How Women Inspire: Invest, Lead, Give

CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:

Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Leadership, Longevity, and the Modern Matriarchy with Barbara Waxman

As women reach midlife, we find that not only our physical selves change but also our values, leadership styles, and how we want to leave an impact in the world. And as we live longer lives with more years in “middlescence”, we are searching for new techniques and advice for navigating this stage. Barbara Waxman, a leadership coach with expertise in gerontology and life stages, is here this week to explain the concept of “middlescence”, how we change as we age, steps we can take now to increase our longevity, and more! This week’s episode 103 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about leadership, longevity, and the modern matriarchy!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Barbara Waxman shares the importance of self-reflection and intellectual curiosity in the next stage of life and actionable steps you can take right now to reverse engineer your life for joy and independence at age 100.

Barbara Waxman, founder of Odyssey Group Coaching, is passionate about building leaders’ personal and professional skills so they can thrive while increasing their ability to manage complexity and maximize their effectiveness. With over two decades of experience coaching CEOs, C-suite leaders, and entrepreneurs, Barbara utilizes a holistic approach to help clients lead and communicate authentically, sustain high performance, and expand their influence and impact.

Some of the talking points Julie and Barbara go over in this episode include:

Recognizing and valuing the through lines of our life's journey in forming our authentic, powerful leadership.
The concept of the “modern matriarchy” and how it affects our leadership as women.
The new life stage known as “middlescence” and how it affects our careers, personal lives, and everything in between.
The importance of maintaining meaningful connections and relationships, especially with other women, during periods of change and growth.

Barbara’s Seven Lifestyle Levers Assessment and her weekly newsletter are available through her website. Don’t forget to check them out!

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH BARBARA WAXMAN:

YouTube

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Advancing Diversity in the Boardroom with Robin L. Washington

As we continue to seek more diverse voices in the corporate world and demand more representation for women and People of Color, we see experienced women leaders leading the demand for change. Robin L. Washington, who joins us on the podcast today, is the Co-founder of Black Women on Boards, an organization that removes obstacles that the world’s top Black female executives can face when pursuing board of director appointments. We talk about authenticity in the workplace, diversity of thought and representation at the board and C-suite level, and so much more. This week’s episode 102 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about advancing diversity in the boardroom and c-suite!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Robin Washington is sharing the importance of diversity of thought and inclusivity in business and actionable steps you can take right now to create space for authenticity through your leadership.

Robin L. Washington is a Fortune 100 board member and operating executive, currently serving on the boards of Alphabet, Honeywell, and Salesforce, where she is the Lead Independent Director. A CFO with significant expertise in Life Sciences and Enterprise Software, Robin is passionate about human capital management and deeply committed to accelerating the next generation of innovative leaders and entrepreneurs. Robins is the Co-founder of Black Women on Boards, and the recipient of the Get on Board Week Fearless Leader Award through How Women Lead.

Some of the talking points Julie and Robin go over in this episode include:

Robin’s top ten words of wisdom for women everywhere.
The importance of creating space for your employees and team members to be their authentic selves.
Using leadership to inspire and set direction, not task management.
The importance of diversity of thought and increasing representation in business.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH ROBIN L. WASHINGTON:

Black Women on Boards

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Transforming Communication Skills to Find Your Voice with Liz Sklar

At How Women Lead, we strongly believe in women finding their voice and being unabashedly visible in what they do. But finding your voice and learning to use it for your mission does not come naturally to everyone. Liz Sklar, actress and Director at Stand & Deliver, helps leaders across all industries find their voice and use it to be effective, inspiring leaders. She’s here today to talk about her journey, how you can find your unique voice, and much more! This week’s episode 101 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about improving your communication skills to find your voice!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Liz Sklar is sharing the importance of choosing to believe in yourself and your voice and actionable steps you can take right now to take care of yourself in today’s stressful world.

In her work with clients including Genentech, Gilead, Twilio, Google, IVP, CZI, Waymo, and the Cartier Women’s Initiative, Liz’s work has crossed industries from pharma to finance and frequently focuses on leaders in the innovation economy. She is especially inspired by female entrepreneurs and executives and is invested in empowering them to harness their innate power and wisdom to further their careers and expand their missions. Liz has acted professionally in both film and theater, including leading roles at premier regional theaters such as the California Shakespeare Festival and American Conservatory Theatre.

Some of the talking points Julie and Liz go over in this episode include:

How Liz’s experience in theatre informs her leadership coaching in the corporate world.
Emphasizing the value of finding and showcasing one's authentic self.
Managing stress and influencing without authority in the workplace.
Empowering women leaders through empathy and public speaking.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH LIZ SKLAR:

Stand & Deliver

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Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Be Unabashedly Visible [Credo #4]

Women’s voices have been and continue to be culturally dismissed and discouraged. Women are very rarely quoted in science and financial journals, as well as make up only about 25% of all of the people who are quoted as experts in the news media. The fourth element of our credo at How Women Lead is to Be Unabashedly Visible, and today, Julie is sharing her journey to be more visible. This week’s episode 100 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about being unabashedly visible!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams is sharing the importance of public speaking in creating change and actionable steps you can take right now to be visible and take up space.

Some of the talking points Julie goes over in this episode include:

The cultural narratives that hold women back that we have heard from a young age.
Embracing your power and influence, and overcoming self-doubt.
How public speaking can create change and how you can improve your public speaking skills.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

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Wed, 24 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Amplifying Your Voice and Message with Denise Brosseau, Founder and CEO of Thought Leadership Lab [Rerelease]

Women have powerful voices and have been using them to voice concerns and demand change forever. But when society is full of naysayers and those who undervalue women, it can be easy to back off of your convictions. Denise Brosseau has been on a mission for decades to help women crystalize their voices and use them to stand up for the causes they believe in. Today, she is here to talk about her causes and how she helps women find their voices! This week’s episode 99 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about amplifying your voice and message!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Denise Brosseau is sharing the importance of trusting ourselves and actionable steps you can take right now to start finding your voice.

Denise Brosseau is a thought leader, strategist, author, and CEO of Thought Leadership Lab. Passionate about amplifying inspiring voices, she assists leaders and changemakers in expanding their influence and impact. As the co-founder of Watermark (now Upward) and Springboard Enterprises, Denise champions women-led companies and their access to capital.

Some of the talking points Julie and Denise go over in this episode include:

How Denise’s time at Wellesley College shaped her career.
The importance of seeing women in leadership roles and how it inspires other women.
Exploring the role of leaders in using voice and platform for moral leadership.
How purely performative acts of solidarity hurt companies in the long run.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH DENISE BROSSEAU:

Thought Leadership Lab

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Wed, 17 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Using Technology To Increase Access To Youth Mental Health Services with Kenzie Butera Davis

Content warning: Discussion of sexual assault, eating disorders, and suicide.

There is a youth mental health crisis in the United States. On average, there is an 11-year age gap in youth mental health between when children experience their first symptoms and signals of mental illness to the first intervention and seeking of treatment. Kenzie Butera Davis started Maro to eliminate that age gap and provide early intervention and risk detection starting with a school-based mental health screening. She is here today to talk to us about the strides Maro has made thus far and how we can support their mission. This week’s episode 98 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about using technology to increase access to youth mental health services!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Kenzie Butera Davis is sharing the importance of screening for mental health symptoms at school and actionable steps you can take right now to support Maro and its mission to screen 1 million kids.

Kenzie Butera Davis is the Founder and CEO of Maro, a digital health company that has been awarded the Leading Innovative Early-Stage Pediatric Health Company by Oracle Cerner and the World's Most Innovative Ed Tech Startup by ASU GSB for their work at the intersection of healthcare and education. Maro makes mental health an asset to student success instead of a roadblock by screening for warning signs of mental health problems in students and working with schools to engage families and provide access to resources.

Some of the talking points Julie and Kenzie go over in this episode include:

When Kenzie knew Maro was starting to make a difference.
Tracking social return on investment in addition to financial return on investment.
The importance of mental health screenings for children at school.
Building partnerships with schools and mental health providers.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH KENZIE BUTERA DAVIS:

Maro

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Wed, 10 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Julie Castro Abrams' Journey of Philanthropy and Impact [Rerelease]

Content Warning: This episode includes mention of child and animal neglect and abuse.

There’s a developmental stage between 45-65 where having an impact is one of the most important parts of this stage in our lives and it is so important to take a moment to reflect on the impact we want to have on the world. In this week’s episode 97 of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie shares her journey of philanthropy and impact!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams shares how her childhood experiences were the foundation for her decision early in life to spend the rest of her life trying to make the world a better place and reflecting on her continued efforts to open her heart and door to others by caring for them and loving and accepting them as they are.

Some of the talking points Julie goes over in this episode include:

Being cognizant of the power dynamics in nonprofit organizations and setting realistic expectations of gratitude.
Sharing Maimonides ‘Ladder of Philanthropy’ and the high value placed on philanthropy through partnership.
The 3 levels of impact Julie focuses on and examples of how this has played out in her life.
Encouraging you to have a north star of your own values to drive the impact and influence you have on the world.

Julie shares her story to show that being a life-long philanthropist and living a life of service is not easy but the gifts that come for both you and the people you help are immeasurable.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Wed, 03 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Thinking Differently and Providing Your Unique Perspective with Kristyn Shapiro

We’re always talking about diversity and the importance of having different perspectives in the room where decisions are made in every organization. Asking questions others haven’t thought of and offering a new way to look at a problem allows for a more informed decision to be made, no matter the issue. No one knows this better than Kristyn Shapiro, who has spent much of her career at the FBI as a senior executive and now at Guidehouse, helping organizations make tough decisions and guiding them through crises. Kristyn is here this week to talk about how her different perspective helped her have a strong presence in her career and so much more. This week’s episode 96 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about thinking differently and providing your unique perspective in every situation!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Kristyn Shapiro is sharing the importance of recognizing that your perspective is different than those around you and actionable steps you can take right now to reach out and give others a voice.

Kristyn Shapiro is an Associate Director of Defense and Security at Guidehouse, a leading global provider of consulting services to the public sector and commercial markets, with broad capabilities in management, technology, and risk consulting. She excels at bringing organizations from chaos to organization after spending 11 years with the FBI and six years with the Office of Naval Intelligence. Kristyn also thrives in environments where she can bring her outsider view to rethink how things have always been done.

Some of the talking points Julie and Kristyn go over in this episode include:

Are women better leaders during times of crisis?
Challenging groupthink with your unique perspective.
Advocating for others' voices and leaning into the way you think.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, others might have the same questions and not speak up.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH KRISTYN SHAPIRO:

Guidehouse

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Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Empowering Single Mothers Through Economic Opportunity with Danika Dellor

Poverty is a growing problem in the United States and 35% of single mothers face living in poverty. Eliminating poverty will take systemic and legislative change, but the fight against poverty begins and is currently most impactful at the local level through non-profits. These organizations strive to provide access to education and resources to those in need. WANDA, headed by Danika Dellor, strives to connect single mothers with these resources and teach women that of all the assets, they are the most valuable. Today, Danika Dellor is here to talk to us about all of that and more. This week’s episode 95 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about empowering single mothers through economic opportunity!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Danika Dellor shares the importance of recognizing individuals as their best assets and actionable steps you can take right now to involve diverse voices in your decision-making process.

Danika Dellor is the President and CEO of WANDA Silicon Valley. Danika brings a wealth of executive and fundraising experience accumulated over many years working with various growth-based nonprofit organizations. Her track record includes cultivating and sustaining philanthropic relations with foundations, donors, government agencies, and civic organizations. Danika’s expertise extends to establishing organizational policy, strategy, and program design in the fields of education, arts, health, and human services.

