Podcasts about women changing

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Dr. Teri Rouse holds a doctorate in behaviour management. She is an international speaker, autism reading specialist and creator of the REAL Peaceful Parenting program. She is on a mission to help families and ed build stronger relationships through empathy, empowerment and emotional intelligence. Whether you are navigating tantrums or teacher burnout, Dr. Teri offers real world strategies that are practical, heartfelt and deeply human. What happens when a seasoned educator and special education expert faces behaviours in her own home that she can't explain, let alone manage? Join Dr. Teri Rouse, Women Changing the World Award winner, as she shares her journey with her step-son and how it led her to a doctorate in behaviour management.Dr. Rouse unpacks the emotional and professional challenges educators and parents face today.

Business Mentorship; “International Award-Winning Child Author" Keepin' It Real with Gabriella Dias Season 6 Episode #228 This interview took place with the approval of Wendy Dias.  We  meet a child author who at the age of 10 had already written a 9-book series.  This year, Gaby was named “Girl of the Year” through Women Changing the World presented by the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson.  Let's find out what inspired Gaby to start writing.

 Our guest, with parental approval, joins us from Sydney, Australia “Gabriella Dias is an international award-winning child author, storyteller, and creative force behind the magical 9-book series ‘Light of Luna'. She wrote her first book at just eight years old, and by ten she had completed all nine of her fantasy novels. At 12 years Gabriella was named ‘Girl of the Year' winner of the global 2025 Women Changing the World Awards, presented to her by the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson.”
 
A few of the things Gaby shared:  1. Winning “Girl of the Year” presented by the Duchess of York  2.  Spoiler alert: A new book series 3.  Future: Screenplays and Musicals

   Gaby's mother, Wendy Dias joined us to discuss the business behind a child author:  1. Process taking shape
 2. Finding the right partnerships
 3. Watching the stories unfold  Read Gaby's story and connect here... Special thanks to Wendy Dias for being not only a wonderful role model but creating a network of support for Gaby and joining us in our series. Don't miss an episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real or if your on the move our podcast is found on iTunes, Spotify, IHeart Radio and Amazon Music. Thank you for joining us… We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin' It Real.   “Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs” "Together, We Are Making A Difference; One Story At A Time" 

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As a non-binary person, Rudi moves through the world as feminine and uses the pronouns they/them. They have had the privilege of working with major brands including Camilla, Lorna Jane, Dissh, and Proud Poppy, and with many emerging Australian designers. They have walked on multiple runways in Brisbane and Sydney, including the Camilla Spring/Summer 2022 launch, Ravishing Fashionistas, Rise to the Runway, Queensland Arts and Fashion Festival, and the Australia-Brazil Chamber of Commerce fashion days. In their professional practice, Rudi coaches women on getting their sparkle back when it feels like life has dulled it down. They also work with large and small organisations on how to be more welcoming to their LGBTQIA+ clients, team members, and suppliers. They were the proud recipient of the 2023 Special Recognition award by Women's Network Australia, the 2024 Courageous Leadership award from Boss Ladies, and the 2025 LGBTQIA+ Leadership award from Women Changing the World. They have spoken on stages from Brisbane to Perth to London.Look out for their chapter in the forthcoming anthology Authenticity & Action. Rudi's dream is to help make the world a better and kinder place by building understanding and connection, and to see every woman flourishing and radiant in her power. In this episode, Jen Hamilton and Rudy Landman explore the concept of authenticity, its significance in personal growth, and the journey of self-discovery, particularly in relation to gender identity. They discuss the nuances of authenticity, the impact of societal norms, and the transformative power of betrayal. The conversation also addresses misconceptions surrounding gender-affirming care and the importance of understanding individual experiences. In this conversation, Jen Hamilton and Rudy Lammon explore themes of authenticity, self-expression, and the complexities of gender identity. They discuss the evolution of personal expression, the impact of public perception, and the importance of compassionate curiosity in social interactions. The conversation also delves into the nuances of creating inclusive spaces, addressing offense, and the challenges faced by trans individuals in society, particularly in sports. Ultimately, they emphasize the significance of finding joy and pursuing it while being mindful of others.Connect with Rudi: https://www.rudilandmann.comhttps://www.facebook.com/rudilandmanncoach/https://instagram.com/rudilandmanncoach https://www.linkedin.com/company/rudi-landmann-coach/To know more about the work that Jen does, head her the website: www.jenhamilton.coach and work with her through Sanctuary of Self for progammes, coaching and Tantra go to: www.sanctuaryofself.loveDon't forget to follow your host, Jen, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/jenhamiltonofficial and the podcast at www.instagram.com/enlifened_podcastThis podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The host and her guests claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.

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A former C-Suite executive with Amazon Prime and Mac Cosmetics (no big deal) Ukonwa Ojo is Forbes' World's Most Influential CMOs and Black Enterprise 25 Women Changing the World. Now she is setting a new path creating the Zaia app, a groundbreaking social networking platform designed to connect Christians worldwide. I absolutely ADORED this incredible woman and I know you will too!

