.  Her roles span from sales management, operations, and marketing, to strategic planning and executive leadership development. While serving as the VP of Strategy for Brown-Forman, Dr. Deb earned her doctorate degree at George Washington University in Leadership and Organizational Development. Today, she works with leaders that want to improve their impact and contribution. She is a student and teacher of narrative leadership (storytelling), resilience, transformation, and change. She draws on her corporate experiences, academic research, and her performance as a standup comic to inspire others striving to live with purpose.In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Dr. Debra Clary share the importance of leadership skills if you want to join boards and actionable steps you can take right now to be a thoughtful leader who truly listens to those around them. Some of the talking points Julie and Debra  go over in this episode include:An innovative approach to inclusive leadership and why it's so important.The four characteristics of inclusive leadership, which are visible commitment, humility, awareness of your blind spots, and curiosity.Structural ways to put these into practice so that you can become a better leader.Building these leadership skills through asking good questions and being curious.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!CONNECT WITH DR. DEBRA CLARY:LinkedInTwitterWebsiteCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

In major cities, there is no more room for landfill. In NYC alone, they are trucking their waste 6 hours north. The single-use products contribute significantly to the environmental crisis. This is no longer a tomorrow event. This is a current issue, and we need to do something about it. This week's episode 37 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about using the circular economy to tackle global challenges! In this episode of the How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Caroline Vanderlip share the importance of the circular economy and what it means for climate change.Caroline Vanderlip puts her passions and creativity into building businesses like Re:Dish, and is excited to be able to tell its huge environmental impact story. A successful entrepreneur, Caroline has launched businesses within parent companies (CNBC, AT&T Personal Online Services), as well as independent entities like the publishing technology company, SharedBook. Armed with a BA from Vassar and an MBA from NYU, Caroline is a life-long learner, now focused on sustainability and the huge impact that Re:Dish can have as it supports a shift from a linear to a circular economy.Some of the talking points Julie and Caroline go over in this episode include:Starting a company at the start of the pandemic.Using transferable skills and a great team to grow a new business.The product that causes the most issues with climate change and has the biggest impact.The transition from tech to operationally heavy businesses in where future investments and funding will be going.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!CONNECT WITH CAROLINE VANDERLIP:LinkedInRe:DishCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

With the Western Hemisphere consisting of the majority of the world's Latinx population, it's important that we think about how we can ensure that there are Latinas in political leadership positions both locally and throughout the hemisphere. What are we doing collectively as Latinas– especially executive Latinas– to support each other to ensure there is a broader vision for Latina leadership? This week's episode 36 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about ensuring political and economic equality for Latinas with Helen Torres! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Helen Torres share the importance of helping to create opportunities for more Latinas in leadership positions. They also discuss actionable steps you can take right now to support Latinas from both leadership and political stances. Helen Iris Torres is CEO of Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE), where she leads one of the state and nation's most influential Latina organizations. She has been instrumental in the development and implementation of the HOPE Leadership Institute (HLI), a program that prepares adult Latinas for their next level of civic participation. HLI has resulted in more than 180 Latinas being appointed to state and local commissions, and over 200 Latinas serving on nonprofit boards to improve local communities.Some of the talking points Julie and Helen Torres go over in this episode include:Leadership lessons learned over 20 years of political equality work.What it takes to get more Latinas into politics.The challenges and barriers facing Latinas in getting and keeping leadership roles.Three ways to truly deliver on the mission to ensure political and economic equality for Latinx folks. 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!CONNECT WITH HELEN TORRES:LinkedInTwitterHispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE)CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

We've seen from the statistics that when more People of Color and women invest in ventures, more companies founded by People of Color and women get those funds. With a background in founding and investing, our guest has some very unique insights that can help us see the big picture. This week's episode 35 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the foundational skills needed for both founders and investors! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Nancy Hayes share the importance of confidence in both founders and investors. They also chat through some actionable steps you can take right now to find strategic support at the right time in your business. After serving as a senior executive in a Fortune 5 corporation, CEO of 2 non-profit organizations, dean of a large college of business, and CFO of a state university, Nancy Hayes became an entrepreneur and then an investor. She consults on leadership, career, and organizational effectiveness, with a special emphasis on coaching women executives. She is an active angel investor and advisor/mentor to women entrepreneurs and founders of color.Nancy left the IBM Corporation as a senior executive after a long and satisfying career to bring her leadership and management skills to the nonprofit social services sector. She became CEO of the STARBRIGHT Foundation, an innovative national nonprofit chaired by Steven Spielberg and General H. Norman Schwarzkopf. It developed technology and media-based solutions to help seriously ill children deal with the psycho-social aspects of their illnesses. Later, she was CEO/President of WISE Senior Services, a nonprofit tackling the issues of isolated low-income seniors and fighting elder abuse and financial fraud against the elderly.Nancy also served 6 years as dean of the College of Business at San Francisco State University and then was CFO and Chief Administrative Officer of SF State for 2 years. In 2013, she co-founded MoolaHoop, a unique rewards-based crowdfunding platform for women-owned small businesses. She's been an active angel investor since 2014 with a portfolio of more than 30 women-led companies. She was Managing Director of Golden Seeds, an angel group focused on women entrepreneurs, for over 3 years. Some of the talking points Julie and Nancy Hayes go over in this episode include:Why it's essential for People of Color and women to invest in venture capital.Long-term strategy and tactical impact are what make a successful founder. What we need to capitalize on women and people of color run companies.Essential leadership skills needed at each phase of growing a business.How to understand when you might need to step out of the business you've founded.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!CONNECT WITH NANCY HAYESLinkedInCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Currently, 70% of all the people quoted by reporters, editors, producers, and hosts are men. And within the first portion of that media, 90% of the experts quoted are men. One of the main reasons that this happens is that women tend to refrain from putting themselves out there. This week's episode 34 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about amplifying your voice in media! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Lee Caraher share the importance of closing the “say gap” and actionable steps you can take right now to get your voice out there as an expert in your field. Lee is the founder and CEO of a highly sought-after communications firm, Double Forte, known for producing great results with its innovative approach to traditional, digital and experiential programs. She has a long history of leading high-performing, multi-generational teams that enjoy working together. Lee is a champion for creating a positive workplace culture that fully supports its talent, even when they choose to move on. She takes the long view to support employees building their own personal brands that balance loyalties to themselves and their employers. Lee believes that companies able to inspire lifetime loyalty from employees — currently or formerly employed — are the companies that are best suited to thrive. She has long recognized that people will leave employers and understands the real problems this causes for companies.Some of the talking points Julie and Lee Caraher go over in this episode include:The #1 reason why women don't tend to put themselves out there.How to amplify the voices of the women around us.The steps you need to take to get found so that media starts coming your way.How to determine what you want to be known for and move toward being an expert in that.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, review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH LEE CARAHER:LinkedInInstagramTwitterWebsiteCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