Some of the talking points Julie and Danika go over in this episode include:

The importance of recognizing individuals as their own best assets.
A framework for combatting poverty, including private, public, and open assets.
Universal Basic Income as a stepping stone for systemic change.
The importance of having diverse voices in making decisions in the non-profit space.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH DANIKA DELLOR:

WANDA

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Wed, 13 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

The Role of Women in Climate Tech with Linda Kinney

Climate change is a constant topic of conversation. And while headlines may seem bleak, the climate technology sector continues to grow and innovate to improve our use of resources and impact on the environment. With this sector expected to continue to see rapid substantial growth, it’s time for women to explore it as an option, no matter their professional field. Linda Kinney is here today to talk about the lack of women in climate tech, and what we can do to change it. This week’s episode 94 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the role of women in climate tech!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Linda Kinney shares the importance of encouraging women to take jobs in climate technology and actionable steps you can take right now to invest in the future of climate technology companies.

Linda Kinney is a climate tech visionary who served as the head of ESG and Product Regulatory Legal at Intel, which is repeatedly ranked at the top of Barron's list of the most sustainable public companies. She's an impact investor and plays an active role in advising climate tech CEOs and leadership teams. Before she moved to the private sector. Linda served in the federal government during three administrations, receiving the highest levels of civil service appointment as a career member of the senior executive service.

Some of the talking points Julie and Linda go over in this episode include:

Linda’s hope for climate technology because of government and private sector investment in climate tech.
The current lack of women’s involvement in climate tech.
Educating and empowering women to enter the climate tech space, no matter their career field.
Adjusting investments on both personal and corporate levels to include climate technology.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

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LINKS MENTIONED:

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Unlocking Women’s Financial Power with Barbara Pierce

The majority of invested assets owned by women are not managed by women. Only 1.4% of assets are managed by women and people of color combined! With up to 70% of wealth projected to be controlled by women by 2030, that gender gap simply won’t do. Barbara Pierce, founder of Women with Capital, has made it her mission to empower women with financial literacy and teach women that they are in control of their investments. She is here today to talk about the community she has created with Women with Capital, and how women should be thinking about their investments. This week’s episode 93 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about unlocking women’s financial power!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Barbara Pierce is sharing the importance of financial and investing literacy for women and actionable steps you can take right now to take control of your own wealth management, while still being supported by professionals.

Barbara is the founder of Women with Capital, a private learning community to inspire, educate, and support women in using their wealth as a tool for change. In addition to her roles as an individual investor and founder of Women with Capital®, Barbara has 25 years of experience facilitating partnerships between top philanthropists and nonprofits.

Some of the talking points Julie and Barbara go over in this episode include:

Realizing early that investing is the key to building wealth.
Empowering women through financial literacy and investing, especially for social good.
The problem of women’s wealth predominantly being managed by men.
The psychology of wealth and how it guides people's actions, beliefs, and feelings of worthiness.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH BARBARA PIERCE:

Women with Capital

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Investing in Women of Color Entrepreneurs with Victoria Kennedy

The technology industry is predominantly led by white men under the age of 45. While this has been the case for a long time, many different types of founders are starting to enter the space and attempting to get venture funding. Venture firms and funds that focus on often underrepresented founders, especially women of color, are truly making an impact in the technology space and paving the way to change other investor’s attitudes toward whom they invest in. Victoria Kennedy is here to talk about Seed to Harvest Ventures and how they put women of color first in their firm. This week’s episode 92 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about investing in women of color entrepreneurs and founders!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Victoria Kennedy share the importance of using one's existing skills and strengths to pursue their passions and actionable steps you can take right now to build community and network as you seek funding.

Victoria Kennedy is the Founder and GP at Seed to Harvest Ventures, a venture firm committed to setting up early-stage companies that are historically overlooked and providing them with education, resources, and connections to scale their business. Victoria has unparalleled expertise in building products and assembling high-performance teams and has consulted for companies like Goldman Sachs and The Today Show with NBC.

Some of the talking points Julie and Victoria go over in this episode include:

Transitioning careers from a product leader to starting a venture firm.
Women of color founders deliver 35% higher ROIs than white male founders.
The challenges of being a black woman in a predominantly white male-led industry.
Using your existing skills to pursue your passions.

You can listen to Seed to Harvest’s podcast, Adventures in Fun(d)land, on Spotify!

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA KENNEDY:

Seed to Harvest Ventures

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Wed, 22 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Investing and Innovation in Food Technology with Brita Rosenheim

Food technology and the food industry is a $9 trillion business, but most people wouldn’t think of it. Food and how we eat is often seen as a far more personal choice than a large industry. Because of this, there is ample opportunity for investors to get involved in the early stages of many companies. Brita Rosenheim is here today to talk about her experience in the food industry and how it will change in the years to come. This week’s episode 91 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about investing opportunities and innovation in food technology!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Brita Rosenheim is sharing the importance of specialization in venture capital and actionable steps you can take right now to support new food chain technology.

Brita Rosenheim is the Managing Partner at Vita Vera Ventures, a venture firm that supports early-stage tech entrepreneurs defining our future by advancing the resiliency, efficiency, and sustainability of the food industry. Brita has been recognized as an expert on the food tech ecosystem for over a decade; recently named a “Tech Power Player” from BI and featured in NRN's annual "Power List" for the industry. She has 20 years of experience as a food & tech investor, M&A advisor, and corporate development professional.

Some of the talking points Julie and Brita go over in this episode include:

The intersection of technology and the food supply chain.
How the food industry is ubiquitous and recession-proof, yet is often overlooked as an investment opportunity.
The need for digitization in the food technology industry to lay a foundation for progress.
Vita Vera’s commitment to investing in companies with diverse leadership.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast.

CONNECT WITH BRITA ROSENHEIM:

Vita Vera Ventures

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

The Intersection of Impact and Investing with AdaPia d'Errico

For many of us, we were told that talking openly about money was rude or even taboo. But times have changed, and financially empowering women is not only good for women but good for everyone. We see time and time again that when money is in the hands of women, they invest in the common good and bring everyone up with them. AdaPia d’Errico is here this week to talk about her journey of teaching women in her life about money, the impact of women’s investing, and more. This week’s episode 90 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the intersection of impact and women’s investing!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, AdaPia d’Errico shares the importance of financial literacy for women and actionable steps you can take right now to support women-owned projects.

AdaPia d'Errico is an accomplished entrepreneur, investor, and advisor with over 20 years of experience in the financial industry. AdaPia’s 20-year career has spanned banking, insurance, hedge funds, private equity, real estate, venture capital, and digital assets. As a founder, angel investor, lifelong entrepreneur, and advisor, AdaPia brings a wealth of acumen and experience to the table.

Some of the talking points Julie and AdaPia go over in this episode include:

The importance of demystifying money for women.
How and why women’s investments are hugely impactful, changing everything for the better.
The massive transfer of wealth happening and the shifting landscape of women’s finances.
AdaPia’s journey in angel investing and wanting to support women founders and learn alongside them.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH ADAPIA D’ERRICO:

Womxn of Wealth

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Wed, 08 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Reinforce Her Voice [Credo #3]

Every woman has an instance in her childhood where her voice was ignored. Maybe she was told to be seen and not heard, maybe she was looked over in class to speak, or maybe she was told to take up less space. This cultural bias against women’s voices needs to be put to an end and it starts with us supporting one another and speaking up to affirm another woman and make her voice heard. This week’s episode 89 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about reinforcing women’s voices when they speak up!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams shares the importance of supporting other women when they speak and actionable steps you can take right now to open opportunities for women’s voices to be heard.

Some of the talking points Julie goes over in this episode include:

Women being ignored is a cultural problem, not an isolated incident.
How Harvard Business School documented gender bias that kept women from reaping the full benefits of attending the school.
All women have been told to be seen and not heard as children, and this carries over well into adulthood.
Steps we can take to open doors and create opportunities for ourselves and the women around us.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

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Wed, 01 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Leveraging AI to Empower Diverse Entrepreneurs with Winsome Kirton

We often hear the importance of shopping locally, shopping small businesses, and purchasing from minority and underrepresented groups. And while this is quite easy to do on a personal level, it’s more difficult to accomplish on a company- or corporate-wide level. Not all smaller businesses are equipped to handle large requests, and often getting ESG certifications is too difficult and time-consuming for the small business owner. Today, Winsome Kirton is here to talk about her journey creating Heard.io to help close those gaps. This week’s episode 88 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about leveraging AI to empower diver entrepreneurs!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Winsome Kirton is sharing the importance of supporting small and ESG-aligned businesses on a larger scale and actionable steps you can take right now to encourage your employer to seek small businesses for their corporate gifting needs.

Winsome Kirton is the founder and CEO of Heard.io, a B2B ecosystem that drives and measures social impact by connecting businesses with companies that meet their ESG goals. After working as a media director and working on her first startup, Pack Elephant, Winsome realized how difficult it was to work with small and diverse-owned businesses on a big scale. She started Heard.io to combat those difficulties and allow companies to shop thoughtfully and intentionally for their corporate gifting needs.

Some of the talking points Julie and Winsome go over in this episode include:

Recognizing and addressing imposter syndrome in high-achieving women.
Challenges faced by small businesses in reaching ESG certifications.
Using AI to vet small businesses for diversity and ESG dimensions for greater visibility.
The importance of supporting small businesses and ESG-aligned companies during the holiday season.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH WINSOME KIRTON:

Heard.io

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Wed, 25 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Inspiring Service and Leadership with Benita Fitzgerald Mosley

Earlier this year, the Surgeon General released an advisory about an “epidemic of loneliness” here in the United States, and steps we can take to increase community connections. One effective step someone can take to increase their community and social connections is to volunteer and serve their community. Benita Mosley, CEO of Multiplying Good, is here today to discuss her mission to promote service, introduce young people to service, and more. This week’s episode 87 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about inspiring service and leadership!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Benita Mosley shares the importance of self-belief and service in achieving success and actionable steps you can take right now to get involved in your community.

Benita Fitzgerald Mosley is an Olympic gold medalist and an established international leader in the sports and business sectors and has a passion for helping people and organizations win gold medals in life and work. With over 20 years of experience leading organizations, Mosley aims to bring her vast leadership and media experience to lead Multiplying Good into the organization’s next chapter of growth and success. Mosley also served as the Vice President of Community and Impact and President of FundPlay Foundation for LeagueApps, and Chief Executive Officer of Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA.

Some of the talking points Julie and Benita go over in this episode include:

Benita’s family's legacy of service, leadership, and civil rights activism.
How to make a positive impact in the community by leveraging personal gifts and expertise.
The rewards and challenges of transitioning from professional athlete to corporate roles.
The importance of self-belief, and why more women need to think, ‘Why not me?’.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH BENITA FITZGERALD MOSLEY:

Multiplying Good

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Wed, 18 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Refashioning the Global Supply Chain for Sustainability with Lisa Morales-Hellebo

The global supply chain has been under the spotlight more and more since the COVID-19 pandemic caused massive disruptions. Supply chain technology is growing and changing, but what can we do to manage and change the supply chain to be more sustainable, especially in industries like fashion? Lisa Morales-Hellebo is here to talk about sustainability in the global supply chain and fashion industries today. This week’s episode 86 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about refashioning the global supply chain for sustainability!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Lisa Morales-Hellebo shares the importance of finding your people and actionable steps you can take right now to reduce your textile consumption and waste.

