Podcasts about sheventures

Do you love to travel but have no one to travel with? My guest in this episode is Sinead Phillips founder of SheVentures, offering escorted small group tours for women. SheVentures is all about inspiring women to embrace life after 50 and travel with other like-minded women. During the conversation we discussed:* Sinead's story and why she started Sheventures* Why she thinks so many women over 50 are wanting to travel solo* What Sheventures offers and how it works* Women's Wellness Retreats and why they are becoming more popular* Two trips in 2025 on offer can you tell as about them. Where they are and what women can women* Sinead's thoughts on what being a women living well means to herMeet Sinead PhillipsLiving in the picturesque Dandenong Ranges with her husband and children, Sinead followed her passion for women's empowerment through wellness and travel, and established SheVentures.  SheVentures offers escorted small group tours for women.A travel agent for close to 20 years, Sinead loves hosting groups of women on wellness retreats and travel adventures.  Sinead believes that the desire to travel does not diminish with age; in fact, women over 50 have been showing an ever-increasing interest in exploring the world!  Providing an inclusive, comfortable and supportive service, Sinead hopes to spread the word that ‘adventure knows no age limits!'.Outside of SheVentures, Sinead loves to cook for her friends and family, take lots of photos of daily inspirations and tries to practice the self-care that she passionately promotes.Connect with SineadTwo 2025 trips to consider:Vietnam Wellness Week – https://sheventures.com.au/vietnam-2025Immersive India – https://sheventures.com.au/india-2025Sinead does do more trips and retreats, etc. but we will keep it nice and simple.  Everything she hosts is on our website – https://sheventures.com.au/Are you ready to embrace adventure and rediscover yourself?Thanks for reading Women Living Well After 50 with Sue Loncaric! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit womenlivingwellafter50.substack.com

Ireland's first all-island summit for women who founded their own businesses takes place in Co Fermanagh on May 20th-21st. 'SheVentures' will pull together over 200 women founders, investors, entrepreneurs, and their supporters in Ireland, say Awaken Hub, the organisers of the event. The summit offers "unparalleled access to inspiring Irish and international women leaders, including some who have never spoken at an Irish event before," says Awaken Hub chairperson, Mary McKenna. Speakers include Silicon Valley's Ann Hiatt who worked directly for Amazon's Jeff Bezos; Lorna Conn, CEO of Cpl, and entrepreneurs' champion; and Samantha Barry, Global Editorial Director for the Americas at Glamour magazine. Women Founders Summit Mary McKenna says SheVentures offers an "opportunity to hang-out with your tribe of women founders and investors in a friendly and informal setting for a couple of days. But get yourself investor-ready," she advises. "You might even bag an angel investor or two!" The summit is being held in the breathtaking and cosy location of Lusty Beg Island, Fermanagh. Sponsored cabins on the premises will offer Master Classes and discussions on challenging themes like Investment, Sustainability, US Market Entry, Sales, Storytelling and Marketing, and Commercialisation. McKenna says these are an ideal chance to learn from experts at first hand. "She Ventures is not just about offering great speakers. It's about giving participants access to these speakers and experts for informal chats and discussions throughout the two days. It's also about extending women founders' networks of key players, contacts, and investors as they grow their business." The summit is being supported and sponsored by the Shared Island Initiative. Tánaiste Micheál Martin said he was delighted that the Shared Island Civic Society Fund has been able to support the work of Awaken Hub and the SheVentures summit. "The Shared Island Civic Society Fund aims to promote practical cooperation and interaction in civic society on this island and the SheVentures summit is a stellar example of the Fund supporting people to come together and make real connections." The 2-day event is being MC'd by BBC and TG4 presenter Lynette Fay, and other contributors lined up to take part include the Positive Economist Susan Hayes Culleton, and US and global expert on women's access to networks and Venture Capital, Kelly Hoey. There's accommodation on and off the island and boat/bus transport to shuttle participants back and forth. The summit starts at 9AM on Monday 20th, closing at 4PM on Tuesday 21st. You can book tickets online at: http://sheventures.co.uk About AwakenHub Founded in 2020, AwakenHub is a social enterprise dedicated to removing barriers for women founders across the island of Ireland. Its mission is to level up opportunity, access, and connectivity for women founders throughout the Island of Ireland by removing barriers to investment, scale and success and is backed by a community of over 3,000 subscribers. About AwakenAngels Launched in 2023, is the first investor syndicate on the island tailored for women, aiming to democratise angel investing. Highlights of activity first quarter of 2024 AwakenHub/ AwakenAngels hosted their 2nd US St Brigid's Week Trade Mission to NYC & Boston in Feb 2024 specially supported by US Special Envoy to NI, Joe Kennedy III & the Irish & British Consulates Invited and showcased at the week-long events as part of the NI/Irish delegation to Washington Dec in 11-18 March 2024 As part of a consortium bid secured EU core consortium partner, we launched the Women TechEU Call - a €12m Fund for women-led startups in Deep Tech & a call for deep tech experts as EU evaluators In partnership with Global Tech Advocates launched Tech Northern Ireland Advocates and collaborating with Tech Ireland advocates Within 9 months of our AwakenAngels syndicate we have onboarded 50 new women angels across the island of Ireland and counting and closed o...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Annie and Lauren went to SheVentures in Chattanooga again this year, and got to be team leaders. Despite being pretty drained from pre-event travel, both Lauren and Annie left the event re-charged and PSYCHED.