It's important that, as women, we fight for our rights to reproductive health and one of the ways to do that is through our political fundraising. This week's episode 33 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about reproductive health and political fundraising! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Gretchen Sisson share the importance of understanding the data behind reproductive health and where it's headed in the future. They also discuss actionable steps you can take right now to put your dollars to work for the values you hold dear to you.Gretchen Sisson, Ph.D., is a qualitative sociologist whose research focuses on social constructions of parenthood, specifically examining abortion and pregnancy decision-making, teen pregnancy and young parenthood, infertility and assisted reproductive technologies, and adoption and birth/first motherhood. She is the lead investigator for ANSIRH's Abortion Onscreen program, which examines the representation of abortion on American film and television and the impact of such portrayals. Dr. Sisson also studies adoption within the context of the reproductive health and justice movements and is working on a book about contemporary first motherhood. She serves on the Boards of Directors for WDN Action (a sister organization of the Women Donors Network) and Emerge America. She received her BA from Amherst College and her Ph.D. from Boston College.Some of the talking points Julie and Gretchen go over in this episode include:Why so many institutions have not historically funded reproductive work.How adoption doesn't work in the discussions around reproductive health and the data behind that.Where politics fits into reproductive work and why it's an important part.How to put your political donations to work so that you can see the results you want.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!CONNECT WITH GRETCHEN SISSON: LinkedInTwitterWebsiteCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWLLINKS MENTIONED: The Turnaway Study by Diana Greene Foster

Our guest this week has had a very interesting journey toward being a leader and board director. She started her career with a hard hat and now sits on the board of a public company. Her journey is inspiring, and she gives insights on how you can live every day to its fullest potential. This week's episode 32 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about leading with self-realization! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Kathryn Henry share the importance of showing up as an authentic leader. They also discuss what living to your full potential really looks like and how it has a positive impact on how you show up in the world. Kathryn Henry is currently serving as CEO & Co-Founder of LightBrite and Independent Board Director at lululemon since February 2016. She's a member of Audit and Compensation Committees focusing on Technology, Operations, Cyber Security, People Development, and Social Impact/ESG. She's led strategic planning and program management for Blue-Chip global firms, including Gap Inc., Levi Strauss & Company, lululemon, Ernst & Young, and Deloitte & Touche. Kathryn also serves as a limiter partner at How Women Invest, a venture firm disrupting the unequal investment in women-owned ventures and propelling women-led businesses forward.Some of the talking points Julie and Kathryn go over in this episode include:The unique situation of being on the team at lululemon and then joining the board.How a background with technical and people skills is helpful for board members. Finding your meaning through meditation and spiritual practice of quiet. How we as a society are becoming more awakened to our broader consciousness.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!CONNECT WITH KATHRYN HENRY:LinkedInMySoul Vibe AppCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWLLINKS MENTIONED:Living with the Himalayan MastersAutobiography of a Yogi

On this episode of Diverse, guest host Lynda Grindstaff, Vice President at McAfee and active SWE member, sits down with Julie Castro Abrams, founder and CEO of How Women Lead! Listen as they talk about How Women Lead came to be, the meaning behind its credo and how SWE members can join!

Did you know that women who invest generally earn more than 1-2% over their lifetime than their male counterparts? Women are fantastic investors, but it's up to us to take that step and take control of our finances. This week's episode 31 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about becoming more financially empowered now through investing! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Haleh Moddasser share the importance of being financially empowered and actionable steps you can take right now to better understand your financial status.Haleh Moddasser is a Senior Financial Advisor at Stearns Financial Group and the Managing Partner of their Chapel Hill office. Over the last ten years, Haleh has built a practice devoted primarily to women and their financial empowerment, a topic she is passionate about. In addition to her client engagements, Haleh has written about women and finance and has frequently been interviewed for national media outlets such as Forbes, Barron's, Reuter's, Bloomberg, and Kiplinger's among others. Haleh also has spoken at various conferences around the country; most recently at Harvard's Chan School of Public Health.Some of the talking points Julie and Haleh go over in this episode include:How women are different from other types of investors.Your wealth status might correlate with your sense of financial empowerment and how that impacts your investment.Valuing your marital estate from a place of power and understanding.How to find a trusted financial advisor who can help you make good choices with your money.We must band together and stop viewing ourselves as a group of empowered people who can make a difference in this world. Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH HALEH MODDASSER:LinkedInTwitterWebsiteCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Who is going to define the political future? Within four years, our guest was able to redefine the political landscape. We made space in American culture for the potential of something new that's a politics we haven't seen yet. This week's episode 30 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about making space for new political practices! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Aimee Allison share how she was able to make the term “Women of Color” shorthand for something beautiful. It's not just about solidifying a multi-racial coalition of women. It's not solidarity. It's also shorthand for a political vision that's grounded in a re-founding of America.  Aimee Allison is a writer, democratic innovator, and visionary champion of racial and gender justice. She is the Founder and President of She the People, the nation's leading organization dedicated to an America redefined and inspired by women of color. Renowned for her national efforts to build inclusive, multiracial coalitions, Allison organized and moderated the nation's first presidential forum for women of color, attended by Presidential candidates and more than 1000 women from across the country, garnering major national press. Some of the talking points Julie and Aimee Allison go over in this episode include:How she got started with She the People and what led to its birth.The shift to helping women of color shows up as an important group of people from a political standpoint. Removing overwhelm, negativity, and the sense of individualism that keeps us from moving forward with the vision of what our political future could look like.An overview of what we are dealing with on a political landscape. How stories can be used to continue to drive the activism needed to further the cause.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!CONNECT WITH AIMEE ALLISON:LinkedInTwitterShe the PeopleWebsite  CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

“I need you to step into your power and your confidence and lead because my daughter is watching you” - Julie Castro AbramsIn this episode we meet Julie Castro Abrams, founder and CEO of Silicon Valley based How Women Lead. A national organization that is out to mobilize powerful women through community building, venture founding, preparing women to join corporate boards, and advocacy on critical legislative issues such as abortion rights. As women we are on the precipice of losing essential rights we once believed were untouchable. In this conversation Julie shares what's at stake for women. How Women Lead are activating women around the world, and why she wants every woman to embrace her power and use it for positive change. Have a question or comment? Email us at themanifista@gmail.com.Resources Mentioned Julie Castro Abrams on LinkedinHow Women Lead website Chingona Ventures website