Lisa Morales-Hellebo is passionate about helping fashion tech and supply chain startups achieve industry adoption and growth. As a VC, seasoned entrepreneur, product strategist, and community builder, Lisa knows what it takes to spot and coach a winning team — backed by 25 years of working with startups to F500s on strategy and execution across branding, product development, and innovation. Lisa is currently co-founder of The Worldwide Supply Chain Federation, an organization that is changing how supply chain professionals learn about, collaborate, and adopt supply chain innovation around the world. She is also co-founder and general partner of REFASHIOND Ventures — an NYC-based, early-stage supply chain technology venture fund that invests in startups refashioning global supply chains.

Some of the talking points Julie and Lisa go over in this episode include:

Why digitizing supply chains is the key to solving the climate crisis.
How fast fashion is unsustainable and how overproduction and consumer addiction must be addressed through disruption or legislation.
The role of venture capital in the fashion industry.
The impact of microplastics on human health and the importance of eliminating poly and microplastics from daily life.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH LISA MORALES-HELLEBO:

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

The Future of Corporate Governance with Dottie Schindlinger

The demands and challenges companies face are changing in the digital age. Because of this, the way corporate boards operate, discuss, and tackle these issues is also changing. From having more diverse voices represented to acknowledging and responding to global issues like climate change and supply chain disruptions, the job of the corporate board is more difficult now than ever. Dottie Schindlinger is here to talk about the impact of these changes and what we should expect going forward in the world of corporate boards. This week’s episode 85 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the future of corporate governance!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Dottie Schindlinger is sharing the importance of corporate boards addressing climate change and other major issues and actionable steps you can take right now to continue to educate yourself as a board member.

Dottie Schindlinger is the Executive Director of the Diligent Institute, the independent corporate governance research arm and think tank of Diligent Corporation. The Diligent Institute informs, educates, and connects leaders to champion governance excellence by providing cutting-edge research on the most pressing issues of corporate governance and offering certifications and educational programs that equip leaders with the knowledge and credentials needed to guide their organizations through existential challenges. Dottie also hosts The Corporate Director Podcast.

Some of the talking points Julie and Dottie go over in this episode include:

Dottie’s journey into the world of corporate governance and building BoardEffect.
Issues likely to be discussed in boardrooms over the next few years, including quantum computing.
The three main jobs of a board: insight, oversight, and foresight.
The importance of board chairs building strategic partnerships with their CEOs and fostering trust and goodwill.

Don’t forget to check out Dottie’s book Governance in the Digital Age: A Guide for the Modern Corporate Board Director!

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH DOTTIE SCHINDLINGER:

Diligent Institute

CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:

Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

The Advantage of Other and Asking ‘What If?’ with Nancy Geenen, CEO of Flexability

The feelings of belonging and making a notable difference are important to our sense of professional worth. It is the job of the leader, a CEO or founder, to build an equitable, dynamic, and productive workplace for their employees. And while this discussion does take place, it doesn’t happen nearly as often in the realm of entrepreneurs and small business owners. Nancy Geenen is here today to change that and talk about her experiences making this conversation more prevalent. This week’s episode 84 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about Nancy’s book, The Advantage of Other, and asking ‘what if?’!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Nancy Geenen is sharing the importance of finding your voice and actionable steps you can take right now to get involved in causes you care about.

Nancy Geenen is the CEO of Flexability, a workplace equity & inclusion consulting firm. Nancy is an accomplished entrepreneur, trial attorney, and strategic facilitator. She is a sought-after advisor on matters of company culture, retention, career development, and leadership. Early in her career, she was a Senior Legal Officer for the United Nations in Geneva focused on adjudicating damages arising from Iraq’s unlawful invasion of Kuwait. Following her passion, Nancy writes and speaks on topics related to the social impact of employing individuals with disabilities.

Some of the talking points Julie and Nancy go over in this episode include:

Nancy’s entrepreneurial journey, starting with a women's group meeting in the conference room at her law firm.
The recent Affirmative Action ruling and how that will affect the work and fight for equal opportunity.
The importance of finding belonging in the workplace, as well as in networks that care about the same causes as you.
If you’re not making a difference, it can be hard to show up.

Don’t forget to order Nancy’s book, The Advantage of Other: A Leader’s Guide to Building an Equitable, Dynamic, and Productive Workplace!

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH NANCY GEENEN:

Flexability

CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Investing in Underrepresented Founders with Carmen Palafox

US Census population predictions indicate that by the year 2045, white Americans will make up less than 50% of the US population. While we see this shift in population, that is far from the case when it comes to venture funding. There is a massive massive imbalance in the amount of capital that is going to minority and underrepresented founders. Carmen Palafox is here today to talk about how we can correct this imbalance and her work with 2045 Venture. This week’s episode 83 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about investing in underrepresented founders!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Carmen Palafox is sharing the importance of understanding the founders you invest with and actionable steps you can take right now to address the funding imbalance in venture capital.

Carmen Palafox has over 20 years of experience in finance, and an established record of investing across industries including Climate tech, Fintech, Health tech, and consumer. Carmen is the founding partner at 2045 Ventures, a partner at MiLA Capital, and a venture partner at How Women Invest. She is also an Adjunct Professor teaching venture capital at USC Marshall School of Business. Prior to venture capital, she was Vice President at Dimensional Fund Advisors where she scaled investment operations going from $75 Billion AUM to $300 Billion AUM.

Some of the talking points Julie and Carmen go over in this episode include:

Carmen’s journey from traditional finance to venture investing.
Addressing funding imbalance for underrepresented founders to bring economic empowerment.
The importance of understanding founder motivation and how best to support the founders in which you invest.
The benefits of investing in early-stage or day-zero companies.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH CARMEN PALAFOX:

2045 Ventures

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Wed, 20 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Amplifying Your Voice and Message with Denise Brosseau

Women have powerful voices and have been using them to voice concerns and demand change forever. But when society is full of naysayers and those who undervalue women, it can be easy to back off of your convictions. Denise Brosseau has been on a mission for decades to help women crystalize their voices and use them to stand up for the causes they believe in. Today, she is here to talk about her causes and how she helps women find their voices! This week’s episode 82 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about amplifying your voice and message!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Denise Brosseau is sharing the importance of trusting ourselves and actionable steps you can take right now to start finding your voice.

Denise Brosseau is a thought leader, strategist, author, and CEO of Thought Leadership Lab. Passionate about amplifying inspiring voices, she assists leaders and changemakers in expanding their influence and impact. As the co-founder of Watermark (now Upward) and Springboard Enterprises, Denise champions women-led companies and their access to capital.

Some of the talking points Julie and Denise go over in this episode include:

How Denise’s time at Wellesley College shaped her career.
The importance of seeing women in leadership roles and how it inspires other women.
Exploring the role of leaders in using voice and platform for moral leadership.
How purely performative acts of solidarity hurt companies in the long run.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH DENISE BROSSEAU:

Thought Leadership Lab

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Advancing Women in Leadership with Confidence with Ellen Taaffe

Women in leadership positions are extraordinarily familiar with the feelings of uncertainty and doubt that come with taking on larger roles. But these worries of inadequacy and under-preparedness, while ingrained into us at a young age, are completely unfounded. Our guest today, Ellen Taaffe uses her metaphor of the mirrored door to better our understanding of these feelings on today’s episode. This week’s episode 81 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about advancing women in leadership!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Ellen Taaffe is sharing the importance of talking about yourself differently when doing something new and actionable steps you can take right now to take advantage of new opportunities.

Ellen Taaffe is an author, a Board Director, an MBA Professor, an Executive Leadership Coach/Advisor, and a Speaker. She serves as the Director of Women’s Leadership Programs at the Kellogg School of Management and serves on the boards of three company boards, where she chairs several committees.

Some of the talking points Julie and Ellen go over in this episode include:

The mirrored door and how it portrays the lack of confidence in women’s leadership behaviors.
The importance of talking about yourself differently when doing something new.
Taking small risks when the stakes are lower to build up to larger opportunities.
Getting clear and direct feedback from colleagues and mentors.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH ELLEN TAAFFE:

Pre-order “The Mirrored Door” today!

CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:

Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Changing Demographics in Venture Capital with Naseem Sayani

Venture capital has been dominated by cis white men since the practice first began. While the founders and innovators seeking funding are starting to vary from that profile, many of those still writing the checks and offering funding fall into that dominant profile. Naseem Sayani is one woman who is trying to change that. Naseem, the co-founder of Emmeline Ventures, is here today to talk about what can be done to support women from many different backgrounds, minorities, and underserved demographics. This week’s episode 80 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about changing demographics in venture capital!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Naseem Sayani is sharing the importance of changing the demographic of investors and actionable steps you can take right now to support diverse communities of women.

Naseem Sayani is the Co-founder and Director of Emmeline Ventures, a female-founded early-stage fund investing in ambitious female founders building businesses that are helping women, in particular, manage their health, build their wealth, and live in a cleaner, safer world. Naseem has over 20 years of expertise in investing and business-building, and has experience as an angel investor on her own.

Some of the talking points Julie and Naseem go over in this episode include:

The importance of investing in women with diverse backgrounds.
Breaking stigmas around women’s health and the myth that women’s health is “niche”.
How women have been wrongfully convinced that they make poor money choices.
Setting the precedent for pay transparency.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH NASEEM SAYANI:

Emmeline Ventures

CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:

Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Investing in a More Accessible Fitness Industry with Lauren Foundos

The fitness industry has seen many changes, especially since the Pandemic. One of those changes is the popularity of at-home fitness which is still led by professional instructors. Lauren Foundos, Founder of FORTË, is changing the game by creating opportunities for more gyms and studios to reach their members, even when those members want to work out at home. Lauren is here this week to talk about her journey from working on wall street to helping advance technology in the fitness industry and more. This week’s episode 79 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about investing in the fitness industry!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Lauren Foundos is sharing the importance of lowering the barrier to entry for fitness for everyone and actionable steps you can take right now to build your business support system.

Lauren Foundos is the Founder and CEO of FORTË, a digital platform that allows gyms and fitness studios to provide their own fitness classes as an on-demand streaming platform for their members. FORTË has created digital experiences with many companies including the YMCA, the NFL Players Association, the UFC, and more. Lauren founded FORTE after a career in the financial industry, working on Wall Street with Whitaker Securities.

Some of the talking points Julie and Lauren go over in this episode include:

Lauren’s background in fitness and how she’s people’s interest in fitness change since the pandemic.
The journey of becoming a woman founder after working on Wall Street.
How having supportive, active investors makes a difference in a company.
What lobbying for the PHIT Act in Washington DC taught Lauren about legislation.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH LAUREN FOUNDOS:

FORTË

CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:

Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Expanding Women’s Health Venture Capital with Jessica Karr

Women are often underserved in the healthcare system and this gap in quality of care is a large detriment to society as a whole. Coyote Ventures, founded by Jessica Karr, is one of the only venture capital funds investing in women-led startups creating women’s healthcare solutions. Join us in our conversation today where we talk about women’s healthcare, how to empower women and girls, and more! This week’s episode 78 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about expanding women’s health venture capital!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Jessica Karr is sharing the importance of being collaborative to get the best results and actionable steps you can take right now to build a strong professional network.

Jessica Karr is the Founder and General Partner at Coyote Ventures, a venture capital fund investing in early-stage startups that are innovating women's health & wellness. Jessica is passionate about innovation that drives positive change in human health, equality, and our relationship with the earth. She worked for 6+ years designing and launching the Impossible burger as the 12th employee. Moreover, Jessica has advised and consulted over a dozen companies internationally on product strategies.