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This week Nicola and Di chat with the incredible Liz Courtney. Liz is an internationally acclaimed film director dedicated to accelerating awareness and action around climate solutions.She’s also a talented speaker, author and the winner of several awards including the Women Changing the World in Media award and the 100 Women of Influence Australia awards. In this fascinating conversation, Liz tells us about her career transition and the sliding doors moment where she went from working in PR and marketing to becoming an award-winning filmmaker in her 40s. From her first project for the ABC making a film about Sculptures by the Sea, Liz tells us about the life-changing opportunity she got to direct a documentary in Antarctica with 40 teenagers, which is what ignited her passion for climate activism. That experience led Liz to embrace her inner adventurer, swap out the stilettos for snow boats and create her next documentary series, The Tipping Points, which took her all over the world. Liz shares the most amazing stories about some of her adventures in Antarctica, Greenland and what it was like living in the Amazon for a month. Liz is full of optimism and hope for the future and she believes that we have an incredible opportunity to turn things around and make some real progress towards reducing our carbon footprint and saving the planet. She shares some great tips for everyone on the little things that we can all do to make a positive difference for the environment. This was such a wonderful conversation with a truly inspiring woman. We hope you learn as much from Liz as we did and feel inspired by her stories and ideas. This episode is proudly sponsored by Eir Women. Use code OTBF20 at checkout to receive a 20% discount on any purchase. Follow Liz on IG here Follow Liz on LinkedIn here Learn more about Liz's films here Buy the book Women Living Fearlessly here Follow Nicola and Di on IG here Buy your Eir Women products here. Use code OTBF20 at checkout for a 20% discountSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Podcast Alert! Tune in to an inspiring and timely episode of the Ellevate Network Podcast, “Conversations with Women Changing the Face of Business.” In this engaging episode, Tammy Williams sits down with Valerie Brown-Dufour, the president of WSI World, a global leader in digital marketing. The episode explores the dynamic evolution of digital marketing, highlighting the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the industry. Valerie underscores the critical role of storytelling in crafting compelling marketing narratives that resonate with audiences. She shares invaluable insights on successfully navigating digital transformation and adapting to emerging trends that shape the future of marketing.Throughout the episode, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the necessity for adaptability in a rapidly changing digital landscape. Valerie outlines WSI's ambitious future goals, emphasizing their commitment to innovation and excellence in the digital marketing space.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of digital marketing, AI, and storytelling, as well as those seeking inspiration from a trailblazing leader in the industry. Don't miss out on this enlightening and empowering conversation!KEY TAKEAWAYSWSI's tagline, 'Embrace digital, stay human,' reflects their approach to digital marketing.Digital transformation is an ongoing journey, with AI being the latest evolution.Storytelling is crucial for connecting with clients and prospects in marketing.AI tools can enhance marketing strategies but should be used thoughtfully.Emerging trends include automation, voice search, and video content.Values play a significant role in shaping a brand's content strategy.WSI focuses on educating clients about digital tools and strategies.Adaptability is essential for success in the ever-changing digital landscape.EXPLORE KEY SEGMENTS00:00 Valerie Brown-Dufour: Leading the Way in Digital Marketing03:52 WSI: Embrace Digital, Stay Human08:06 Navigating Digital Transformation and AI12:53 Emerging Trends in Digital Marketing15:11 The Power of Storytelling in Marketing22:04 Values and Content Strategy26:50 Staying Adaptable in a Changing LandscapeThis episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, the transformative power of AI, and the art of storytelling in business. Valerie Brown-Dufour's insights on navigating digital transformation, embracing emerging trends, and embedding core values into content strategy offer invaluable guidance for leaders and marketers alike. Don't miss out on this empowering and informative conversation! Download the Ellevate Network Podcast, “Conversations with Women Changing the Face of Business,” on your favorite platform or listen now and get inspired by this and all our empowering conversations! This episode is sponsored by Harvard Business School Executive Education. Harvard Business School Executive Education programs are designed specifically for executives at critical transition points in their careers.#ExEdHBS #EllevateNetwork #digitalmarketing #storytelling #AI #podcast #womeninbusiness #womeninleadershipEpisode produced by BGoodPartners

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Podcast Alert! Tune in to an inspiring and timely episode of the Ellevate Network Podcast, “Conversations with Women Changing the Face of Business.” In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, host Tammy Williams engages in an enlightening conversation with Kristin Carrico, the Chief Commercial Officer at the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Kristin delves into her extensive and diverse career journey, shedding light on her transition from a successful career in technology consulting to her current influential role in the fitness and wellness industry.Throughout the episode, Kristin discusses her pivotal role at NASM, where she focuses on enhancing customer experience and driving innovation. She emphasizes the critical importance of certifications in the fitness field, which ensure that professionals are well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of their clients.The conversation also explores key trends in the wellness industry, including GLP-1 trends, the challenges that fitness professionals face today, and the proactive initiatives NASM is implementing to stay ahead in the dynamic landscape of health and fitness. Kristin highlights the significance of lifelong learning and the necessity of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, especially for those pursuing a career in wellness.KEY TAKEAWAYSNASM is a leader in trainer and coaching certification, focusing on customer experience.The fitness and wellness industry has seen significant changes due to the pandemic.Key trends include the rise of GLP-1 medications and a focus on longevity and mindfulness.NASM offers a range of certifications and emphasizes the importance of evidence-based education.Challenges in the fitness industry include competition from online fitness and AI technologies.Lifelong learning and strong communication skills are essential for success in the fitness field.EXPLORE KEY SEGMENTS01:23 Kristin's Career Journey and Transition to NASM10:06 Key Initiatives and Trends in Fitness and Wellness17:08 NASM's High Standards and International Reach19:27 Challenges Facing Fitness Professionals32:59 Maintaining Wellness and Work-Life Balance35:50 Future Goals for NASM and N1 MembershipThis episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of business, fitness, and wellness. Download the Ellevate Network Podcast, “Conversations with Women Changing the Face of Business,” on your favorite platform or listen now and get inspired by this and all our empowering conversations! Links to resources mentioned in this episode are in the comments.This episode is sponsored by Harvard Business School Executive Education. Harvard Business School Executive Education programs are designed specifically for executives at critical transition points in their careers.#ExEdHBS #EllevateNetwork #workplacewellness #GLP-1 #podcast #womeninbusiness #womeninleadership