The climate crisis has seen major changes in the past few decades. We've seen companies starting to step up to make positive climate changes and there are ways you can help with that. This week's episode 29 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about how you can positively impact the climate crisis!  In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Virginia Klausmeier share the importance of massively curbing carbon emissions. We also chat about actionable steps you can take right now to make changes in your own business and life to support our climate. Virginia has dedicated the last 10 years to solving climate change, and on this life path, she founded a venture-backed climate tech company, Sylvatex (SVX) Inc. Sylvatex has won numerous awards/funding at industry conferences and venture competitions, and is an affiliate with National Laboratories (LNBL) and USDA. Virginia is currently active in advising climate tech and minority-led organizations as well as a fellow/member of All Raise, Unreasonable Group, Alliance of CEO's, Astia, Silicon Valley Leadership Group and is actively working on the growth and commercialization of Sylvatex Inc. Virginia attended Singularity University and the University of Oregon earning her B.S. in Chemistry/Economics and a M.S. in Engineering. Virginia currently has a number of patents pending and has been a speaker at a number of domestic and international events. Prior to this venture, she managed the new development ideas for a fortune 500 medical device companies and led the US clinical and biomechanical research. Virginia was featured as one of the "Top 10 women in biofuels" and was selected by Forbes for "30 under 30 in Energy". Last but not least, she is the proud partner to Ryan Irwin Klausmeier and the mother to two little boys River and Dakota.Some of the talking points Julie and Virginia go over in this episode include:How her life journey has been a series of epiphanies that have led her to this moment. The power of being a coachable person and how that helps her bring her education and interests into her work and business.How to create substantial amounts of carbon change in our world. Ways that collaboration have had such a huge impact on being able to create positive climate change. 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!CONNECT WITH VIRGINIA KLAUSMEIER:LinkedInSylvatexCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Women tend to create businesses that are making a bigger positive impact globally. We want to solve those BIG problems faced in our society. So the companies we create are value-based companies. Yes, we want to make money with our business, but we also want to make a difference. Our guest this week, Kathryn Moos, has a unique perspective with her well-rounded experience as an athlete, business owner, and now investor. This week, episode 30 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about how we can invest in (and create) value-based companies that impact the world around us! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Kathryn Moos share the importance of finding a work-life balance that still allows you to work hard while living the life you want to live. They also chat about the leadership skills needed on both the entrepreneur side and the investor side. Some of the talking points Julie and Kathryn go over in this episode include:How being a woman athlete has shaped her life and helped her be the successful person she is today.The journey from being an entrepreneur into an investor and how that has uniquely positioned her to support the businesses she invests in. The skills needed for successful entrepreneurshipWhy having an impact and creating a legacy is the foundation of her company and venture.The benefits to women investing in solutions that are positively impacting the world. Remember, women have the unique ability to create and invest in businesses that can make a big impact on the world. Let's do our part!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!CONNECT WITH KATHRYN MOOS:InstagramTwitterLinkedInOWYNGroundswell VentureCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Do you believe that venture can be used as a global catalyst for change? We do. We've seen it time and time again with How Women Invest. Cheryl Beninga, our guest this week, believes that we can each make our mark on the work by investing in women-owned companies. This week's episode 27 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about using venture as a global catalyst for change! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Cheryl Beninga share the importance of owning your power as a woman in male-dominated spaces. They also chat about how venture capitalism can be an intentional vehicle for change in our world. Cheryl has 20+ years of investment experience working with leading technology investors, including Intel Capital and GE Ventures, on all stages of technology investing. She has been responsible for billions of dollars in venture investing, with over $50M in early-stage technology investments yielding over $2B in value. Cheryl is experienced at the board and operations level at all venture stages, from Seed round to IPO, and has experience in M&A transactions.She is Co-Founder of FourthWave, a non-profit accelerator program for female-led, high-potential technology companies providing business mentorship, personal potential coaching, and access to capital. FourthWave cohort members have raised over $25M in capital, participated in Y Combinator, and earned national growth recognition from INC., TechCrunch, and others.Some of the talking points Julie and Cheryl Beninga go over in this episode include:Power in having support when you are juggling so many endeavors.Learning by doing and taking risks.Investing in positive impact technology so we can make the world a better place for future generations.  Women try to hide their intuition and fit in within male-dominated spaces. That's a disservice to ourselves and those around us.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don't forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH CHERYL BENINGA:LinkedInTwitterFourthWaveWai Mohala VenturesCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Over the last twenty years, there have been major shifts and changes to the American boardroom. We are seeing more gender diversity and inclusion now more than ever, but this is just the tip of what we hope to accomplish for the women who are coming up behind us.There are certain things needed to be a great board member. Trustworthiness and authenticity are two of the major points that will make or break you as a board member. This week's episode 26 of How Women Inspire Podcast with Nancy Sheppard is about what makes a trustworthy and great board member! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Nancy Sheppard are sharing the importance of being able to adjust and pivot when it comes to being a board member. They also chat about things you can do on your journey to a board seat to ensure that your peers trust you. Nancy Sheppard is passionate about helping to lead the movement to have more qualified women have a seat at the board table. She founded Women2Boards as a way to assist both corporate boards and women connect and improving gender diversity in the boardroom. She joined The Athena Alliance in 2017 as part of their leadership team to continue her mission. She advises women on the path to the boardroom, speaks on the subject nationally, and works with corporate boards that want to find talented individuals for their boardroom (who happen to be women).Nancy has 30+years of management and governance experience in banking associations, the financial services industry, and legislative, regulatory & political environments. She was the CEO of Western Independent Bankers, the largest regional banking association in the US, for over 20 years, served on two private company boards for financial institution products, created educational programs for directors and senior executives, and worked with hundreds of bank CEOs and board members.Some of the talking points Julie and Nancy go over in this episode include:The journey that led to Nancy's current place in business and life.How seeing injustice from an early age had a direct impact on her passion for social justice.Challenges that come with trying to adapt to situations that are particularly difficult.How to take risks and pivot when you are ready for a change in your career.Ways to utilize transferable skills from one career path to another.We hope you are feeling a sense of hope and clarity. And that you have a roadmap now for how to be seen as an authentic and trustworthy leader. Don't forget to take your shot!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!CONNECT WITH NANCY SHEPPARD:Women 2 BoardsLinkedInCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Julie Castro Abrams is Founder and CEO of How Women Lead, a network of 14,000+ top executive women who come together to learn, break barriers to success and make an impact. Using her extensive background as a CEO, entrepreneur, investor and sought-out leadership expert, Julie helps top executive women to harness and activate their power across all aspects of their careers and lives. She is widely recognized for her incredible ability to connect people and facilitate rich conversations that make change happen. As one of our nation's premier visionary leaders in gender equity and justice, Julie leverages her expansive networks and influence with leaders to affect systems, policy change and to give hope and inspiration to women working to break glass ceilings across our society.