Some of the talking points Julie and Jessica go over in this episode include:

Jessica’s choice to have Coyote Ventures focus on women’s healthcare solutions.
The cost of a lack of women’s healthcare on society, families, and employers.
The balance of masculine and feminine characteristics for well-rounded leadership.
Jessica’s two most important things to look for in a startup.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH JESSICA KARR:

Coyote Ventures

CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:

Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Transitioning from a Government Position to a Board Position with Essye Miller

From titles to resumes and everything in between, government careers appear very different from civilian careers. The two, however, are far more similar than what meets the eye. In order to transition from one to the other, you need to be able to translate the experiences into the language understood by the other industry. Essye Miller is here today to discuss her journey and the lessons she learned from transitioning from the Department of Defense to a board director. This week’s episode 77 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about transitioning from a government position to a board position!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Essye Miller is sharing the importance of repositioning yourself and your experiences and actionable steps you can take right now to prepare yourself for the search for board opportunities in both the public and private sectors.

Essye Miller is the former CIO of the United States Department of Defense, where she held governance, charted strategy, piloted the DoD’s information enterprise overseeing its 11-figure budget, and influenced the overall technology strategy. Today, Essye is a public and private company board director and the CEO of Executive Business Management, her consultancy focuses on providing services and advisory to corporate businesses, government, and NGO clients on cybersecurity, information management, information technology, and national defense.

Some of the talking points Julie and Essye go over in this episode include:

Transitioning from a major government role to supporting public and private company boards, and what that transition looks like.
How Essye built her network of support while searching for board opportunities.
Maximizing public speaking engagements and articles to be relevant and true enough for future opportunities.
Recommendations for those thinking about how to architect the next phase of their career.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH ESSYE MILLER:

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

The Fight for Accessible Emergency Contraception with Kelly Cleland

In the year following the historic Dobbs decision that changed the landscape of women’s reproductive health, access to emergency contraceptives and abortion services is more important and sought after than ever. While navigating reproductive healthcare in the post-Roe world can be daunting, there are groups like the American Society for Emergency Contraception, who are there to help make it easier. This week’s episode 76 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the fight for accessible emergency contraception!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Kelly Cleland is sharing the importance of breaking the stigmas around abortion and emergency contraception and actionable steps you can take right now to support organizations supporting women’s reproductive health.

Kelly Cleland is the Executive Director of The American Society for Emergency Contraception. Kelly worked as a researcher at Princeton University for 14 years, with an emphasis on emergency contraception and medication abortion. She is an enthusiastic mentor to young people and is a proud graduate of the women leaders for the World program.

Some of the talking points Julie and Kelly go over in this episode include:

How the American Society for Emergency Contraception contributes to advancing access to emergency contraception.
Student leaders taking access to emergency contraception access on campuses into their own hands.
How many pharmacies have unnecessary or outdated hurdles in place for those wanting to get Plan B and other emergency contraceptives.
The importance of mentorship and groups of all-women contemporaries.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH KELLY CLELAND:

American Society for Emergency Contraception

Emergency Contraception for Every Campus

CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:

Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

The Benefits of Micro-Influencer Marketing with Kristen Wiley

Influencer marketing is a fast-growing marketing strategy that gets active, engaged audiences in front of a brand’s product. But how does it work? What are these ‘micro-influencers’ and how is this business lucrative for them? Today, Kristen Wiley sits down with us to teach us about influencer marketing and how her platform Statusphere makes the process of partnering brands with influencers easier than ever. This week’s episode 75 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the benefits of micro-influencer marketing!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Kristen Wiley is sharing the importance of building trust as an influencer and actionable steps you can take right now to see if influencer marketing is right for you.

Kristen Wiley is the Founder and CEO of Statusphere, a platform that helps brands scale their micro-influencer marketing in a fraction of the time it would take on their own. Before founding Statusphere, Kristen was the Chief Marketing Officer at GreenHouse Agency, a digital marketing agency specializing in small and startup brands.

Some of the talking points Julie and Kristen go over in this episode include:

The definition of a ‘micro-influencer’ and influencer marketing.
Why influencer marketing is hard for a brand to scale on their own.
The snowball effect brands experience once influencer marketing takes off for them.
The importance of always learning and staying positive.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH KRISTEN WILEY:

Statusphere

CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:

Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Women Working for Environmental Sustainability with Olanike Olugboji

As climate change becomes more and more apparent an issue, working together with the people most affected by it is imperative to adapting and slowing down the rapid changes. But in Nigeria and other places where the women working the land aren’t even allowed to own it, their voices and innovative ideas are often left out of the conversation.

Today, Olanike Olugboji is here to talk about her work raising women’s voices and her mission to expose women to new technologies, allowing them to lead the way. This week’s episode 74 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about women working for environmental sustainability!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Olanike Olugobji is sharing the importance of involving women in climate change technologies and actionable steps you can take right now to improve your leadership qualities.

Olanike Olugboji is the executive director of the Women's Initiative for Sustainable Environment and the lead for the WISE Women’s Renewable Energy Training. At a very young age, she took a journey into the world of social activism where she founded the environmental management and protection network. Olanike’s work became centered on engaging grassroots women and natural resource stewarding and peacemaking. To date, her efforts have directly impacted over 20,000 women at the grassroots.

Some of the talking points Julie and Olanike go over in this episode include:

Olanike’s journey with environmental activism, which started at a very young age.
Women are the ones who are most affected by environmental challenges, and they are best positioned to drive the solutions.
How exposing women to technology allows them to take the lead.
The influences on Olanike’s leadership and what her next 5 years looks like.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH OLANIKE OLUGBOJI:

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Wed, 19 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Navigating Career Transitions with Lena Cheng, Co-Founder of Best Friend Jack

Every woman will go through a career transition at some point in her life. And while the idea of changing paths can be daunting, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a strong support network and a deep understanding of your strengths, transitioning careers can set you up for success going forward. Lena Cheng is here to talk about all that and more. This week’s episode 73 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about navigating career transitions!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Lena Cheng is sharing the importance of doing something every day to prepare for your career transition and actionable steps you can take right now to make the most of your networking between careers.

Lena Cheng is the co-founder of Best Friend Jack, a health-tech marketing branding agency that partners with ambitious, venture-backed startups to supercharge growth in pursuit of a shared goal — smarter, faster, more accessible healthcare for all. Lena pivoted from the medical field to marketing after earning her MD from the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University.

Some of the talking points Julie and Lena go over in this episode include:

How and why Lena went from a career as a doctor to a marketer.
Balancing the practicalities of life with transitioning careers.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help in more than one way.
Using the Regroup model to start a women’s support network.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH LENA CHENG:

Best Friend Jack

CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Say Yes to Helping Each Other [Credo #2]

“Deals are made on the golf course.” “Your network is your net worth.” How often have we women heard these phrases throughout our lives, only to be scolded or warned against doing these same things that men are encouraged to do? It’s time for us to change the cultural narrative around using our connections to create professional opportunities for ourselves and the women around us. This week’s episode 72 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the second tenant of the How Women Lead credo: saying yes to helping each other!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams is sharing the importance of making introductions for other women and actionable steps you can take right now to increase opportunities for yourself and the women around you!

Some of the talking points Julie goes over in this episode include:

It's not what you know, it’s who you know.
How women are discouraged from making introductions for one another when men are encouraged to do so.
The power of actively making connections.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Ending Women’s Poverty with E-Commerce with Mpho Hansjee

Poverty among women, especially women of color, continues to be a problem throughout the world. In impoverished countries, rates of femicide are much higher, and that problem was brought even more to light during the pandemic. But Mpho Hansjee is one of many women working to end the poverty of women artisans in South Africa by teaching entrepreneurial skills and providing access to larger markets. This week’s episode 71 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about ending women’s poverty with e-commerce!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Mpho Hansjee is sharing the importance of taking risks and living life fully and actionable steps you can take right now to support women entrepreneurs all over the world.

Mpho Hansjee is the founder and CEO of Women Enabled Enterprises, which strives to help low-income women of color artisans in African countries grow their craft business for self-sufficiency through a virtual, mobile-phone-based, retail entrepreneurship skills-building program, access to international markets through our USA online marketplace (ShopConsciously), micro-funding from VC impact partner investors and ongoing alumni support. For more than 15 years, she has helped fortune 500 retail companies analyze customer and product data and leverage it to adopt strategies and operation solutions that drive great meaningful business results. She increases category sales, establishes world-class best practices, streamlines processes, and optimizes performance.

Some of the talking points Julie and Mpho go over in this episode include:

The connection between silicon valley entrepreneurial spirit and gender equity.
How growing up in South Africa shaped Mpho’s view of women in entrepreneurship.
Women entrepreneurs create sustainable businesses and solve environmental issues.
How Women Enabled Enterprises is growing and expanding into many South African markets.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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CONNECT WITH MPHO HANSJEE:

Women Enabled Enterprises

ShopConsiously

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Funding New Majority Small Businesses with Elizabeth Gore

Accessing funding and capital as a small business is challenging, especially so for those who belong to minority communities. But there are people out there rooting for the “new majority” and investing in their businesses and ventures. Today, Elizabeth Gore from Hello Alice is here to talk about investing in minority-owned businesses and more. This week’s episode 70 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about funding new majority small businesses!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Elizabeth Gore is sharing the importance of leading with your values and advice you can use right now to weather the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.

Elizabeth Gore is the Co-founder and President of Hello Alice, a FinTech platform helping over 1 million small business owners access capital. She served as Entrepreneur in Residence at Dell Technologies, the United Nations Foundation, and was a Peace Corps volunteer in Bolivia. Elizabeth has been passionate about breaking down barriers for entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, including women, People of Color veterans, and people with disabilities.

Some of the talking points Julie and Elizabeth go over in this episode include:

How Elizabeth and Carolyn came together to form Hello Alice.
How using outdated technology to assess creditworthiness hurts small business owners.
Using their mission to support businesses through Covid-19.
Elizabeth’s tenants for leadership and how they’ve changed over the years.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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CONNECT WITH ELIZABETH GORE:

Hello Alice

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Using AI to Create a Positive Impact with Lake Dai

AI is one of the biggest topics of conversation in our world right now. With so many uses of this powerful technology, it’s important to look at both the benefits and the risks of integrating this technology into our businesses. Today, Lake Dai is here to talk about the ever-changing landscape of AI. This week’s episode 69 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about using AI to create a positive impact!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Lake Dai is sharing the importance of understanding AI and what it means for the future of business and actionable steps you can take right now to utilize AI technologies for good.

Lake Dai is the Founder and Managing Partner of Sancus Ventures, investing in the next-gen software infrastructure of AI, artificial intelligence, and blockchain. She is an Applied AI adjunct professor at Carnegie Mellon University. Lake has led global product and engineering organizations and public companies and tech startups and is an inventor with five US patents.

Some of the talking points Julie and Lake go over in this episode include:

Why it’s important to start building AI into you company.
How ChatGPT and other AI can speed up the process of content creation.
The three-step process for assessing risk in technology ventures.
Balancing your head and your heart in the boardroom.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Wed, 14 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Transforming an Organization with an Innovation Mindset with Jennifer Kenny

Organizations are always moving, changing, and evolving. And it's important for those in a leadership position to be able to keep up and adapt to those changes. One of the most effective ways to do this is by embracing the innovation mindset. Today, Jennifer Kenny is here to talk about all that and more. This week’s episode 61 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about transforming an organization with an innovation mindset!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Jennifer Kenny is sharing the importance of having a gender-diverse team and actionable steps you can take right now to change your mindset for better leadership.