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Cowgirls love the rodeo just as much as cowboys, but for the better part of the past century, there's only been one event for women — until now. Breakaway roping, dubbed the fastest event in rodeo, has swept competitions across North America, and is corralling more space for cowgirls in the process. The Globe's Jana Pruden was at the 50th Canadian Finals Rodeo this fall, where the second-ever women's event was showcased at the country's biggest rodeo for the first time. She speaks with Canadian breakaway ropers and gives us a sense of the history of women in rodeo, and just how hard they've worked to rope and ride alongside the cowboys. Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

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Zaia is like a digital home for Christians around the world! Ukonwa's passion is bringing together Christians from different denominations to foster Godly connections in a safe, uplifting space. As a mom navigating technology with her own 13-year-old son, Ukonwa has a unique perspective on balancing faith, parenting, and tech, including her decision to delay giving her son a phone in our hyper-connected world. Ukonwa Ojo Ukonwa Ojo is a trailblazing entrepreneur and marketing expert whose 26-year career spans some of the world's biggest brands, including Amazon Prime Video, M.A.C Cosmetics, and COVERGIRL.She is now the Founder/CEO of Zaia Ventures, where she focuses on building businesses that empower marginalized communities. Two standout ventures include Zaia, a Christian social network app, and Ada & Edith Inc, a luxury womenswear brand.At Amazon, Ojo led a high-performing team to launch eight of the top ten shows in Prime Video's history, achieving its highest ever global customer subscription and engagement, including replacing Netflix as the #1 US Streamer. Throughout her career, Ojo has earned over 60 awards and honors, including Forbes World's Most Influential CMOs and Black Enterprise 25 Women Changing the World.InstagramZaia Ventures

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In this episode of The Paige Kornblue Show, we take you inside the seventh annual Women Changing the Game event, presented by Delta Air Lines. Listen in to the inspiring panel discussion featuring sports industry leaders including Miami Dolphins CMO Pri Shumate, Walk Swiftly Productions Founder and Emmy-winning broadcaster Bonnie Bernstein and Maria Marino, Mayor of Palm Beach County and a former LPGA professional. Moderated by ESPN's Paige Kornblue, the event provided key insights, stories and leadership tips and techniques from these trailblazing women who are changing the game in sports and in life.

Trish Tonaj is an author, artist, and the Founder/Host of shareyourstories.online. A passion project built on a platform of mentorship and breaking barriers to success, SYS features global entrepreneurs and enterprise leaders sharing their best ideas. In 2024, the SYS Community introduced Marketing Grants “Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs.” Trish is the author of two books, "Breaking Barriers: 10 Entrepreneurial Women Share Their Stories" and "A Diary of Change: 12 Personal Tools." She is now trading pen for paintbrush, creating original works of art and adding a splash of colour wherever possible. As a podcast host, Trish introduces the person behind the logo on Business Mentorship: Keepin' It Real, which recently crossed the 200-episode mark. In 2024, Trish was named “Leader of the Year” by Women Changing the World in the Americas."

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Discover the untold truths about female leadership and personal branding with Samantha J., a visionary entrepreneur and advocate for purpose-driven business. As the creator of The Illuminator Method and a six-time Amazon best-selling author, Samantha shares her incredible journey of building a multi-eight-figure empire while navigating the unique challenges women face in the entrepreneurial space. She emphasizes the importance of embracing emotions and vulnerabilities in both personal and professional lives. Tune in to learn how to face criticism and rejection head-on, recognizing them as essential parts of the entrepreneurial journey. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Episode trailer 02:18 - Unspoken Realities of Female Entrepreneurs 05:01 - Creating a Unique Personal Brand 08:34 - The Journey to Authentic Self-Expression 11:54 - The Pain Behind Success 15:12 - Lessons from Ayahuasca Experiences 23:44 - Exploring Sacred Sexuality 27:06 - The Journey of Self-Discovery 30:15 - Practical Steps for Self-Reflection 36:48 - Opportunities for Female Entrepreneurs 38:25 - Handling Criticism and Rejection 42:00 - Advice to Her 18-Year-Old Self About my guest: Samantha J. is an award-winning entrepreneur celebrated as "The Illuminator" by Forbes for her groundbreaking approach to purpose-driven business. Overcoming profound personal challenges, including sexual abuse and mental health struggles, she built a multi-8-figure empire by the age of 22. Drawing from her journey and studies in neuroscience, shamanism, trauma healing, and leadership, Samantha created The Illuminator Method, empowering entrepreneurs to build deeply fulfilling, 6- to 8-figure businesses aligned with their purpose. Her work has earned her recognition as one of Business Elite's Top 40 Under 40 and the Women Changing the World - Emerging Leader of the Year (bronze). A 6x best-selling author and 5x Women Changing the World finalist, Samantha has been featured alongside icons like Oprah and Richard Branson. Her next book, launching in New York in October 2024, will also be featured in the Oscars hampers. Through her business school and branding agency, Samantha has empowered thousands of entrepreneurs worldwide, with a mission to create a billion philanthropic impacts while helping others build wealth and leave a legacy of purpose. Connect with Samantha Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i.am.samantha.j Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamsamanthajofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamsamanthaj/ Become a globally recognized Trainer and Speaker in just 90 days! https://www.speaktoleadblueprint.com/speaktoleadblueprint Want to manage your life the same way that helped me make $1 million by 28 and travel the world at the same time? Grab my FREE one-page Life By Design productivity planner below ⁠https://planner.morgantnelson.com/optinplanner Join the Dream Out Loud Facebook Community https://bit.ly/49QXClW Follow me on Instagram here https://www.Instagram.com/ Subscribe to my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@morgantnelson