Julie Castro Abrams is Founder and CEO of How Women Lead, a network of 14,000+ top executive women who come together to learn, break barriers to success and make an impact. Using her extensive background as a CEO, entrepreneur, investor and sought-out leadership expert, Julie helps top executive women to harness and activate their power across all aspects of their careers and lives. She is widely recognized for her incredible ability to connect people and facilitate rich conversations that make change happen. As one of our nation's premier visionary leaders in gender equity and justice, Julie leverages her expansive networks and influence with leaders to affect systems, policy change and to give hope and inspiration to women working to break glass ceilings across our society.

There's pressure in society today for hard-working women in leadership to put work or family first. Still, Val Red-Horse Mohl is one of the amazing women able to put all her passions and responsibilities together. Much like an apple pie, it all starts with a strong foundation. In Val's case, that's faith and family. This week's episode 25 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about solidifying your foundational principles for a strong life and career! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Val Red-Horse Mohl are sharing the importance of understanding and developing your strong foundation and actionable steps you can take right now to have a more meaningful life and career at the same time. Some of the talking points Julie and Val go over in this episode include:How faith has impacted Val's life and career, and how she uses it as a compass to guide her on her path to success.Balancing life and career and family; how she equates this to an apple pie and how to think about all your responsibilities. The commonalities between finances and film, and how being multi-passionate has helped elevate her career and helped her deliver for her clients.What you need in a life partner, and how to live a more meaningful life with them.As a successful woman, you can have it all. It just takes an intentional look at life, career, family and other responsibilities and dedication to the cause. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips and to hear even more about the points outlined above.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!CONNECT WITH VAL RED-HORSE MOHL:LinkedInCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Do you ever feel overwhelmed with your life responsibilities? Feeling pulled under by all the demanding aspects of your life, from work, business, family, and other tasks or things taking your attention? Are you entering burnout? This episode will help you see your daily tasks and responsibilities in a new, optimistic light and allow a breath of fresh air and appreciation for what you get to do each day to wash over you. This week's episode 24 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about going with the flow and appreciating your responsibilities! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Mia Umanos are sharing the importance of learning to love and appreciate your daily responsibilities and actionable steps you can take right now to be an active listener as a leader. Some of the talking points Julie and Mia go over in this episode include:What it means to truly go with the flow, and how you can enjoy even the mundane tasks in your life and daily activities in order to live a more fulfilled life.How and why she started her business, Clickvoyant, and the power in feeling like you're doing good work.How to juggle everything on your to do list in a positive, optimistic manner that helps make it more manageable to accomplish.Why listening is so valuable as a leader and as a new business, and how Mia really has learned to implement it in her company and with her staff.This episode is a great reminder that we get to do things each day that others only dream about, and the true power in being able to say what you do each day is for the better good. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips and to hear even more about the points outlined above.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!CONNECT WITH MIA UMANOS:LinkedInInstagramTwitterWebsiteCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

When it comes to being a good leader, Sonita Lontoh believes it's all about guiding principles that guide us to be the best leaders we can be, no matter where we are starting as a leader. Sonita was inducted into the United States Asian Hall of Fame in 2017, and recently has started her own board member journey, and today she's sharing her journey with you. This week's episode 23 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the guiding principles to becoming a better leader, with Sonita Lontoh! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Sonita Lontoh are sharing the importance of leadership styles and actionable steps you can take right now to be a better leader, no matter what level of a leader you are right now. Some of the talking points Julie and Sonita go over in this episode include:What Sonita did to earn herself a spot in the United States Asian Hall of Fame, and the sense of added responsibility she feels since being inducted in 2017.When she started living by certain guiding principles in both personal and professional aspects, and how she's been guided by them throughout her life and career.How, and why, women are more likely to be in a career field long-term if they feel a meaningful connection or a purpose for their work.Ways you can define leadership, and how it all starts at the top when it comes to change and diversity.This episode is sure to help guide you to becoming the best leader you can be. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips and to hear even more about the points outlined above.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!CONNECT WITH Sonita Lontoh:LinkedInTwitterWebsiteCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Julie Castro Abrams tells about How Women Lead, her social justice organization that brings women together to make an impact. Over 14,000 women become fierce advocates for each other and help one another in many ways, including investing in women-owned businesses and recommending them for seats on corporate boards. Julie stresses the need for women to step out, speak out and work together for gender and racial equality.

Many come into a career with the expectation of starting here and wanting to be at the next level at a certain very rapid point. Sure, technology has made some changes to that; but we've lost the importance of what you can learn in the process of building from the ground up. This week's episode 22 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about supporting and mentoring our next generation of women leaders! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Heather Jerrehian are sharing the importance of surrounding yourself with people who can help raise you up. So many of us grew up in an era where there was only one seat at the top. There's abundance for all of us, and How Women Invest showcases that spectacularly.Heather Jerrerhian is an award-winning entrepreneurial leader and turnaround expert with key executive roles as a startup founder, CEO, COO, CFO, and VP/GM for Fortune 500 enterprises and startups with extensive software, consumer, and technology expertise. Global business builder recognized for cultivating key strategic partnerships, accelerating sales through robust GTM strategies, maximizing distribution channels (B2B + B2C + B2B2C), and demonstrating the operational acumen to architect systems and infrastructure to support large-scale organizations.She has full 360-degree knowledge of SaaS, marketplaces, e-commerce, retail, wholesale, and manufacturing across multiple consumer categories, including hardware, electronics, clothing, accessories, and food – as well as technology expertise using AI + ML across HRTech, EdTech, AgTech, and FashionTech. Known for the ability to identify trends and quickly capitalize on growth opportunities, having a consistent record of building multi-million-dollar businesses ($0 to $75M) and driving triple-digit increases while maintaining financial controls for profitability and extraordinary people leadership skills to enable the impossible.Some of the talking points Julie and Heather go over in this episode include:Stepping out and taking the shot to meet the right peopleHow being a hexagon has helped her better articulate and shift the conversation to how she can best support the role she wanted.Pivotal qualities that served her well through all her career shifts.The most critical skills for any new entrepreneur or startup CEOHow to create an advisory network that will best serve you in your different roles.  The most important thing the younger generation needs to know as they step into these leadership roles.What to do when you are in the middle of a struggle in your career. There's a time and a moment for all of us. Grab the moment when you can because you never know what will come out of it. 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!CONNECT WITH HEATHER JERREHIAN:Hitch WorksLinkedInTwitterCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Being a woman in a boardroom or a political office can be challenging, but being transgender is a whole other level of power, grace, and representation issues. Today, we invited Lisa Middleton, who is the third transgender person in US History to serve as Mayor of an American city, and the first transgender person to serve as Mayor in the state of California. This week's episode 21 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about being transgender in the political space! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Lisa Middleton are sharing the importance of transgender diversity in board rooms and in political spaces and actionable steps you can take right now to support and encourage other transwomen. Some of the talking points Julie and Lisa Middleton go over in this episode include:What LGBTQ+ communities and political stances have been throughout the last 50 years of change, and how Lisa has seen this firsthand.The power of having LGBTQ+ diversified representation in boardrooms, and what we all bring to the table.The most powerful thing corporate leaders can do following what we've learned in the pandemic and during the great resignation.How being transgender has become politicalized and how best to support your fellow trans-community members.I hope this conversation made you puff up in pride for Pride Month. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips and to hear even more about the points outlined above.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!CONNECT WITH Lisa Middleton:LinkedIn FacebookCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