Jennifer Kenny is a master of innovation practices and bestselling author of The Innovation Mindset. She increases the capacity of leaders, teams, and organizations to fuel innovation, performance, and revenue in complex and emergent technology ecosystems. Jennifer is passionate about helping amazing people deliver highly successful projects by amplifying others.

Some of the talking points Julie and Jennifer go over in this episode include:

What is the innovation mindset and how can it transform an organization?
The importance of gender-balanced teams and how they have a significant impact.
Power with verses power over in leadership structures.
How social justice efforts are going to serve us all better in the long run.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Women-First Investing and Knowing Your Power with Erin Harkless Moore, Senior Director of Investments at Pivotal Ventures

Women founders and their companies are vastly overlooked when it comes to venture funding. Only 2 percent of funding is given to women-led teams, and that number gets even smaller when it comes to women of color. Erin Harkless Moore is here today to talk about why this number hasn’t gone up, and what we can do about it! This week’s episode 67 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about women-first investing and knowing your power!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Erin Harkless Moore is sharing the importance of aligning your work with your personal values and actionable steps you can take right now to level up your leadership qualities.

Erin Harkless Moore is the Senior Director of Investments at Pivotal Ventures created by Melinda French Gates to accelerate social progress in the United States. She leads the organization's fund and direct investment decisions, overseeing a diverse portfolio that drives breakthrough innovations and impact for people in this country. Erin has nearly 20 years of investment experience previously working as the Managing Director at Cambridge Associates.

Some of the talking points Julie and Erin go over in this episode include:

The importance of aligning your values and your work with your professional interests.
Challenges and opportunities in the venture capital space.
Recognizing the biases that hold women back from raising capital.
Erin’s biggest lessons that have defined her career.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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CONNECT WITH ERIN HARKLESS MOORE:

Pivotal Ventures

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 31 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Leading with Your Values and Tackling Ugly Projects with Jennifer Lee, Founder and Strategic Advisor of J. LEE Consulting

Defining and sticking to a set of core values is essential for quality leadership. So is seeing the value and potential in taking on projects that are less than ideal. Today, Jennifer Lee is here to tell us about her experiences with ugly projects, leadership, and more. This week’s episode 66 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about leading with your values and tackling ugly projects.

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Jennifer Lee is sharing the importance of having a core set of values and actionable steps you can take right now to lead with honesty, integrity, and ethics.

Jennifer Lee is the Founder and Strategic Advisor behind J. LEE Consulting, which builds on her deep experience and success in biotech and pharma. Jennifer has 20 years of experience accelerating breakthrough therapies from which we've all benefited, from discovery to commercialization. She is also o she is also a board member, an investor, and a startup advisor. And she's passionate about promoting diversity, startup and private boards, and economic equity for women and women of color.

Some of the talking points Julie and Jennifer go over in this episode include:

How tragic events can shape your passion and purpose.
Living and leading by the drumbeat of your values.
The importance of honesty - and the story of The Empty Pot.
Jennifer’s study of biases and economic equality for women.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

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Wed, 24 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Building Trust with Large Teams and People-First Leadership with Mai Le, Vice President of Amazon Web Services

As the nature of work and professional careers change, so too must the way we approach leadership. Building trust with your team and putting your people first has become more important than ever. Today, Mai Le is here to share her leadership experience in some of the world’s largest companies and tell us how we can be better leaders. This week’s episode 65 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about building trust with large teams and people-first leadership!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Mai Le is sharing the importance of leading with your values and actionable steps you can take right now to ready yourself for more leadership opportunities.

Mai Le is Vice President of Amazon Web Services (AWS). Mai has extensive leadership history leading organizations in the United States, the EU, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. She has been building business products, tech foundations, and organizations for over 30 years for some of the world's largest companies, including Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Microsoft, and Yahoo.

Some of the talking points Mai and Julie go over in this episode include:

Looking at how to scale a business into the next decade, not just keeping up with the market.
Building trust with your team, no matter what size.
How to remain motivated and lead teams during difficult times.
MAi’s advice for younger leaders and those looking to fill leadership roles.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Wed, 17 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Destigmatizing Sex in the Real World with Cindy Gallop, Founder and CEO of MakeLoveNotPorn

{CW: This episode discusses adult content such as pornography, rape culture, and sex. Listener discretion is advised.}

In today’s society with a lack of real sex education, pornography tends to become the de facto sex education for lots of young people, especially men. But the sex in the porn world and sex in the real world are very different. Today, Cindy Gallop is here to talk about her mission to end rape culture by spearheading the social sex revolution. This week’s episode 64 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about destigmatizing sex in the real world!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Cindy Gallop is sharing the importance of having examples of real-world, consensual, communicative sex and actionable steps you can take right now to end rape culture and promote sex-positive values.

Cindy Gallop is the founder and CEO of MakeLoveNotPorn, the world’s first and only 100% human-curated, real-world sex video-sharing platform. With over 30 years of experience in brand-building, marketing, and advertising, she continues to do brand consulting and executive coaching alongside running her businesses. Cindy is an outspoken advocate of diversity and inclusion in advertising, tech, and business.

Some of the talking points Julie and Cindy go over in this episode include:

MakeLoveNotPorn’s mission to end rape culture by showing great, consensual, communicative sex in the real world.
The importance of emotional vulnerability for men.
Cindy’s fundraising and investor-finding strategy.
MakeLoveNotPorn’s future plans on expanding into a sex education platform with content appropriate for all ages.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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CONNECT WITH CINDY GALLOP:

MakeLoveNotPorn LinkedIn

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 10 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Happiness and Investing Strategies for Women with Freda Zietlow, Investment and Wealth Management Executive

Investing is a powerful tool for creating generational wealth and creating a secure financial situation. Often, however, women have less education on investing and are spoken down to by advisors, even though women are more likely than men to take their advice. Freda Zietlowis here this week to talk about the importance of women having financial literacy and finding happiness in their lives. This week’s episode 63 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about happiness and investing strategies for women!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Freda Zietlow are sharing the importance of financial literacy and actionable steps you can take right now to increase your happiness.

Freda Zietlow is an international investment banking and wealth management executive. She has over 25 years of experience. She's served on many nonprofit boards and corporations in the last decade. Today, she's the managing director of the Fiduciary Trust, a subsidiary of Franklin Templeton with $30 billion of assets under management.

Some of the talking points Julie and Freda Zietlow go over in this episode include:

Courageous stances for women in leadership positions to take.
The type of women Freda likes to advise and work with.
Current hot topics in the corporate boardroom.
What we can do to live happier lives as we age.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 03 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

WCEO and Investing in the Future of Women's Leadership with Patricia Lizarraga, Managing Partner at Hypatia

Women CEOs are incredible - they have to be to get to the top - so it only makes sense that their companies outperform others in the stock market. So why aren’t more people actively investing in women? Because the information has not been there, until now. Patricia Lizarraga is here today to talk about how we can consciously invest in women now and in the future. This week’s episode 62 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about WCEO and investing in the future of women’s leadership!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Patricia Lizarraga are sharing the importance of designing the world you want to see and actionable steps you can take right now to invest in women now and in the future.

Patricia Lizarraga is the managing partner of Hypatia Capital and the issuer of the
Hypatia Women CEO EFT, an actively managed Exchange Traded fund that invests in all publicly traded American companies that have female Chief Executive Officers. Patricia founded Hypatia over 15 years ago when she'd already been working in finance as an investment banker for 20 years, committed to investing in women in leadership.

Some of the talking points Julie and Patricia go over in this episode include:

Breaking ground by collecting data on women outperforming in investing.
Women CEOs are incredible - they have to be to make it to the top.
What an EFT is and why you should invest in WCEO.
If you want a certain kind of world, you have to build it yourself.

To learn more about Hypatia and the Women CEO EFT, go to https://www.wceoetf.com/.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

The Value of Local Government and Encouraging Women to Run for Office with Libby Schaaf, Former Mayor of Oakland

Local government is more impactful than most people may realize. Leaders in local government are able to fly high and change the world, but stay grounded enough to be able to see your impact and know the people your decision affect. Libby Schaaf, former mayor of Oakland, California is here today to talk about her time in local government leadership and how we can support and encourage other women to run for office. This week’s episode 61 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the value of local government and encouraging women to run for office!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Libby Schaaf is sharing the importance of leadership in local government and actionable steps you can take right now to support the women in your life taking on leadership roles!

Libby Schaaf served as Mayor of her hometown Oakland, California from 2015 to 2023. Prior to being mayor, she worked as an attorney, a mayoral and legislative aide, public affairs director at the Port of Oakland, and Councilmember. Currently, Libby is the interim Executive Director of Emerge California, the nation's premier organization that recruits, trains, and provides a powerful network to Democratic women who want to run for office.

Some of the talking points Julie and Libby go over in this episode include:

How to deal with the constant criticism women face in the public eye.
The importance of local government and how local politics makes a difference.
Why women wait to run for office, and how to change that narrative.
How to support the women in your life running for office or making other big waves.

For more information and to connect with Emerge, check out their website at emergeamerica.org.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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CONNECT WITH LIBBY SCHAAF:

LinkedIn

Twitter

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Building Strong Relationships with Your Partner and Children

Choosing a life partner and raising children are two of the biggest challenges people face in life. While this path is different for everyone, there are certain lessons Julie has learned along the way that she feels would be helpful for those asking her to share her personal experiences. This week’s episode 60 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about building strong relationships with your partner and children!

In this episode of the How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams is sharing the importance of finding a steadfast life partner and actionable steps you can take right now to develop a positive relationship with your kids.

Some of the talking points Julie goes over in this episode include:

Choosing a life partner that shares your values.
The difficulties of one partner coming from a very gendered environment.
Taking about your children in a way that sets them up for success.
Being present with your children while they practice their hobbies will create a stronger bond between the two of you.

Relationships and parenting are not a one-size-fits-all approach, but Julie is happy to share some of these parts of her life and what worked for her.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Authenticity and Empathy in Leadership with Ebony Beckwith, Chief Business Officer at Salesforce

Authenticity and empathy are two essential qualities for successful leadership. No one exhibits those qualities more than Ebony Beckwith, who also ensures that those she mentors take those principles to heart. This week’s episode 59 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about authenticity and empathy in leadership.

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Ebony Beckwith are sharing the importance of making time for mentoring and actionable steps you can take right now to bring authenticity to your leadership position.

Ebony Beckwith is the Salesforce Chief Business Officer & Chief of Staff to Marc Benioff. She is also the CEO of the Salesforce Foundation, overseeing the company’s global philanthropic strategy. Additionally, she is the CEO of the Salesforce Foundation, overseeing the company's global philanthropic strategy.

Some of the talking points Julie and Ebony go over in this episode include:

How important it is for working women to let their daughters see into their professional life.
Having a clear goal does not mean your path will be linear.
Taking inspiration from the fact that people have not lost hope.
Tips for searching for your first board opportunity.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

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Wed, 05 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Being More Human in Leadership with JeanAnn Nichols, Stanford Leadership Instructor and Executive Coach

Success comes in all shapes and sizes. But one of the biggest marks of success is being an approachable leader who connects with empathy and humility while still getting the important work done. This week’s episode 58 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about being more human in leadership!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and JeanAnn Nichols share the importance of empathy in leadership and actionable steps you can take right now to network in ways that make sense for YOU and fit into your everyday life!