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Embark on an enlightening journey into the impactful life and legacy of Michelle Obama with this comprehensive YouTube video. Explore the rich biography of the former First Lady, delving into her remarkable journey from Chicago to the White House and beyond. Gain insights into her transformative initiatives, such as her advocacy for women's empowerment, campaigns against childhood obesity, and inspirational speeches that have left an indelible mark. Uncover the global impact of Michelle Obama's cultural diplomacy and her significant philanthropic contributions. This video offers an in-depth look at her iconic fashion moments, family values, and leadership style, showcasing how she became a symbol of grace and resilience during her time in the public eye. Discover the unique intersection of Michelle Obama and political history, her close ties with Oprah Winfrey, and her enduring impact on youth, education, and health and wellness advocacy. Gain a nuanced understanding of Michelle's public and private persona, exploring her role as a loving partner in the Obama love story and her influence on popular culture. Dive into her post-White House projects, including her continued philanthropic work and initiatives supporting military families. This video is a tribute to one of the most influential women of the 21st century, providing a holistic view of Michelle Obama's multifaceted contributions to social issues, politics, and global affairs. Join us in celebrating the legacy of Michelle Obama, a trailblazing figure who has left an indelible mark on the world. #MichelleObama #FirstLadyLegacy #BecomingMichelleObama #InspirationalLeadership #GlobalImpact #WomenEmpowerment #ChildhoodObesity #PoliticalJourney #CulturalDiplomacy #Philanthropy #FashionIcon #FamilyValues #SocialMediaInfluence #VeteransAdvocacy #EducationInitiatives #LoveStory #PopCultureIcon #PostWhiteHouseProjects #InfluentialWomen #HealthandWellnessAdvocacy #PublicPersona Be Uncommon If You Can – Because in our Uniqueness & Struggles – Give Birth to our GREATNESS! Listen Now as I interview uncommon people, business owners & top level entrepreneur assassins & their uncommon journey! This is the Journey with Christian D Evans Podcast! Be Uncommon….If You Can! __________ CONNECT WITH ME: Twitter: https://twitter.com/be_uncommon_now?t=3bJA68AUmCxFBjciRGm8Tw&s=09 TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZTdujUXWv/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChristianDEvansEliteSideHustler/videos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evansandfamily/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christian_d_evans/?hl=en The Journey with Christian D Evans Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/journey-with-christian-d-evans/id1396344349 #investing #business #entrepreneur #investingtips #motivation #success #wealth #achievegreatness #achieveyourgoals #achieveyourdreams #politics #nevergiveup #founder #privateequity #venturecapital #successmotivation #successmindset #wealthy #wealthbuilding

In this episode of the Ellevate Network Podcast, host Tammy Williams speaks with Stephanie Harrison, an expert in the science of happiness and creator of the New Happy philosophy. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding happiness, the cultural forces that shape our understanding of it, and the transformative power of helping others. Stephanie emphasizes the importance of community, service, and mindset shifts in achieving true happiness, while providing practical steps and resources for listeners to embrace the New Happy in their lives.Key TakeawaysHappiness is often misunderstood and misrepresented in society.The New Happy philosophy emphasizes being true to oneself and helping others.Cultural forces like capitalism and individualism can hinder our understanding of happiness.Service to others is a key component of personal happiness.Mindset shifts are essential for achieving lasting happiness.Awareness of interdependence can improve workplace culture.Helping others can lead to personal fulfillment and joy.Practical steps can be taken to embrace the New Happy philosophy.Resources are available to support individuals and organizations in their happiness journey.True happiness is accessible to everyone, regardless of circumstances.Don't miss this powerful episode that promises to inspire and challenge the way we think about happiness, starting with The New Happy! Download the Ellevate Network Podcast, "Conversations with Women Changing the Face of Business," from your preferred platform.

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!Return guest Christina Reynolds, Senior Vice President of Communications and Content at EMILYs List, is back to talk about the book that she co-wrote with the President of EMILYs List Stephanie Schriock - Run to Win: Lessons in Leadership for Women Changing the World. Timely topic, no? But trust that the lessons in the book are for all women looking to lead and make change whether that's as a business owner, head of household, or future president of the United States. Listen to the conversation and learn how you can change the part of the world that speaks to you!Christina Reynolds joined EMILYs List after nearly two decades of experience as a communications and research strategist. A lifelong fighter for progressive causes, she has managed large-scale press operations from the campaign trail to the White House.A proud Tar Heel and Marine brat, Christina studied journalism and political science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is also the co-author, with EMILYs List former President Stephanie Schriock, of Run to Win: Lessons in Leadership for Women Changing the World.Where to find Christina Reynolds:Website: emilyslist.orgIG: @creynoldsncTwitter/X: @creynoldsncThreads: @creynoldsncSupport the showBe part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at madnesscafepodcast@gmail.com.Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!Thanks!