It certainly takes a village to be successful, and no one knows that better than Cheemin Bo-Linn. Recognized by multiple Presidents of the United States for her successful and inspiring leadership skills, Cheemin comes to us today to instill in us the leadership skills and lessons she's learned throughout her career so far. This week's episode 20 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about how to get to the top of the board room; the board director! Cheemin leverages tech to make the seemingly "impossible...possible " and leapfrogs competition with a time to market advantage. .. from AI/neuron "human thinking" machines, to POS checkout with concurrent loan access, to EV trucks and drones "scaleup" for mass zero carbon transport, to "smart" cities, to 3D physical to digital transformation, or leveraging tech in new markets or patient care. Currently, she is CEO of Peritus Partners Inc. Prior, she was recruited to scale growth as IBM Vice President running a $3.5b P&L, M&A partner, and other financial expert and "go to market" roles. Also she has served in roles such as digital Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Revenue Officer and multiple roles in mobile, internet, e-Commerce, software, energy, financial, semiconductor, and industrial sector companies. In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Cheemin Bo-Linn are sharing the importance of others' help in your success journey and actionable steps you can take right now to be a positive leader evoking positive change in your circles. Some of the talking points Julie and Cheemin go over in this episode include:Ways Cheemin has felt recognized in her role as one of the best board directors in the country, and possibly internationally.A powerful lesson Cheemin makes sure to instill in younger generations in board positions that will help you succeed now.The top leadership skills that helped Cheemin make her who she is today, and taken her where she has been.How Cheemin has navigated her ethnic and cultural background in the C-suite and board rooms, while also being American-born, and the ethnicity challenges she's faced.A huge theme in this episode is the power of others' help in getting you to the top, and I couldn't agree more with the power of community and helping the woman next to you also succeed. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips and to hear even more about the points outlined above.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!CONNECT WITH CHEEMIN BO-LINN:LinkedInCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Sue Harnett knows a thing or two about helping others' voices be heard, and she's a fierce advocate for others. Through her many years in Fin-Tech and banking, as well as her experience being an angel investor and helping start ups. Sue has a heart for women leaders and business owners. This week's episode 19 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about growing your network and asking the right questions to help others expand their horizons and ideas! Sue currently serves as Independent Director, Nomination & Governance Committee Chair, and a member of the Risk Committee of the OFG Holding Company Bank Board (NYSE:OFG) and a member of the Compensation & Human Capital and Audit Committees of Life Storage (NYSE:LSI). She recently joined the Board of American Enterprise Group, a mutual insurance company and is a member of the Audit Committee. Previously she served on the Board of Directors of First Niagara Financial Group. She is certified by the National Association of Corporate Directors as a Director and a Governance Fellow and a Qualified Risk Director when she was awarded a Certificate in Risk Governance from the DCRO Institute. To give back, Sue is a founding limited partner of How Women Invest and a member of the Executive Board of How Women Lead an organization committed to increasing venture funding to women led companies.In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Sue Harnett are sharing the importance of asking great questions and actionable steps you can take right now to help other women succeed beside you. Some of the talking points Julie and Sue go over in this episode include:Balancing Motherhood, careers, and other challenges throughout the ages as women in successful career fields.The power in asking good questions in board meetings, and the role you play as a board member, whether it's in banking or start ups.Why it's important for other women to join boards and why Sue puts in extra work to help fellow women join them.Innovations in Fin-tech that Sue sees that have a strong potential to change the trajectory of women in finances. This episode will encourage you to humbly help others and be a fierce advocate for others through networking. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips and to hear even more about the points outlined above.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!CONNECT WITH SUE HARNETT:LinkedInCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWLLINKS: Book: Lean Inwww.goalsetter.co