JeanAnn Nichols is an executive coach and keynote speaker with a recognized ability to enable leaders to seek their full potential through coaching, mentoring, and accountability toward desired goals. Through her executive coaching, she partners with C-suite executives who want to deliver superior business results in rapidly changing environments. JeanAnn is also a leadership professor at Stanford University.

Some of the talking points JeanAnn and Julie go over in this episode include:

In the midst of the Great Resignation, why did only 8% of women in leadership leave their roles?
The HEARTI Leadership Quotient and the importance of “soft skills” in leadership.
Networking isn’t always going to big conferences. You can network YOUR way.
Expanding your perspective and learning global perspectives from books of all sorts.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH JEANANN NICHOLS:

Stanford Continuing Studies

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

How to Be Unapologetically Ambitious with Shellye Archambeau, Author and Former CEO of MetricStream

Between apologizing too much, not knowing how to actually achieve their goals, and the odds of success in an unfair world rarely being in our favor, women have to work hard and take risks to achieve their goals. Shellye Archambeau is here today to talk about what you can do to help yourself reach your goals. This week’s episode 57 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about how to be unapologetically ambitious!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Shellye Archambeau are sharing the importance of goal setting and actionable steps you can take right now to plan out your future successes.

Shellye Archambeau is an experienced CEO and board director with a track record of building brands, high-performance teams, and organizations. She currently serves on the boards of Verizon, Roper technologies, and Okta. She's also a strategic adviser to Forbes Ignite and the president of Arizona State University and serves on the board of two national nonprofits Catalyst and Braven. Shellye is also the author of Unapologetically Ambitious: Take Risks, Break Barriers, and Create Success on Your Own Terms.

Some of the talking points Julie and Shellye go over in this episode include:

How hard things that happen in our childhood and how our parents address them shape our adulthoods.
Why knowing how to achieve your goals - not just setting them - is the key to success.
Why women are supposed to ‘have it all’, and why men aren’t spoken about that way.
Finding the type of self-care that’s right for you, so you can keep yourself healthy.

Check out Shellye’s book Unapologetically Ambitious: Take Risks, Break Barriers, and Create Success on Your Own Terms.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH SHELLYE:

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

How to Achieve Gender Equity in Investing with Kristin Hull, CEO of Nia Impact Capital

Investing is a great way to achieve financial security and independence, but it can be difficult to get started if you don't know where to begin. All too often, women are left out of conversations about investments that would help reduce the wealth gap. This week’s episode 56 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about how to achieve gender equity in investing!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Kristin Hull are sharing the importance of expanding access to information on investing and actionable steps you can take right now to invest in the causes and beliefs that align with your values.

Kristin Hull is the Founder and CEO of Nia Impact Capital, a woman-led registered investment advisor leading the charge to change the face of finance. She has been an impact investor since 2007. Prior to devoting her career to transforming our financial system, Kristin was a full-time educator.

Some of the talking points Julie and Kristin go over in this episode include:

How much we can do together when we put respect first.
All of the opportunities that exist for women investors, and how more opportunities open us as more conversations are had.
The importance of a woman-founded mutual fund and how it democratizes investing.
What it means to invest with an ESG lens.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

Links mentioned in today’s episode:

Invest for Better

CONNECT WITH KRISTIN:

The Money Doula blog

Nia Impact Capital

CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:

Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Be Fierce Advocates for Each Other [Credo #1]

Creating a clear cultural framework that invites us to kick the cultural behaviors that hurt women has been important to us as How Women Lead from the start. This week’s episode 55 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the first tenet of the How Women Lead credo: be fierce advocates for each other!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams shares the importance of advocating for other women and actionable steps you can take right now to advocate for the women in leadership roles in your life.

Some of the talking points Julie goes over in this episode include:

The physical toll of microaggressions in the workplace.
What leadership is like for women in a world designed for men.
The oxymoron of ‘women’s leadership” in America and the lack of models for women leaders.
How being fierce advocates for one another will help women step into their confidence and power as leaders.

It's time we change the culture of how we are together so that all women can feel like they have a path forward and do it with fewer battle scars.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast

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Wed, 08 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Funding and Equity for Women’s Health with Erika Seth Davies, CEO of Rhia Ventures

Women’s Health is still seen as a niche market by most venture capitalists. But when talking about the health of half of the world’s population, that couldn’t be further from the truth. This week’s episode 54 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about funding and equity for women’s health!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Erika Seth Davies share the importance of using venture capital to improve women’s health equity and actionable steps you can take right now to advocate for justice in women’s health.

Erika Seth Davies is the Chief Executive Officer at Rhia Ventures and Founder of The Racial Equity Asset Lab (The REAL), a venture that centers racial equity in impact investing and works to shift capital to address the persistent racial wealth gap. She previously served as Vice President of External Affairs at ABFE (Association of Black Foundation Executives) where she designed the SMART Investing Initiative, a field-wide effort to encourage foundations to incorporate a racial equity lens in endowment management practices through increased access for racially diverse- and women-owned investment management firms.

Erika is a Social Entrepreneur in Residence with Common Future and a former Fellow, Equitable Access to Capital Markets in the Fair Finance portfolio of the Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation at Georgetown University. She was a member of the inaugural class of the ABFE Connecting Leaders Fellowship program, a recipient of the NYU Wagner School of Public Service IGNITE Fellowship for Women of Color in the Social Sector, and a member of the class of 2017 for Executive Leadership Institute of CFLeads.

Some of the talking points Julie and Erika go over in this episode include:

Leadership skills that have proven themselves in the last three years.
Leveraging capital to advance reproductive and maternal health equity.
Innovations coming in the women’s reproductive and health space.
The importance of believing in your capabilities, even when times are tough.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Wed, 01 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Mentoring Women of Color in Leadership Roles with Shannon Nash, CFO of Wing

Women who step up to mentor other women in their careers have a direct and lasting impact on diversity and representation in their industry. This week’s episode 52 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the importance of networking and mentoring women of color in leadership roles!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Shannon Nash share the importance of dreaming big and networking in the tech industry and actionable steps you can take to help other women pursue new career opportunities.

Shannon Nash is the CFO of Wing, a subsidiary of Alphabet. She sits on the boards of several companies, including Netscout, Lazy Dog restaurants, and SoFi bank.

Shannon is also an executive board member of How Women Lead, a board advisor for Black Women on Boards, and mentors others on their board journey.

Some of the talking points Julie and Shannon go over in this episode include:

The importance of getting women, especially black women, on boards.
Why diversity on the boards of tech companies looks different in different parts of the country.
Advice for young women working in tech who want to pursue C suite and board opportunities.
How storytelling through film and digital media will help move the diversity needle forward.

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Wed, 15 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Diverse Representation in Technology Spaces with Asmau Ahmed, Senior Leader at X

Diversity and representation in the venture capital and technology spaces are as important as ever. This week’s episode 51 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about creating inclusive and diverse representation in venture capital!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Asmau Ahmed are sharing the importance of supporting diverse groups with capital and tips to better understand the changing technological landscape in terms of AI and machine learning.

Asmau Ahmed is a senior leader at X (formerly Google X), Alphabet’s innovation factory. She sits on the boards of CAA (Creative Artists Agency) and Quinstreet. She serves as an advisor to the Yale Entrepreneurship Society and is a member of the Opportunity Leadership Council.

Asmau has a foundation in Engineering and Finance and over 20 years of experience as a venture-funded CEO, operating executive, and management consultant. She has led over $10B in digitally enabled innovations and operations spanning multiple industries including technology, consumer retail, manufacturing, and financial services. She is skilled at balancing disruptive innovation with operational, fiscal, risk management and regulatory compliance rigor.

Some of the talking points Julie and Asmau Ahmed go over in this episode include:

How race and gender factor into venture capital.
The importance of diversifying investment portfolios and funding those often underfunded.
How machine learning technology has changed over the past few decades, especially in regards to bias in data.
How maching learning and AI could affect higher education in the future.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Wed, 08 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

The Value of a General Counsel Perspective on a Corporate Board with Shawnte Mitchell, Chief Legal Officer at Genomatica and Board Member at Life Science Cares Bay Area

One of the threads of leadership is to be connected with those who are in our organizations who are at various points in their careers and who may need somebody to help them get to where they want to go. This week’s episode 50 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the value of the general counsel perspective on a corporate board!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Shawnte Mitchell share the importance of diversity in a company's leadership (especially the C suite) and actionable steps you can take right now to be the best possible board member.

Today’s guest, Shawnte Mitchell, is the Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel at Genomatica. An accomplished attorney, she has nearly 20 years of experience of advising both publicly traded and privately held companies in the healthcare and life sciences industries. She joins Geno from Zogenix Inc., where she was most recently executive vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary, contributing to the development and execution of the company’s strategic and operational plans and overseeing compliance, governance, SEC, intellectual property, data privacy, and contractual matters.

Her background starts with a Biology degree from Stanford and a JD from George Washington University Law School. In her spare time, Shawnte likes to volunteer with a number of organizations, such as How Women Invest, and spend quality time with her two daughters.

Some of the talking points Julie and Shawnte go over in this episode include:

The importance of representation and diversity in leadership.
The role of general counsel and the assets they bring to a board.
Elements that make a board director stand out.
Giving yourself grace while working towards your goals.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Wed, 01 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Julie Castro Abrams' Journey of Philanthropy and Impact

Content Warning: This episode includes mention of child and animal neglect and abuse.

There’s a developmental stage between ages 45-65 where having an impact is one of the most important parts of this stage in our lives and it is so important to take a moment to reflect on the impact we want to have on the world. In this week’s episode 49 of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie shares her journey of philanthropy and impact!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams shares how her childhood experiences were the foundation for her decision early in life to spend the rest of her life trying to make the world a better place and reflecting on her continued efforts to open her heart and door to others by caring for them and loving and accepting them as they are.

Some of the talking points Julie goes over in this episode include:

Being cognizant of the power dynamics in nonprofit organizations and setting realistic expectations of gratitude.
Sharing Maimonides ‘Ladder of Philanthropy’ and the high value placed on philanthropy through partnership.
The 3 levels of impact Julie focuses on and examples of how this has played out in her life.
Encouraging you to have a north star of your own values to drive the impact and influence you have on the world.

Julie shares her story to show that being a life-long philanthropist and living a life of service is not easy but the gifts that come for both you and the people you help are immeasurable.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Wed, 25 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Securing the Right VC as a Female Entrepreneur with Venture Capitalist and Board Director, Lara Druyan

Venture capital is the most expensive form of capital there is because of the equity and control you’re giving up so it is in your best interest to do your due diligence to research the people behind the big decision-making. This week’s episode 48 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about securing the right VC as a female entrepreneur!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Lara Druyan share the importance of women mentoring, supporting, and lending a helping hand to other women in the ways that men often do and actionable steps you can take right now to pitch yourself to secure VC with investors that are in alignment.

Today’s guest, Lara Druyan is the managing director with Silicon Valley Data Capital, a seed and early stage venture capital fund focused on enterprise software and financial technology Fintech. She serves on the board of directors of CIBC, US Bancorp and Syncron, the leading global digital transformation consulting firm focused on financial services. Lara also has 25 years of experience in all phases of technology, product creation, and associated change management. She is an award winning business transformation leader and leverages her understanding of how large enterprise buys technology to advance startups in which she invests. As she puts it, she is one of the very few venture capitalists who has been on the buying side of technology, an impressive accomplishment to say the least.

Some of the talking points Julie and Lara go over in this episode include:

What it means to be a product manager in every role you hold.
Advice for female entrepreneurs to find the right investor for them (not all money is good money).
Starting a company and investing in an economic downturn.
The impact and influence working moms have on their children.
Prioritizing relationships to maintain and expand your network.