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

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

This mom's frustration with finding quality outdoor gear ⛷

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

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

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

Erectile dysfunction products are widely accepted, but women's sexual health and wellness are far less so. Christine Brown is helping to reclaim the female sexual health and hygiene market with The Kind Cup, an innovative, ergonomically designed silicone menstrual cup. Brown was first introduced to the menstrual cup at their all-women undergraduate college (where they obtained a degree in critical thought) — and it changed their views on feminine products forever. This American Sign Language (ASL) teacher juggled their career and helped to run their family's specialty fruit farming business, while casually researching product reviews about the incompatibility of some menstrual cups with women's bodies. This eventually led to their pivot into entrepreneurship, where The Kind Cup was born. Brown shares how their own hard-of-hearing journey and non-binary identity helped shape their ideology, explains the misconceptions in label setting, and defines the limits they sought to overcome by challenging people's notions of what they think they know versus what they assume. Brown shares how this philosophy is helping them to take the The Kind Cup to the next level on this episode of SheVentures. 5:38: Brown shares their hard-of-hearing journey. 15:00: How Brown pivoted from teaching ASL to designing menstrual cups 19:03: What sparked the idea for The Kind Cup? 23:54: How has their architectural background helped to inspire the design for The Kind Cup? 35:06: Brown takes on the Pink Tax. 41:23: What did Brown need to do to obtain FDA approval? 52:09: Is venture funding to scale in Brown's future? Find out!

When's the last time you had the courage to take a major risk on faith?

Did you know that half of women don't have personal retirement savings, according to the U.S. Census? If that's you — whether you are 25 or 55 — it's never too late to find your financial footing. Even if you are contributing to an individual or workplace retirement plan, you don't want to miss this knowledge-packed episode for financial literacy month. Mary Beth Franklin, an award-winning and veteran financial journalist who specializes in retirement income, reminisces about her 40+ years in journalism, starting as a congressional cub reporter for United Press International before distinguishing herself at Kiplinger's Personal Finance, among other publications. During this time, she also became a wife and mother. Most inspiring, Franklin became a certified financial planner (CFP) late in her career, presenting to the CFP Board that her professional experience as a journalist was enough to meet the organization's practical experience requirement. This episode kicks off Financial Literacy Month by emphasizing Franklin's prolific career and pivots while providing solid retirement information for all women — whether you are a homemaker, a solopreneur, or a CEO. Take a moment to jot down notes to ensure you are protected as best as possible when you retire. You are the one responsible for understanding your financial destiny, but there's help and resources galore.   Tune in to hear Franklin tell all in this SheVentures exclusive! 1:36 Franklin shares the opportunities and pivots she took in her career 12:06 What challenges does Franklin see arising as tech plays a central role in journalism? 22:43 Franklin delves into her view of the retirement gap and women 24:33 How she educates people on the optimization of Social Security benefits 25:46 Franklin defines how Social Security is calculated for you or as a divorced or surviving spouse 32:02 Franklin lists effective ways to contribute to retirement 41:24 Why Franklin thinks it's essential for stay-at-home moms to plan for — and understand — their retirement 45:14 Actions women can take to improve their financial future

Have you ever wondered why there is so much buzz around Big Data? Should it be exalted or feared? Retired Air Force Captain Kimberly Shenk believes data, used responsibly, is a force for good. She earned her master's degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a Draper Fellow, served as a senior data scientist in the Air Force at Pearl Harbor, and worked a few stints exploring how data can be segmented and inform marketing with companies like Sports Authority and Eventbrite. How did Shenk pivot to her current role as co-founder and CEO of Novi, a database that catalogs the supply chain of chemicals and other ingredients used in everyday products? Shenk explains that consumers are demanding more transparency, as are businesses, who want to ensure they can continue to rely on ingredients they use, as the supply chain has been tested during the pandemic. Shenk successfully raised more than $1M to fund Novi. Listen to how this woman, with a “superpower in problem-solving” is serving both B2B and end consumers on this 100th episode of SheVentures. 5:36 Shenk shares how her upbringing encouraged her to bypass gender stereotypes 9:42 How her experiences at MIT and in the Air Force prepared her for entrepreneurship 20:07 What led Shenk to co-found Novi 31:51 How Shenk raised more than $1M in venture capital 38:02 Shenk talks about being a woman (and a mother) in male-dominated industries 40:21 How does Novi earn money? 41:27 Shenk offers insight on where big data is evolving, and how it can make the biggest impact