Rosie Rios noticed while on a lunch break the lack of women representation in statues in DC, which led her down a rabbit hole of currency changes that would soon take effect. Now, Harriet Tubman and other women of influence from our history will grace the United States currency. All because she was inspired by the invisible. Rosie Rios, the 43rd Treasurer of the United States, comes to us today to remind us that with a little inspiration and a lot of commitment to the cause, you can make an impact on the world. This week's episode 18 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about how Rosie Rios changed the United States currency to include women, and why it's so important! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Rosie Rios are sharing the importance of women's history being shared publicly and actionable steps you can take right now to make changes in your local areas and industries to allow for more women's representation. Some of the talking points Julie and Rosie go over in this episode include:How, and why, Rosie came to the conclusion that the currency of the United States needed an adjustment, and the process it takes to change currency while remaining integrity in our currency.When Rosie knew the turning point in her career was coming, and the hints she got along the way that helped remind her she was on the right path for her.How to, and why you want to, analyze for risk when proposing projects and future events and changes.The future of currency; where Rosie thinks it's going, based on where it is today, and how we as women leaders and founders can make even more amazing initiatives happen.This episode will surely encourage you to be inspired by the invisible throughout history. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips and to hear even more about the points outlined above.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!CONNECT WITH Rosie Rios:Unicorn HuntersTwitterEmpowerment 2026CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Millicent Tracey is a seasoned FinTech and financial services product management executive who for years has helped FinTech companies and startups. She's also helped develop b2b payment strategies. She is just a brilliant, kind leader who steps up and makes things happen Millicent Tracy spent just about 20 years at Wells Fargo working on online banking for business and building digital payment platforms like Zelle which we all use. This week's episode 17 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the importance of knowing your values for furthering your career intentionally! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Millicent Tracey are sharing the importance of understanding your own values and actionable steps you can take right now to grow your career or take on the board seat once you understand who you are and what you want. Some of the talking points Julie and Millicent go over in this episode include:How you can help consumers through a cultural shift when launching a new product or service.Up and coming trends in financial technology that women owned start ups should know about.What Millicent learned from her immigrant parents and what she didn't learn from them but found valuable to her career expansion.What ESG is, and how it's impacting board seats and governance of companies today and in the future.This episode will empower you to understand your personal and professional values and life lessons that matter to you in order to further your career in a positive way. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips and to hear even more about the points outlined above.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!CONNECT WITH MILLICENT TRACEY:LinkedInCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Showing up can position yourself in a dynamic way that allows no room for negotiation; you deserve that raise! This week's episode 16 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the stepping stones of showing up that lead to success.Preethy Padmanabhan is a seasoned technology executive with 20 years of experience across engineering, sales and marketing. She's the host of 10 Times Growth Strategies podcast, and she's an investor with many years experience on boards and various roles. She understands the importance and the value in showing up, even as a volunteer, until you become successful. In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Preethy Padmanabhan are sharing the importance of being unabashedly visible and actionable steps you can take right now to grant yourself success through showing up thoughtfully and intentionally. Some of the talking points Julie and Preethy go over in this episode include:What it was like for Preethy moving to the United States as a woman in tech who didn't yet understand English well, and the challenges she overcame to be successful despite a language barrier.The biggest leadership skills Preethy learned through her various roles, and how her unique perspective guided her to be the leader she is today.How to negotiate higher pay, an equal salary, more responsibility or that raise, as a woman, and do it in a way that creates no room for doubt.Preethy's five “S”s to success: self-awareness, self-care, seeking help, setting boundaries and stretching ourselves.Preethy has served on lots of nonprofit boards, and you'll get to know her and her deep commitment to the world and the community through this episode. But her big focus is on economic empowerment for women, children and education.  Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to hear even more about the points outlined above.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!CONNECT WITH PREETHY PADMANABHAN:LinkedInPodcastMusicCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

With nonprofits, there's a lot of hush hush about money - many companies don't talk about where they got funding or how they got it, and rarely talk about bankruptcy or anything else negative without a victory story. After 20+ years of hands-on experience in financial services, including investment product design, portfolio management, risk modeling, and private banking, Vivienne Hsu decided to form LENDonate, an online collaborative marketplace of loan+donation to nonprofit organizations. The idea of this new financial ecosystem for nonprofit is also a result of her 10+ years of fundraising and constantly thinking "there must be a better way." This week's episode 15 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about nonprofit funding and support options! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Vivienne Hsu are sharing the importance of seeking help when you need it, especially when it comes to needing money loans and actionable steps you can take right now to utilize crowdfunding opportunities to help your nonprofit succeed. Some of the talking points Julie and Vivienne go over in this episode include:How crowdfunding actually works and who the investor is in that type of funding relationship.Different ways nonprofits can utilize crowdfunding, bank loans, and other support to grow, sustain or even save their businesses.Why banks are usually overly cautious when it comes to funding, and why it may feel like you have to jump through a lot of hoops to get approved.Different support and investment options and opportunities for nonprofit leaders, as well as things to pay attention to and look for when it comes to funding opportunities. This episode is going to help you see behind the curtain at what it's like on the other end of funding and investment opportunities, what banks and lenders look for in a business looking for a loan, and more. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips and to hear even more about the points outlined above.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!CONNECT WITH Vivienne Hsu:WebsiteLinkedInCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

When you get too many people in the room with the same perspective and expertise, you tend to get “group think”; no fresh ideas, and everyone on too much of the same page. Luckily, Evelyn Dilsaver knows the solution to get out of that funk - getting skills in various fields! Evelyn is one of the most responsible, disciplined philanthropists and leaders that Julie's ever met. Evelyn is a CPA by trade, having spent the first 17 years of her career in Audit and Finance before becoming president and CEO of the Charles Schwab investment management firm. She was one of the first Asian women board directors in the United States of America. This week's episode 14 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the tips she's learned and been taught in the C-Suite spaces! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Evelyn Dilsaver share the importance of getting multiple perspectives on a subject and actionable steps you can take right now to ask insightful questions to provoke change. Some of the talking points Julie and Evelyn go over in this episode include:The lessons Evelyn learned through sports growing up and throughout her parenting days, and why women in sports tend to grow up to be leaders.The 3 top C-suite tips she learned from a mentor that helped her become the powerful and thoughtful leader she is today, and how you can too.The reason she varies her industry and expertise in order to learn more and free her mindset and perspectives.The power behind an insightful question, as opposed to an insightful comment, and why that has led to Evelyn's ability to ask questions in such a thought-provoking manner.There are a lot of negative effects of “group think”; hopefully today's conversation sparks that creative, new perspective for you to help take your team, group or c-suite to the next level by sparking a new conversation and fresh ideas. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips and to hear even more about the points outlined above.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!CONNECT WITH Evelyn Dilsaver:LinkedInCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

Our hosts Rachel and Kristen interview Julie Castro Abrams. Julie is an experienced CEO, sought-after speaker in entrepreneurship who is widely recognized due to her unique ability to connect people and facilitate rich conversations that make change happen. Julie is a philanthropist who launched How Women Give and serves as the Governance Chair for the Women's Funding Network. 

I met Hannah Kain while being co-authors for Scrappy Women in Business; Living Proof that Bending the Rules isn't Breaking the Law.  Hannah Kain, who is the very first supply chain expert that we've had on the show,  is a bright light who encourages giving and giving well to others, she's a humble example of a power player in the female entrepreneurial and C-suite space, and a strong believer in the power in being yourself.  This week's episode 13 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about finding you in your own success journey! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Hannah Kain are sharing the importance of being yourself and being confident in who you are and actionable steps you can take right now to continuously give back to the ecosystem that is women in entrepreneurial positions. Some of the talking points Julie and Hannah go over in this episode include:The supply chain issues of 2020 that caused the industry cause for concern, like the toilet paper demand and the concern of when things will go back to normal.How Hannah managed to built and maintain a strong team of employees throughout the pandemic, despite the huge dip in employee retention.How giving back through different outlets and endeavors has contributed to the ecosystem of women in business.How the dynamic of being a woman in the CEO space has been like throughout the years, but shoulder pads and pencil skirts, to the rockstar women, are today in power positions.So many words of wisdom come with this episode, from understanding that you don't have to be like anyone else to be successful, to remembering to hold tight to words of encouragement and compliments from others for a rainy day, this episode is sure to inspire and uplift you. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to hear even more about the points outlined above.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!CONNECT WITH HANNAH KAIN:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