Achieving things that are difficult means that you are going to fail a lot of the time and that’s totally fine. The whole point is to dust yourself off, realize it wasn’t the right opportunity for you, and have the tenacity to keep going.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Wed, 18 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Positively Impacting the Climate Crisis with Virginia Klausmeier [Rerelease]

The climate crisis has seen major changes in the past few decades. We’ve seen companies starting to step up to make positive climate changes and there are ways you can help with that. This week’s episode 47 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about how you can positively impact the climate crisis!

In this episode of the How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Virginia Klausmeier share the importance of massively curbing carbon emissions. We also chat about actionable steps you can take right now to make changes in your own business and life to support our climate.

Virginia has dedicated the last 10 years to solving climate change, and on this life path, she founded a venture-backed climate tech company, Sylvatex (SVX) Inc. Sylvatex has won numerous awards/funding at industry conferences and venture competitions and is an affiliate with National Laboratories (LNBL) and USDA. Virginia is currently active in advising climate tech and minority-led organizations as well as a fellow/member of All Raise, Unreasonable Group, Alliance of CEO’s, Astia, Silicon Valley Leadership Group and is actively working on the growth and commercialization of Sylvatex Inc.

Virginia attended Singularity University and the University of Oregon earning her B.S. in Chemistry/Economics and a M.S. in Engineering. Virginia currently has a number of patents pending and has been a speaker at a number of domestic and international events. Prior to this venture, she managed the new development ideas for a fortune 500 medical device companies and led the US clinical and biomechanical research. Virginia was featured as one of the "Top 10 women in biofuels" and was selected by Forbes for "30 under 30 in Energy". Last but not least, she is the proud partner to Ryan Irwin Klausmeier and the mother to two little boys River and Dakota.

Some of the talking points Julie and Virginia go over in this episode include:

How her life journey has been a series of epiphanies that have led her to this moment.
The power of being a coachable person and how that helps her bring her education and interests into her work and business.
How to create substantial amounts of carbon change in our world.
Ways that collaboration has had such a huge impact on being able to create positive climate change.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Sylvatex

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Wed, 11 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Taking Small Steps to Cause a Ripple-Effect of Change with Professor Rana Dajani

When you start to do simple things every day that make an impact, those things will start to add up and cause a ripple effect to make a larger, more impactful change. This week’s episode 46 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about taking small steps to cause a ripple effect of change!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Rana Dajani share the importance of fostering the curiosity to continue learning, exploring, and growing in everything we do and actionable steps you can take right now to take responsibility for the change you want to see in the world.

Today’s guest wears many scarves in our society. Rana Dajani is a mother, grandmother, teacher, scientist, social entrepreneur, and human rights activist. She is currently a molecular biology professor at Hashemite University, President of the Society of Advancement of Science and Technology in the Arab World (SASTA), and President of the Jordan chapter of The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD).

Rana recently won the 2022 Social Entrepreneurship Award from the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, the sister organization of the World Economic Forum. Her organization We Love Reading aims to install the love of reading and therefore knowledge in women across the world. We love reading won the Best Women in Film Documentary award, The Neighborhood Storyteller at the Mountain Film Festival in Telluride, Colorado, for its work on changing mindsets through reading to create change makers across Jordan.

Rana is a sister of mine, a Women Leaders for the World graduate alum of that fellowship program. She continues to serve on the Women Leaders for the World Alumni Council. Most recently, her documentary was selected for the LA International Film Festival and she was a speaker at the United Nations to discuss how to achieve the SDGs through social and inclusive innovation. It is no surprise that Rana Dajani is a master of many scarves.

Some of the talking points Julie and Rana go over in this episode include:

The fundamental values that guide Rana’s life and what she does to reinforce these values.
How the organization We Love Reading helps children fall in love with reading through fostering role models.
Finding balance in your roles by building a support network and following your passions.
Creating partnerships and investing in the agency of others so that we can all move forward, together.

When you look at the world as a Kaleidoscope, you can celebrate the idea that everyone brings their unique value together to create something beautiful for the greater whole.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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We Love Reading

Five Scarves book

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Believing in Your Belonging with Tricia Timm, Limited Partner of How Women Invest [Rerelease]

Tricia Montalvo Timm was reading an article with a very low statistic of the number of Latinas who get a board seat - and it was at that moment that she realized she had the qualifications to do so herself and be the role model for others to take that step too. Tricia Montalvo Timm, a passionate advocate for Latinas, knows what it means to be the only or one of few in a room. That’s why episode 45 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about believing in your belonging!

Ms. Timm is an established Silicon Valley leader with cross-functional experience in public and private companies. Ms. Timm has grown and scaled businesses from early-stage to multi-billion-dollar companies, including the sale of Looker to Google for $2.6 billion. She has been the first lawyer at 3 different high-growth start-ups and has extensive public company and corporate governance experience, advising management and boards on executive compensation, financial reporting and compliance matters. Throughout her 25-year career, Ms. Timm has sat in the boardroom at both private and public companies, presenting at board and committee meetings and advising on strategic issues. Given her experience, Ms. Timm can sit all on three board committees - Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Governance.

In addition to the law, Ms. Timm has a passion for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). While at Looker she launched the Company’s first DEI program where they developed a multi-prong solution that consisted of recruiting and retaining diverse talent, cultivating a culture of belonging and establishing the company as a DEI thought leader.

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Tricia Timm is sharing the importance of believing in yourself and that you belong and actionable steps you can take right now to start showing up with confidence.

Some of the talking points Tricia and I go over in this episode include:

How Tricia got started with board positions, and the strong power of opportunity women can give each other to succeed and project us all forward.
How investors look different with different backgrounds, and how the stereotype of what an investor is shouldn’t hold you back from investing.
The importance of being visible, especially as a Latina, and the power of providing a role model for future generations.
The power of being let in and why it all begins with you believing you belong in order to succeed.

If you’re in a position of influence, it’s important to let others in, and if you’re not yet in a position of influence it’s important to believe you belong there, even if you’ve never seen someone like you in that seat before. So be sure to tune in to all the episodes and hear even more about the points outlined above.

Thank you for listening!

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Wed, 28 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Courageous and Value-Based Leadership with Lizette Williams, Global Head of Vertical Solutions Marketing at Meta

There is this narrative in the corporate world, particularly for women of color, that they are expected to emulate this white male culture in order to be successful. In reality, everything they need to have a successful corporate career is already innately within themselves. This week’s episode 44 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about courageous and value-based leadership!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Lizette Williams share the values Lizette lives by that allow her to lead courageously in every role and advice for people of color to stand up for themselves and what they want in a corporate environment.

Lizette Williams is a leading marketing and advertising executive who drives the convergence of brand culture and digital, something we all need. In her current role, she serves as the Global Head of Vertical Solutions and Marketing at Meta (formally known as Facebook). In 2020, Lizette was named Advertising Woman of the Year by the Chicago Advertising Federation and has been listed as Crain’s Chicago Business 40 under 40, Advertising Age Women to Watch, and Black Enterprise Top Women Executives in advertising and marketing. She is a leader and extremely well-known in her field. If you think she's already impressive as is, Lizette also serves on the Board of Directors of Real Self, a leading healthcare marketplace for people considering an elective cosmetic treatment. Additionally, she serves on the American Advertising Federation Hall of Achievements Election Committee. She has a passion for serving young people of color and women and as a result, has countless mentees across the country. Lizette is truly someone who leads courageously with her values.

Some of the talking points Julie and Lizette go over in this episode include:

Fostering an inclusive culture in the workplace by weaving it throughout the DNA of the company and measuring it over time.
How the mentorship that Lizette received when she was young influences the ways she gives back by mentoring others.
Investing in your team members to give them the best possible work experience while increasing productivity.
Advice for people of color to confidently ask for what they want and courageously demand to be recognized.
Removing the guilt of being a working mom by highlighting the lessons we are modeling for our children.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Wed, 21 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Redefining Success as a Woman of Color with Deepa Purushothaman, Co-Founder of nFormation [Rerelease]

When it comes to being a woman of color in the C-suite or corporate side of business, there can be a lot of pressures and residual inner dialogue that can make your own identity a blur. Women have edited themselves to fit the mold or the leader before them for a really long time, and this is even stronger in relation to those of color or with a different cultural belief than their white male counterparts. This week’s episode 43 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about understanding and redefining the shadow side to being a woman of color in business, with Deepa Purushothaman!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Deepa Purushothaman are sharing the importance of redefining success for yourself, no matter what culture or society deems accurate for you, and actionable steps you can take right now to step into your power as a woman of color and powerful leader.

Some of the talking points Julie and Deepa go over in this episode include:

The significance and role of work on women of color, and how this plays a huge role in their lives and identities.
How we as women edit ourselves and put ourselves on mute more times than we shout unless that’s the expectation.
The shadow side to being a woman of color in business, and how this can lead to not only being forced to fit stereotypes but the other significant (unpaid) roles we play in corporations.
Hiding your identity: why some people choose to do that, and how easy or difficult it may be to do that.

In this episode, Deepa shares her new book, along with a few of the amazing stories held within, to help share how women of color are truly stepping into their calling as the power brokers of the future. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips and to hear even more about the points outlined above.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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SLS Capital Advisors & The Gaffin Group

Get Her Book

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Wed, 14 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Supporting Women to Step Into Positions of Power with Jaclyn Jackson, Senior VP and Chief Human Resources Officer, National Equity Fund

When you put yourself out there for the service of others, that will come back to you tenfold in the number of people that show up in support of you. This week’s episode 42 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about supporting women to step into positions of power!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Jaclyn Jackson share the importance of setting the example of what it looks like to wholeheartedly support others and how you can put yourself out there in service of other women leaders.

Today’s guest, Jaclyn Jackson is the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for our country’s National Equity Fund. She leads talent development, culture, and strategic planning and even oversees marketing communications so that they can meet their mission to deliver innovative and collaborative financial solutions and expand the creation and preservation of affordable housing in this country. Jaclyn is a brilliant, strong, and mission-driven agent of change who has committed her career to maximize the impact of all nonprofits, including her own. She has an MBA and a Masters in Human Resources from the Kellogg School of Management and a Bachelors in Business Administration from Devry University. Jaclyn is a board member of NHRMA Workers Comp Insurance company as well as my board for How Women Lead in Chicago. She sets a brilliant example for the world and I am honored to share her story with you all today.

Some of the talking points Julie and Jaclyn go over in this episode include:

The importance of providing access to affordable housing.
Creating a network of supportive women to surround yourself with and grow together.
A common trait that most male allies share that is valuable in their efforts to lift women up alongside them.
The call to action for all of us in supporting women to step into positions of even greater power.
Leadership skills that allowed Jaclyn to get to where she’s at today.

It is our purpose in life to support one another and encourage our fellow women to step into the leadership positions that will make an impact.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Wed, 07 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Planning Your Exit Strategy with Stephanie Gaffin, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, SLS Capital Advisors

We often talk about scaling your business and team members but lack when it comes to planning and preparing for your exit. This week’s episode 41 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about planning your exit strategy!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Stephanie Gaffin discuss the upcoming wave of exits for women-owned business owners and actionable steps you can take right now to prepare your exit strategy BEFORE you’re ready to leave your business behind.

Today’s guest is an accidental entrepreneur that leveraged her passion for helping people and integrated it into every aspect of her very successful career. After spending her career in healthcare, Stephanie Gaffin became the co-founder and Managing Partner of SLS Capital Investors and the Gaffin Group, where she now works with companies to innovate and build infrastructure for growth and successful exits. She is a proven executive with a strong track record for driving change in organizations. Stephanie helps create a common vision and a pragmatic plan to get there so everyone involved wins. She has such a unique ability to bring people together and, let’s be clear, we’re all more effective, find common ground, and solve problems better when we come together.