Tammy Williams and Claire Milligan, Co-Founder of Aimably, explore Claire's remarkable journey on the Ellevate podcast, Conversations with Women Changing the Face of Business. Claire reflects on her childhood dream of designing cars, rooted in her early fascination with human factors and innovation, that inspired her to pursue a career in making complex things simple. Her ascent to General Manager at Tallie showcases her determination and leadership skills, which ultimately paved the way for her eventual role as Co-Founder at Aimably, where she could implement her vision for streamlined cloud cost management. In a candid discussion, she shares her ADHD diagnosis as an adult during the pandemic, what that meant to her and how it challenged her to adapt her work habits and strategies. Claire outlines Aimably's mission to help businesses manage and reduce cloud costs, emphasizing the critical importance of viewing cloud expenses as a utility rather than just another typical budget item that can be overlooked. She highlights a recent client who achieved an impressive 75% cost reduction, illustrating the tangible benefits of their approach. Tune in to this timely conversation as companies begin to plan their budgets for the upcoming year, taking into account the significant and often underestimated impact of cloud expenses on their overall financial health and operational efficiency.

The bra industry is worth billions of dollars a year, yet designs haven't changed a lot since the modern bra came into common use in the early 20th century. Datshiane Navanayagam talks to a sports bra designer from Wales and a breast cancer survivor in the US about their innovative new designs.After a diagnosis of breast cancer in her late 20's, Dana Donofree took her own experience of struggling to find a bra that was comfortable and pretty to found her own company, AnaOno. With a background in fashion design and talking to many women in the breast cancer community she's (re)designing intimates for those that have undergone surgery.Mari Thomas-Welland used to work as a sports bra performance tester, testing the performance of sports bras for some of the biggest brands under laboratory conditions. After realising that, despite her job, she still couldn't find her perfect sports bra she decided to design her own and founded her company, Maaree. They're now the official bra supplier to the Welsh rugby team.Produced by Jane Thurlow(Image: (L) Dana Donofree credit AnaOno LCC. (R) Mari Thomas-Welland credit Mari Thomas-Welland.)