When it comes to being a woman of color in the C-suite or corporate side of business, there can be a lot of pressures and residual inner dialogue that can make your own identity a blur. Women have edited themselves to fit the mold or the leader before them for a really long time, and this is even stronger in relation to those of color or with a different cultural belief than their white male counterparts. This week's episode 12 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about understanding and redefining the shadow side to being a woman of color in business, with Deepa Purushothaman! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Deepa Purushothaman are sharing the importance of redefining success for yourself, no matter what culture or society deems accurate for you, and actionable steps you can take right now to step into your power as a woman of color and powerful leader. Some of the talking points Julie and Deepa go over in this episode include:The significance and role of work on women of color, and how this plays a huge role in their lives and identities.How we as women edit ourselves and put ourselves on mute more times than we shout unless that's the expectation.The shadow side to being a woman of color in business, and how this can lead to not only being forced to fit stereotypes but the other significant (unpaid) roles we play in corporations.Hiding your identity: why some people choose to do that, and how easy or difficult it may be to do that.In this episode, Deepa shares her new book, along with a few of the amazing stories held within, to help share how women of color are truly stepping into their calling as the power brokers of the future. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips and to hear even more about the points outlined above.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!CONNECT WITH DEEPA PURUSHOTHAMAN:WebsiteLinkedInGet Her BookCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

We know there's a difference between the funds donated and provided for philanthropic groups that are white, and those that are black-owned. But do you know the actual numbers? Rebecca Darwent does, and she's literally speechless as she shares the numbers with us on today's podcast. This week's episode 11 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the disparity between black-owned philanthropies and other organizations, and how less than 7 cents for every $100 of philanthropic money goes towards Black-owned philanthropies! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Rebecca Darwent are sharing the importance of funding equity groups and actionable steps you can take right now to help provide support and resources to these groups, no matter your own sexual orientation or philanthropic segmentation. Some of the talking points Julie and Rebecca go over in this episode include:Biases around the Black community and a sense of diminishing that occurs around the “professional” ideation around supporting Black communities as a Black leader.The call to action Rebecca has for us all to help support and provide resources for equity groups of all types, and how anyone can help.What the Unfunded Black Communities Overlooked by Canadian Philanthropy report has done for Rebecca; taking her from the number two for everyone to the number one spot as a leader in her field.Taking yourself off mute; why now is the time to stop being silent and the best ways to be loud, bold, and proud.Rebecca is a great leader of inspiration in our community who will inspire you to be proud and bold about yourself and your community. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to hear even more about the points outlined above.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!CONNECT WITH Rebecca Darwent:LinkedInTwitterInstagramCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:LinkedIn - JulieHow Women LeadHow Women InvestHow Women GiveInstagram - HWLLinkedIn - HWLFacebook - HWL

How Women Lead's goal is to get women in the highest places of power so that they can influence the country. If you look at the top 50 venture firms in the United States, most of them have zero to five women CEOs in all of their investments. That is a huge problem, and our guest today, Julie Castro Abrams is trying to solve that. Join Elizabeth Bachman as she talks to Julie about the inequality of women in corporate boards. Julie is the CEO of How Women Lead and believes that when women lead, everyone wins. Learn how women lead, invest, give & inspire today.

Imagine a world where every woman shows up, supports, and amplifies one another while also standing in their authenticity and power. THAT is a world I want to be part of and a world I want to build for my children. That's why episode 48 of The Jen Marples Show is about supporting, amplifying, and promoting women in business. In this episode of The Jen Marples Show, my guest Julie Castro Abrams shares the importance of making intentional connections and building lasting relationships with other women, getting very clear on the value you provide to the workforce as well as figuring out what gets you excited. Some of the talking points Julie and I go over in this episode include:The trends for women returning to the workforce in 2022 and the importance of keeping up with the constant pivots. Establishing the value you can bring to the table in this new virtual work environment.   How to intentionally ask for advice and support.  The difference between transactions and relationships when it comes to making connections.   Figuring out what sparks your joy before pivoting so that you can live fully in alignment with your passions.Know the value you bring into the world so you can finally shed any negativity you carry around and love yourself.Thank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me on Instagram @jenmarples!  And don't forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Unedited AI Transcript HereCONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS: How Women LeadHow Women Inspire PodcastInstagramFacebookLinkedinCONNECT WITH JEN MARPLES:Join the Inner CircleInstagramLinkedInWork with Jen! WebsiteLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:The Missing Mentor by Mary E. StuttsThe Collected Poems of Audre LordeAppalachian Elegy: Poetry and Place by Bell HooksWhen Angels Speak of Love Poems by Bell HooksGood to Great by Jim CollinsForces for Good by Leslie R. Crutchfield and Heather McLeod Grant