Have you ever felt afraid to find your voice and make some noise? Kristen Guillory, Ph.D, thrives on public speaking with a twist of dancing. She shares how to overcome fear, self-doubt, and show your authentic self. A professor turned self-care coach, and author of Look, Stop Hiding! How to Find Your Voice and Never Dim Your Light Again, recalls becoming a professor in social work by age 27, and learned “not to put herself in boxes that weren't meant for her.” Guillory shares the mistakes she's made, and gives tips on how women can stop being apologetic. Learn how to take ownership as an entrepreneur on this episode of SheVentures. 2:49: Guillory shares how she learned to show up as who she is. 16:30 : How did Guillory overcome her fear of speaking about herself? 20:33: What was the catalyst for her pivot from professor to entrepreueur? 24:32 : Learn from the mistakes Guillory made as a young professor and entrepreneur 27:42 : Want to stop apologizing for being assertive? Yes! 32:12 : What are fears unique to female entrepreneurs, and how does Guillory recommend building courage? 43:33 : Worried about entrepreneurial burnout? Guillory shares tips on how not to lose your light.

Retired commander Majorie Eastman is not a career politician. Yet, this mom, Army intelligence officer, and award-winning author decided to run for North Carolina's U.S. Senate seat. Why? Having served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, Eastman's decade-long commitment to defending our country speaks for itself. How does she plan on shaking things up as a D.C. outsider if elected? And why is she running? Eastman reveals all in this SheVentures exclusive. P.S. Eastman is the only veteran in the North Carolina GOP primary field. Plus she's the mother of a little boy who beat cancer. Her down-to-earth pragmatism is refreshing. 1:47 Eastman shares the defining moment when she decided to enter the Senate race. 4:34 Why should undecideds cast a vote for Marjorie Eastman? 5:53 What Eastman thinks it will take for a divided America to move forward. 10:24 Eastman delves into how socialism could be a threat to health care. 13:24 Eastman envisions her first 90 days as senator. 16:23 How will independents identify with her on the Republican ticket? 19:33 Does Eastman feel Gen Z has what it takes to effectively be political leaders?

Don't think social entrepreneurship can earn a profit? Think again. Rahama Wright discusses how she built Shea Yeleen, a skincare brand that focuses on high-quality shea butter, produced by women's cooperatives in Ghana. Listen as Wright speaks about the decision to create living wage jobs (nearly five times the minimum wage) for women-owned shea butter cooperatives in Ghana, through Shea Yeleen. Wright offers some of the women the opportunity to travel to the United States to witness the business funnel from beginning to end. Wright describes growing up as a first-generation American with Ghanian parents, which motivated her to volunteer for the Peace Corps in West Africa. Wright describes how her time there later sparked the idea for Shea Yeleen. Discover how Wright pivoted from a foreign service officer for the State Department to bootstrapping her own social impact company. A classic type-A personality, Wright describes how she never let logistics get in the way of her goals, and how she's determined to see her business — and those of the women she works with — thrive. If you're looking for inspiration, listen to this episode of SheVentures, as Wright covers everything from starting a business from scratch to scaling to partnership deals with WholeFoods and MGM Resorts International. For more stories of bold women who inspire, log on to sheventurespodcast.com. Time Stamps: 2:10: Wright describes how her upbringing shaped her views on women empowerment. 3:20: She speaks about living in Africa while volunteering for the Peace Corps and how she witnessed the challenges that women face. 10:15: The pivot from foreign service officer for the State Department to starting a skincare brand. 12:15: Business Tips! Where did Wright find information after she had her initial idea of a social impact skincare brand? 15:00: Creating an ecosystem for women: Shea Yeleen's training program for the women in Ghana. 26:40: With no business degree, Wright explains how she figured out each business step from trading to shipping to selling. 33:30: She describes her time on the advisory council on Doing Business in Africa, under the Obama Administration — and how individuals have an inherent bias, unknowingly. 33:50: What are the biggest misconceptions about social entrepreneurship? 44:00: How should aspiring beauty entrepreneurs approach distributors today? 45:50: Wright opens up about her proudest and most difficult moments. 49:30: The impact the pandemic had on Wright's business. 52:15: Today's America: Wright speaks about what Black women entrepreneurs face.

Bukola Smith, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FSDH Merchant Bank, holds an MBA from Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, U. K, and a B.Sc. in Economics from the University of Lagos. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), an Honorary Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, and an Associate Member, Certified Institute of Pensions (Nigeria). She was Executive Director, Business Development at First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and held several other leadership positions since she joined FCMB in 2006. She was responsible for the banks over 200 branches across Nigeria and under her leadership, the bank's SME-focused team moved from 5th position in the industry to 1st position in 2019 within three years. She established the FCMB Women in Business Desk (branded SheVentures) which supports female entrepreneurs and set up FCMB Trustees and FCMB Custody.  She currently sits on the boards of Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), and the Toyin Oni Foundation (NGO for cancer awareness). She serves as a mentor to several young women within and outside these networks and also mentors teenagers in Public Schools. In this