Empowering Women in AgriFood Tech: A Conversation with Amy Wu of From Farms to Incubators - In this episode of the Leading Voices in Food podcast, host Norbert Wilson speaks with Amy Wu, the creator and content director of From Farms to Incubators. Amy shares her inspiring journey in highlighting and supporting women, particularly women of color, in the agri-food tech industry. Learn about the origins of her groundbreaking documentary and book, her vision for a vibrant community of women innovators, and the crucial role of education, mentorship, and policy in advancing women's roles in this sector. Interview Summary I have a great set of questions for you. So, the first thing, could you just tell our listeners a little bit more about From Farms to Incubators? Sure. From Farms to Incubators is a special initiative and project that tells the stories of women in this fast-growing field known as ag tech, sometimes interchangeably used as Agri food tech as well. The mission of it is really to get more women involved in ag tech through storytelling, through resources, and also through education and training. I also would describe it as a multimedia content platform. I actually came to this as a journalist and as a storyteller that uses storytelling to amplify the voices of women leaders and entrepreneurs in this field. It's also a documentary and a book and also a website where we archive their stories and their biographies as well. Thanks for that overview, and you just talked about the book and the documentary From Farms to Incubators: women innovators revolutionizing how our food is grown, which uses storytelling to highlight women innovators and how women innovators in the Agri food tech are doing their best. But there's also a movement and the community and this multimedia platform. Why did you expand from the book and documentary into this larger network? That's a really good question. Briefly, as some context, I kind of fell into this project. It was a bit of serendipity. I was a reporter in Salinas, California, which is the vegetable salad bowl of the world. Ag is a huge industry, a 10 billion industry. And I was covering government and agriculture. And I observed that there were not a lot of women at the helm of the table, whether it be at farms or also in this growing field of ag tech as well. So it started off as a documentary. I got a grant from the International Center for Journalists, and then ultimately I got another grant from the International Media Women's Foundation to do a short documentary to profile three women who are entrepreneurs in ag tech. It was great. It was at the time in 2016, which now was ages ago, I guess. It was really hard to find women in ag, in this field of ag tech, women creating the innovations to tackle some of the biggest challenges that farmers are facing, especially under climate change. So, it could have ended there because the documentary turned out to be very, very well received. It's screened at hundreds of places, and I would have panels and discussions and the women would look at each other like, 'my gosh, I didn't know there were other women doing this too. Can you connect us? We'd love to convene further.' And then educators, community leaders, agribusinesses, investors just didn't know they existed as well. So, what happened was the stories kind of multiplied and multiplied as the more that I collected them. And then I decided to put it into a book profiling about 30 women in this growing field. And to answer your question, Norbert, why is it continuing is that I saw a real need for women to have a community, women in agriculture and innovation and food systems to have a community to connect with one another, to potentially build friendship, build collaboration, build partnership, creating a collective vision sometimes and a place for them. I didn't plan on it. So, I guess the storytelling connects them. We've also have resources like a database that connects them and the goal is really so that they can have a community where they can build more. They can either build out their own startups. They can build their careers, build their professions. And then it kind of grew more legs. Now we're also extending into the area of education and training to try to get younger women, young people, youth. To see that agriculture, hey, may not be traditionally sexy. I mean, tractors and overalls are still what a lot of people think about it, but there are so many other opportunities in the food system for young people as well, especially since we all have to eat. So, how are farmers going to be producing the food for 10 billion people in 2050, right? Who's going to produce the food? How are we going to do it? Especially under the auspices of climate change, the weather's getting crazier and crazier. That's sort of why it has expanded from the stories all the way to what it is today. This is a great story and I would love to hear a little bit more about some of the women and their innovations. And if I may, I would like for you to actually even explain a little bit about what you mean by the ag food tech or Agri food tech as you're talking about these women. Broadly defined, is any kind of innovation that makes it easier, frankly, for farmers to do their work, to grow more efficiently, and to also increase [00:06:00] their yield. I can give some examples of what innovation is. Blockchain addresses food safety, really. It traces everything from the seed to all the way on the shelf, right? So if there's any safety issues, it's used to trace back, where did that seed come from? Where was it grown? What field was it in? And that really helps everybody in the food systems a lot more, right? We have sensors connected with drones. I forgot to mention robotics as well, which is a fast-growing area of ag tech. Everything from self-driving tractors to laser scarecrows to another level of robots that are picking specific kinds of fruits and vegetables that's tackling labor challenges. I don't foresee that ag tech necessarily is a replacement by the way of people. It's actually offering more opportunities because we need people who are very knowledgeable that kind of innovation. And then you also asked a bit about the stories of the women in ag tech, for example, in the film and in the book and so forth. Soil sampling is a fast-growing area of ag tech. There's the story that I have in the book and also in the movie of two young women who are Stanford PhD graduates. Who created a soil testing kit that makes it easy for farmers to just test their soil for diseases, for pests, and soil testing is traditionally, you know, very, very expensive for most farmers actually. Not easy for farmers to get access to it and to get the data, but the soil testing kit that they created makes it a lot easier for farmers, small farmers even, to access it. And why is that important is because the more knowledge, the more data that, and analytics that farmers can get, the more that they can make smart decisions about how much to fertilize, how much to irrigate. And that connects with the yield and their success. You know, another company that I can think about, another amazing woman. I just like her story, the story of AgTools and the story of Martha Montoya, who was actually an award-winning cartoonist. And she doesn't come from agriculture at all, and that's actually something that I want to highlight is a lot of these women are not farmers and don't come from agriculture. But she was a award winning cartoonist. I believe she was also a librarian and she fell into the food industry, and saw a need for having more data, offering more data and analytics to farmers. She created a system a little bit like a Bloomberg for farmers, where they can get real time data immediately on their phones, on their watches, so that they can get second by second data to make decisions on specific crops. Those are a couple of the stories that are in the book, but really what I want to highlight is that all of the innovation that they are creating addresses some of the biggest challenges that farmers are facing, whether it be labor issues,lack of water, some areas of our country are becoming more wet, others are becoming more dry, drones that are actually doing the irrigation now or drones taking photos to give more data to farmers as well on what is their land look like. You know, it could also be human resources related as well to manage staff. So mobile apps to manage staff on cattle farms. I mean, how big are the cattle farms sometimes, you know, 50,000 acres. So, it's really to save money and to create efficiency for farmers. If farmers are able to do their work more efficiently, they're able to generate greater profits, but it also allows for food prices not to rise. This has really big implications. Thank you for sharing those stories. And I love hearing about some of the individuals, but here's the question. I mean, why focus on women? What's important about what women contribute to this? And also, why are you also considering race as an important lens in this sector? Well, I would say, why not women? Because women have already been contributing to the global food system, whether in the production end or the decision makers at the head of the dinner table for