A career CEO, activist, and board expert shares the importance of women taking leadership roles as founders, on boards, and as investors. Julie Castro Abrams is leading a movement of women who invest in women-led companies, and are transforming the venture landscape as a result. As the founder and CEO of How Women Lead, she's devoted to getting more women on public and private boards, and as the Managing Partner at How Women Invest, she has created a unique VC firm where thousands of women are investing in other women-led companies - with groundbreaking results. In this episode, Julie shares her perspective on the progress being made toward diversity in venture and on corporate boards, the importance of a strong personal frame for oneself and others, taking empowered action in the face of injustice, the hierarchy of philanthropy, and the inspiring movement of women who are investing in other women founders who, in turn, are creating successful businesses across a broad spectrum of industries - from female-focused to AI-driven. Julie is the founder and CEO of How Women Lead, a sought-after speaker, and a consultant who helps leaders achieve their growth and breakthrough goals. She's also a philanthropist who created How Women Give and serves as the governance chair for the Women's Funding Network. Julie has won many awards including the Jobs Genius Award, Morgan Stanley Innovation Award, Cisco Innovation in Technology, "Women Who Could Be President" League of Women Voters, Stevie Award for Best Non Profit Executive, Human Rights Award from the Commission on the Status of Women, the Women of Color Action Network, Leadership California and the Marin Women's Hall of Fame in 2011. Key Insights: The impact of your personal frame on your ability to succeed The growth and gains that result from board diversity The power of women investing in women-led companies Maimonides' hierarchy of philanthropy and how it relates to investment Subscribe to this podcast to build your healthy financial foundation through expertise, insights, strategies, tactics, wisdom, and inspiration from Alpha Investing's community of professionals, advisors, investors, and members: Apple - Spotify - Google - TuneIn - Stitcher - iHeartRadio Guest Bio: Julie Castro Abrams is an expert on building boards that add a strategic advantage including proactive searches for women on corporate boards. An experienced CEO and sought-after speaker in entrepreneurship and how women lead, she is widely recognized because of her unique ability to connect people and facilitate rich conversations that make change happen. Julie partners with terrific CEOs to build high performance, multicultural teams, in particular boards that make organizations better. She has a successful consulting practice with leaders she admires to achieve their growth and breakthrough goals. Julie's commitment to justice and community are well known in her personal and professional endeavors. She serves as a leader on the boards of organizations focused on women and children, Latinos, economic development and the arts. Julie is a philanthropist who launched How Women Give and serves as the Governance Chair for the Women's Funding Network. Thousands of new businesses attribute their launch and growth to her support which has resulted in millions toward the economic growth in communities. She is a leader in the country's movement to build and fund start ups. Julie has won many awards including the Jobs Genius Award, Morgan Stanley Innovation Award, Cisco Innovation in Technology, "Women Who Could Be President" League of Women Voters, Stevie Award for Best Non Profit Executive, Human Rights Award from the Commission on the Status of Women, the Women of Color Action Network, Leadership California and the Marin Women's Hall of Fame in 2011. Resources: Real Wealth Real Health Alpha Investing podcast@alphai.com How Women Invest How Women Lead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#VoteHerIn, a collaboration of Two Broads Talking Politics & Rebecca Sive.Julie Castro Abrams is an expert in board governance and building diverse boards that are a strategic advantage. She is an experienced non profit CEO and entrepreneur and through her consulting practice she supports leaders to build high-performance boards, break through performance for the leaders and high performing multicultural teams. She is Chair and CEO of How Women Lead, a network of over 13,000 women dedicated to promoting diverse women's voices and propelling women's leadership forward as well as the Managing Partner of BoardLeaders.com where she actively places leaders on corporate boards and supports them to build inclusive and high-performance boards.An active investor and advisor to start-ups, Julie also sits on the advisory boards of the fin-tech start-up LENDonate, The New Search Collaborative and is the Governance Chair for the Women's Funding Network, a network of women's foundations across the globe. She has previously led the board of multiple nonprofit organizations located throughout the country, including Board Director for the National Council of La Raza, Governance Chair for the Association for Enterprise Opportunity and Board Chair of Cypress String Quartet.The recipient of many accolades, Julie has won the More Jobs Genius Award, the Morgan Stanley Innovation Award, Cisco's Innovation in Technology Award, the League of Women Voters' Women Who Could Be President Award, the Stevie Award for Best Non-Profit Executive, and the Commission on the Status of Women's Human Rights Award, and is a member of the Women of Color Action Network, Leadership California, and the Marin Women's Hall of Fame. She has also been featured in four books, including “Scrappy Women in Business,” “Women of Courage,” and “The Missing Mentor,” and Fast Company's video series “30 Second MBA.”

Julie Castro Abrams is the founder, CEO and chair of How Women Lead, a network of 14,000 women. They are top executives, leaders, current and aspiring board members and investors. Julie is also the GP of How Women Invest, an angel investing fund that has invested millions in women owned startups.  Recently, Julie was featured on Forbes magazine for her accomplishments on leading How Women Invest. She's also on one of the task forces of California Governor Gavin Newsom, "the first partners" initiatives. The interviewer, Joanne Tan, is personally involved with How Women Lead for over two and a half years, both as a member of the Leadership Committee and through helping aspiring executives to get on corporate boards, with their board bios, LinkedIn profiles and resumes. Joanne describes Julie: "I have come to know Julie really well, and admire her passion, talent, brilliance, leadership, authenticity, and business savviness. All of these are inspiring to me and to lots of women." The tide raises ALL boats.  Diversity is the tidal wave. Diversity increases the whole pie for everyone, and everyone stands to benefit. Like it or not, America will be the most diverse country in the world and nobody can turn the tide. For those who don't like to be politically correct all the time, - I get you; but, there is a right way and a wrong way of dealing with diversity. Either you ride the tidal wave, or better, lead the wave, or you are being dragged kicking and screaming and end up being a “loser”, and get drowned by the inevitable. Learn from the true leaders like Julia Abrams, it's not a waste of your time.

Did you know that in 12 of the United States, there either is legislation requiring women to be represented on every public company board or there is legislation being considered? There are more opportunities than ever for senior women leaders to join corporate boards! Sitting on a corporate board can be a great way to take your career to the next stage. That is why Donna Miller from Purse Power invited Julie Abrams to speak on the topic and why Nan McKay decided to sponsor their course on Corporate Board Readiness Training. Julie Abrams is Founder and CEO of How Women Lead who created the course. Julie Castro Abrams is an expert on building boards that add a strategic advantage including proactive searches for women on corporate boards. In this episode, she dives deep into her passion for helping women leaders influence how organizations perform by getting on boards.Listen in to learn the importance of investing in private companies as a women leader to increase your chances of getting on their board. You will also learn the importance of supporting other women leaders and building your network. Key Takeaways: How to harness the power of women and change things that hold them down How to invest your wealth to influence a board member role in private companies How to support women in wealth building by building our own ecosystem Learning how to build your network with major organizations’ associations to increase your chances of getting on a board www.TrailBlazersImpact.com

How do women lead? In this episode, Julie Castro Abrams, Founder and CEO of How Women Lead, joins John Livesay as they talk about propelling women's leadership forward and shifting the world's frame. Julie shares her journey through the years from social worker to spearheading a network of women leaders and general partners in a business firm, she has done them all. Julie and John discuss the significance of having a network as they dig deeper into how Julie helps women and entrepreneurs, in general, to be resilient and find their true identity. Tune in and learn the importance of having grit and how you can get your shot to success.

How do women lead? In this episode, Julie Castro Abrams, Founder and CEO of How Women Lead, joins John Livesay as they talk about propelling women's leadership forward and shifting the world's frame. Julie shares her journey through the years from social worker to spearheading a network of women leaders and general partners in a business firm, she has done them all. Julie and John discuss the significance of having a network as they dig deeper into how Julie helps women and entrepreneurs, in general, to be resilient and find their true identity. Tune in and learn the importance of having grit and how you can get your shot to success.    Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Here's How » Join The Successful Pitch community today: JohnLivesay.com John Livesay Facebook John Livesay Twitter John Livesay LinkedIn John Livesay YouTube