thousands of thousands of years, arguably. So what I discovered is that their stories, their contributions, existing contributions were not being celebrated and were not being amplified. And I actually discovered that a lot of the women that I connected with were a bit shy about even telling their story and sharing it like kind of like, 'what is my contribution?' And I'm like, 'well, why aren't you sharing your story more?' So the goal of it really is to document and celebrate their contributions, but also to inspire. As I said, young women, next generation, all of us have daughters, nieces, granddaughters, you know, and then future generations to consider opportunities in a field where we need people. We need people who are smart and you don't have to be from a generation of farmers. You could be in science, engineering, technology, and math. You could just be passionate about it and you could be in the field. So that's the first aspect of it. And in terms of the lens of gender and race, there are not enough women in terms of just the startups in ag tech right now, only 2 percent of the billions of dollars being invested in ag tech startups. Only 2 percent are going into women led companies. It is very, very little. It is a problem that is deep rooted. And it starts with [00:12:00] funding. One problem is where is the funding coming from. Venture capitalists, traditional avenues of funding, where it is traditionally male dominated. So, there are many studies that show that investors will invest in companies where they connect with those who are leading the companies, right? So similar gender, similar backgrounds, similar stories. So, we're really looking to have a paradigm shift and move the needle of sorts and say that if there are more investors, there are more board members who are from a diversity backgrounds, then there will be more funding for women and those who are traditionally not leading agriculture, not in the leadership positions, not in the decision-making roles, right? There is a problem. There is a, what is a grass ceiling, not just glass ceiling, but grass ceiling. I hear you. I hear you. Now this is really fascinating. I know from colleagues who are in agriculture that there is this demand for more agricultural workers throughout the Agri food system. And if there is a demand, we're saying that our colleges that produce the potential workers aren't meeting those demands. One of the ways we can see that change is by having more women and more people of color join in. And so, this is a critical thing. And I would imagine also the experiences that people bring may be a critical part of coming up with new innovations. Diversity can do that. This is exciting that you're exploring this. I love what you're saying Norbert. I know I wanted to touch upon that about what you just noted is that it's also to create a pipeline, right? Education training is just so critical. And it makes me so happy to see that there are more and more programs at universities and colleges that are addressing programs in food systems, in agriculture, and increasingly in ag tech. So, whether it be courses or programs or certificates or eventually minors and majors, developing the pipeline of talent is really important and having mentors and mentees, which is something that now we're working on. This fall we'll have launched a menteeship program for women and for young people interested in ag tech and the first collaborator is the UC Merced in California. So, thanks for bringing that up. We have a couple of young people ready at the starting gates. Really excited. I will say just on a personal note, I was active in 4 H for most of my youth and that's the way I got involved in agriculture. So, touching or reaching out to folks in their youth is critical to get them excited and help them to make the connection so that they can do that work further. I'm glad to hear this work. In your view, what are some of the ongoing challenges and opportunities that women face in the ag tech sector or the Agri food sector? What are some of the things you're observing? Well, a continued challenge is having a place at the table, meaning at the leadership and decision-making level. And actually, as I noted earlier, the access to funding and not just the money, but the access to resources, meaning could be legal operational. Just how to get their startups or get their ideas out there. One example that I'm seeing that's again positive is that there's a growing number of incubators and accelerators specifically in food tech or ag tech that are is actually looking for candidates who are women or who are from underrepresented communities. The first thing is that they have a great innovation, of course, but the next thing that the incubators and accelerators are looking for is to have a diversity of perspectives. And to have representation, so seeing a lot more of that, whether it be. Individual accelerators, or even once at the university, right? Universities and colleges and the governmental level. The other challenge is access to farmers and connecting them with the farmers themselves. Cause farmers are very, very busy and that's highlighted and bolded. Increasingly just dealing with this chess game that's very hard to play with the weather, but also with their own resources. It's expensive being a farmer, equipment, labor. They don't often have the time, frankly, to beta test some of the innovations coming out. So how best to connect innovators with the farmers and to have them communicate with each other: like this is the innovation. This is how it's going to help your problem. Educating the farmers and allowing them to see that this is how it's going to address the problem that I have. So, the two are still kind of separate and access to each other is still, I would say, a major challenge. But right now, some of the solutions are, as I've noted, networking at conferences and convenings. Also, under the grant programs sometimes under the National Science Foundation or USDA, they are allowing more collaborative initiatives where you have educators, where you have policy, where you have the innovators, where you have the young people. Increasingly, seeing more and more of those kinds of projects and initiatives happen. So hopefully everybody will have a seat at the table and that would help women out a lot in the field as well. Awesome. Thank you for sharing those. And I love the fact that you're looking at not just identifying issues, but also trying to find ways of connecting folks to help overcome those challenges that women and women of color are facing in the marketplace. And it's the connections that are really critical. I appreciate you highlighting that. So, what is your ideal vision? Oh, one more thing I forgot to note is that in terms of connecting, there's also a database - a women in Agri food tech database, and I, and at least four or five other women in the field have been working on for at least four or five years now. We now have more than a thousand members. It's an open-source database where you can click on a form, put your name there and information takes a few minutes and then you're added to this database where the women can be connected to each other as well. So that's another resource. Yeah. And I mean, even just having peer mentors, not just mentors who are above you and they've like solved all the problems, but having people to go along with you as you're developing and as they are developing can be a critical part. I know as an academic, that's important for me and has been important for me. And I can imagine the same is true in this space as well. So, I'm so grateful to hear about this work. Yeah. What is your ideal vision for women in Agri food tech in the next, say, five years? And how will the digital network for from farms to incubators play a role in achieving that goal or those goals? So, my dream - it always starts, I think, in the dreaming phase and then connecting that with also resources along the way. But if I could wave my magic wand, I would say that. We would have a lot more women in leadership and thought decision making positions in ag tech to the point where maybe we won't even need something like From Farms to Incubators anymore because they'll be already equal. The stories will be out there. So, it might be questionable as to why we have a special subgroup or network for this now. How to get to that vision, I think is the three components of increasingly having more stories, and the women tell their stories at public outreach. You know, it could be at conferences, it could be in their own communities, sharing their story out to the community of farmers, of local government, of schools, local schools and colleges and universities, gardening clubs. The second component is education and training, building a pipeline. A vision that I have is actually having a campus. A virtual, and also in-person campus where women, especially from women in underprivileged communities will have the opportunity to have training and to be connected with mentors and the rock stars in the ag tech and Agri food tech field. Where they will also be able to have a project and initiative and test it out and have something to add to their portfolio. To have classes and people who are teaching those courses as well, ultimately. And then also to just build up a hub of resources. Like I mentioned the database. I mentioned that we'd like to extend it to having resources where folks can easily access internships, fellowships, granteeships, where they can be connected to funding. If they need help with legal, HR, just all components of everything that's needed to have a successful organization. And it doesn't have to just be their own startup. It could be a job database of where we have larger organizations and companies that are building up their own ag innovation or food innovation center as well. So that is the vision. It's a big vision. It's a big dream. So we're going to have to kind of break it down into components. But I think taking it step by step is the way to go kind of like climbing Everest or doing a long distance swim. Yes, I can see where you're trying to go in this vision and I'm interested to know what, if any role policy could play and help advance that vision. Yeah, so what role could policy play in advancing this vision? Currently, when it comes to diversity inclusion in the ag tech field or even in agriculture, there is somewhat a lack of policy in a way. But then also with individual organizations and corporations, obviously, there is the movement of diversity inclusion. But also, I think it's very much with the hiring practices with HR. I think it's up to individual organizations, whether they be small, larger ones, governmental, to look at their own hiring practices. To look at who they are, how are they crafting the language when they look for a job, when they look at their leadership team, are there ways to further diversify it and when it comes to, gender, ethnicities, people who come from a rural area, urban. I mean, we all come with, from a diversity of perspectives and stories. I think a lot of it will come down to hiring practices and advancing this vision and with the individuals who are already working at those organizations to be more thoughtful and conscious about giving those who don't have a place at the table, a place and a voice at the table, giving everybody a chance. Because we have some amazingly talented and knowledgeable people who just traditionally in agriculture don't have families and generations who come from an ag background. But they do come with so much that they could offer. I would say that those are a couple of examples of that as well. And maybe, more discussion about policy is really needed on a larger level when it comes to farmers, when it comes to government leaders, when it comes to innovation leaders as well. And when it comes to educators and schools. I think the more the merrier when it comes to bringing folks at the table to open it up for discussion on solutions. I appreciate this. And, this idea of not just welcoming people so that they get in the door, but also creating change. Environments and spaces where people are actually welcomed once they're there. That it becomes a place where folks can be themselves and bring all of who they are to the work that they're doing. This is critical. Yes, absolutely. I want to touch upon that. My own story is I don't have an agricultural background myself. But when I first , landed in a place like Salinas, very much sort of an outsider because I'm not from there anyway, but also not in agriculture and then being a woman and being, you know, a Chinese American woman too, you know, I, I did feel that there was a challenge to kind of break into certain circles and to be welcome. Even despite my passion and enthusiasm, there was a little bit like, 'what is she? Why? Why? What? She, she doesn't know anything.' But I felt like it was the people who in the beginning, it was just a couple of people who were like, 'Hey, this is somebody who really wants to tell the story of what we're doing. Give her a chance.' You know, having advocates, frontline advocates made a huge difference. So that's what I'm hoping for, more frontline advocates. Amy, I want to pick up on a personal story out of this. I did my graduate training out at UC Davis, at University of California, Davis. And I worked on dairy policy, which I do not have a dairy background. And it was great to have a mentor who actually helped me. Who introduced me to a number of folks and working through extension and the California Department of Food and Ag. Folks made space for me, and they understood that I was interested in this particular policy and trying to understand what it meant. And I actually got to learn so much. It was because people just said, okay, we'll give you a try. And I did the best I could. I'm grateful for that. Creating these spaces is not hard. It's not impossible. It can be done. I'm really appreciative of your efforts to keep furthering that story. I love that story. And indeed Norbert it's like what you said, creating the space and even, even in the beginning and just having a couple of folks just to make space. And then I think the space is going to grow from there. I fully agree. I've got one last question for you. And it's, sort of related to the vision, but just also thinking long term. What impact do you hope your work will ultimately have on society. I hope that my work will create a bit of a shift ultimately. I mean, that's a rather large goal, but it's not just myself. As this project has grown and extended and expanded. It's really a joint team effort. I mean, along this journey, I've met folks who are mission aligned. And they also see the value in this, and they believe in something similar. Whether it be that they contribute their story, whether it be that they help write the stories, whether it be that they come be a guest speaker, and they share their career, and then they end up connecting with the younger person, every person counts in this. In making a shift. And it might take generations to completely have a paradigm shift, but I think that just moving the needle a bit is ultimately the goal, certainly. And in terms of the bigger picture of things, I'm hoping that it will continue to spark a discussion and ongoing conversation about the importance and the value of bringing different voices and people who traditionally were not given a space at the table when it comes to the food systems and agriculture. But who brings so much talent, so much to the table already. How we can make greater space for them as well, and how we can incorporate their talent and create a better food system for everybody. We all eat and we're looking at 10 billion people in 2050. So, looking at the people who are making those contributions and telling their stories and especially for those who traditionally have not had their voices told, I think is really, really important. I just keep the fire going, I guess. BIO Amy Wu is an award-winning writer for the women's Ag and Agtech movement. She is the creator and chief content director of From Farms to Incubators, a multimedia platform that uses documentary, video, photography, and the written word to tell the stories of women leaders and innovators in Agtech. It has a mission of highlighting women in food, farming, and farmtech, especially women of color. From Farms to Incubators includes a documentary and a book that spotlights women leaders in Ag and Agtech. The documentary and stories have been screened and presented at SXSW and Techonomy. The initiative was awarded grants from the International Center for Journalists and International Women's Media Foundation's Howard G. Buffett Fund. Amy was named on Worth magazine's “Groundbreakers 2020 list of 50 Women Changing the World” list. Since 2018 she has served as the communications manager at the Hudson Valley Farm Hub in Hurley NY where she runs the website, digital newsletter, and social media. Prior to starting From Farms to Incubators, Amy spent over two decades as an investigative reporter at media outlets including the USA Today Network where she reported on agriculture and Agtech for The Salinas Californian. She's also worked at Time magazine, The Deal and contributed to The New York Times, The Huffington Post and The Wall Street Journal. She earned her bachelor's degree in history from New York University, and master's degree in journalism from Columbia University.  

In this episode, I read from Anna Russell's amazing book, Great Women's Speeches: Empowering Voices That Engage and Inspire.    This book was a gift from my team member and dear friend Jennifer DeWitt. It is full of powerful words given by truly influential women with important messages to share.   Today's episode contains three talks from the first female principal chief of the Cherokee Nation Wilma Mankiller, acclaimed novelist Toni Morrison, and Former United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.   In these talks, we'll explore:   The importance of overcoming negative stereotypes The power and consequences of language Why women's rights are human rights Using our voices to unite humanity and fight for equality   More from Tricia  Step onto big stages with my Masterclass, The Art of The Big Talk Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram  Connect with me on Facebook  Connect with me on LinkedIn  Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com