Some of the talking points Julie and Stephanie go over in this episode include:

The rate at which women-owned businesses and women-owned firms have grown over the years.
Advice for women-owned business owners planning their exit strategy.
Scaling goals you should prepare to hit in order to have a higher chance of selling your business.
The challenges women entrepreneurs face when it comes to securing funding.
Stephanie’s mantra that covers the 3 elements that, in the right proportions, are critical to doing anything worthwhile.

Before you settle on closing your business, I invite you to see the value in the company you’ve built and consider selling it to continue your wealth.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Wed, 30 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Taking Calculated Risks with Racquel Harris, Multiple Board Director

When we take calculated risks, we are rewarded with new opportunities and experiences that will have an impact both personally and professionally. This week’s episode 40 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about taking calculated risks!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Racquel Harris are sharing how Racquel has designed her life around finding curiosity and joy through a fulfilling career and the encouragement you need to open yourself to taking risks and reaping the rewards that come.

Today’s guest, Racquel Harris is an experienced leader with over 25 years working with Fortune 500 companies under her belt, including expat assignments in Canada, the UK and Switzerland. She has been a brand builder, leader, and former VP of merchandising for a billion dollar adult beverage business and the SVP of marketing for Sam’s Club, the $500 billion division of Walmart. If you thought she was impressive already, Racquel also spent 15 years leading the marketing portfolio of several grocery brands at Kraft Foods, working in brands like Digiorno Pizza, Kraft Singles, Cheez Whiz, Cool Whip, Jello and more. Now that she is retired, she spends her time as an independent director, mentoring aspiring executives, and most important of all- enjoying her life. She is the director on the board of Beta Rudder, an advertising and marketing services company and also serves on the Board of Trustees of our favorite theatre company, the Steppenwolf Theatre Company. The list goes on. Racquel is also on the advisory board of a family owned industrial products company and recently joined me and our community on the Chicago Executive Board for How Women Lead. She has one of the most impressive resumes and I am honored to call her my friend.

Some of the talking points Julie and Racquel go over in this episode include:

The top leadership skills that allowed Racquel to have such a huge impact everywhere she went.
Taking risks to further yourself in your career and how to know which risks are right for you to take.
Advice for people looking to travel and get the gift that experiencing other cultures brings.
The 3 question buckets to ask yourself in figuring out if you are on the right career path.
What you need to know and do if you are preparing to retire early.

We encourage you to life your life fully with intention, be open to evolving, and focusing on becoming the happiest version of yourself by taking whatever risks it takes to get you there.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Wed, 23 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Extending Your Impact Beyond Your Professional Career with Violet Clark, Partner at Laner Muchin

As empowered women in thought leadership, we spend the majority of our careers making an impact in the industry we serve. But what happens after you retire? Retirement opens a new set of doors for you to explore your interests, find your passion and expand your impact in new ways, using what you’ve learned in your career to do so. This week’s episode 39 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about repositioning yourself after retirement and extending your impact beyond your professional career.

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Violet Clark are sharing how you can reposition yourself after retirement and giving you the permission to explore and experiment with your interests to find what it truly is you want to do with your life.

Today’s guest is undoubtedly a ceiling breaker. Violet Clark has been with Laner Muchin since 1988 and has been a partner at the firm since 1994. She collaborates with CEOs and their management teams to really focus on designing strategies, helping them achieve all of their business goals regarding human resource management to avoid the pain of labor issues and employment liability. She has more than 3 decades of experience representing both for-profit and nonprofit companies of all sizes and industries, as well as working with and for government and regulatory bodies, both on the local and federal levels. Violet was the first female and the first African American partner in her firm and has continued her legacy as a role model showing other women that they too can break ceilings and be successful in any position they set their goals to.

Some of the talking points Julie and Violet go over in this episode include:

The resilience it took for Violet to become the first female and the first African American partner at her firm and stick with that same firm for 35 years before retiring.
Advice for making the greatest impact on society this season.
Permission to play with your interests and release the things that are no longer adding value to your life.
Extending your impact beyond your professional career through mentoring or using your knowledge and experience and applying it to something new.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

CONNECT WITH VIOLET CLARK:

Laner Muchin

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Essential Skills Needed To Become An Inclusive Leader with Dr. Debra Clary

Inclusive leadership is more important than ever. But what does it actually take to be a leader that shows the skills needed to be a good and inclusive leader? Our guest this week shares practical tips and strategies for being a better leader. This week’s episode 38 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the essential skills needed to become an inclusive leader!

With high hopes and tons of aspiration, fresh from business school, Dr. Debra Clary started her career as a Frito-Lay Route Driver. In this role, which required long hours of physical labor, she learned the value of hard work and the value of an education. Dr. Deb has nearly three decades of experience with Fortune 100 Companies, holding executive roles at Frito-Lay, Coca-Cola, Brown-Forman (marketing Jack Daniel’s), and currently, Humana, a leading health and well-being company.

Her roles span from sales management, operations, and marketing, to strategic planning and executive leadership development. While serving as the VP of Strategy for Brown-Forman, Dr. Deb earned her doctorate degree at George Washington University in Leadership and Organizational Development. Today, she works with leaders that want to improve their impact and contribution. She is a student and teacher of narrative leadership (storytelling), resilience, transformation, and change. She draws on her corporate experiences, academic research, and her performance as a standup comic to inspire others striving to live with purpose.

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Dr. Debra Clary share the importance of leadership skills if you want to join boards and actionable steps you can take right now to be a thoughtful leader who truly listens to those around them.

Some of the talking points Julie and Debra go over in this episode include:

An innovative approach to inclusive leadership and why it’s so important.
The four characteristics of inclusive leadership, which are visible commitment, humility, awareness of your blind spots, and curiosity.
Structural ways to put these into practice so that you can become a better leader.
Building these leadership skills through asking good questions and being curious.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Using the Circular Economy to Tackle Global Challenges with Caroline Vanderlip, CEO and Founder of Re:Dish

In major cities, there is no more room for landfill. In NYC alone, they are trucking their waste 6 hours north. The single-use products contribute significantly to the environmental crisis. This is no longer a tomorrow event. This is a current issue, and we need to do something about it. This week’s episode 37 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about using the circular economy to tackle global challenges!

In this episode of the How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Caroline Vanderlip share the importance of the circular economy and what it means for climate change.

Caroline Vanderlip puts her passions and creativity into building businesses like Re:Dish, and is excited to be able to tell its huge environmental impact story. A successful entrepreneur, Caroline has launched businesses within parent companies (CNBC, AT&T Personal Online Services), as well as independent entities like the publishing technology company, SharedBook. Armed with a BA from Vassar and an MBA from NYU, Caroline is a life-long learner, now focused on sustainability and the huge impact that Re:Dish can have as it supports a shift from a linear to a circular economy.

Some of the talking points Julie and Caroline go over in this episode include:

Starting a company at the start of the pandemic.
Using transferable skills and a great team to grow a new business.
The product that causes the most issues with climate change and has the biggest impact.
The transition from tech to operationally heavy businesses in where future investments and funding will be going.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE VANDERLIP:

Re:Dish

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Ensuring Political and Economic Equality for Latinas with Helen Torres, CEO at HOPE

With the Western Hemisphere consisting of the majority of the world’s Latinx population, it’s important that we think about how we can ensure that there are Latinas in political leadership positions both locally and throughout the hemisphere. What are we doing collectively as Latinas– especially executive Latinas– to support each other to ensure there is a broader vision for Latina leadership? This week’s episode 36 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about ensuring political and economic equality for Latinas with Helen Torres!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Helen Torres share the importance of helping to create opportunities for more Latinas in leadership positions. They also discuss actionable steps you can take right now to support Latinas from both leadership and political stances.

Helen Iris Torres is CEO of Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE), where she leads one of the state and nation’s most influential Latina organizations. She has been instrumental in the development and implementation of the HOPE Leadership Institute (HLI), a program that prepares adult Latinas for their next level of civic participation. HLI has resulted in more than 180 Latinas being appointed to state and local commissions, and over 200 Latinas serving on nonprofit boards to improve local communities.

Some of the talking points Julie and Helen Torres go over in this episode include:

Leadership lessons learned over 20 years of political equality work.
What it takes to get more Latinas into politics.
The challenges and barriers facing Latinas in getting and keeping leadership roles.
Three ways to truly deliver on the mission to ensure political and economic equality for Latinx folks.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

CONNECT WITH HELEN TORRES:

Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE)

CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:

Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Skills Needed for Both Founders and Investors with Nancy Hayes, Angel Investor and Business Advisor

We’ve seen from the statistics that when more People of Color and women invest in ventures, more companies founded by People of Color and women get those funds. With a background in founding and investing, our guest has some very unique insights that can help us see the big picture. This week’s episode 35 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the foundational skills needed for both founders and investors!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Nancy Hayes share the importance of confidence in both founders and investors. They also chat through some actionable steps you can take right now to find strategic support at the right time in your business.

After serving as a senior executive in a Fortune 5 corporation, CEO of 2 non-profit organizations, dean of a large college of business, and CFO of a state university, Nancy Hayes became an entrepreneur and then an investor. She consults on leadership, career, and organizational effectiveness, with a special emphasis on coaching women executives. She is an active angel investor and advisor/mentor to women entrepreneurs and founders of color.

Nancy left the IBM Corporation as a senior executive after a long and satisfying career to bring her leadership and management skills to the nonprofit social services sector. She became CEO of the STARBRIGHT Foundation, an innovative national nonprofit chaired by Steven Spielberg and General H. Norman Schwarzkopf. It developed technology and media-based solutions to help seriously ill children deal with the psycho-social aspects of their illnesses. Later, she was CEO/President of WISE Senior Services, a nonprofit tackling the issues of isolated low-income seniors and fighting elder abuse and financial fraud against the elderly.

Nancy also served 6 years as dean of the College of Business at San Francisco State University and then was CFO and Chief Administrative Officer of SF State for 2 years. In 2013, she co-founded MoolaHoop, a unique rewards-based crowdfunding platform for women-owned small businesses. She’s been an active angel investor since 2014 with a portfolio of more than 30 women-led companies. She was Managing Director of Golden Seeds, an angel group focused on women entrepreneurs, for over 3 years.

Some of the talking points Julie and Nancy Hayes go over in this episode include:

Why it’s essential for People of Color and women to invest in venture capital.
Long-term strategy and tactical impact are what make a successful founder.
What we need to capitalize on women and people of color run companies.
Essential leadership skills needed at each phase of growing a business.
How to understand when you might need to step out of the business you’ve founded.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

CONNECT WITH NANCY HAYES

CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:

Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Amplifying Female Voices in Media with Lee Caraher, Founder and CEO of Double Forte

Currently, 70% of all the people quoted by reporters, editors, producers, and hosts are men. And within the first portion of that media, 90% of the experts quoted are men. One of the main reasons that this happens is that women tend to refrain from putting themselves out there. This week’s episode 34 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about amplifying your voice in media!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Lee Caraher share the importance of closing the “say gap” and actionable steps you can take right now to get your voice out there as an expert in your field.

Lee is the founder and CEO of a highly sought-after communications firm, Double Forte, known for producing great results with its innovative approach to traditional, digital and experiential programs. She has a long history of leading high-performing, multi-generational teams that enjoy working together. Lee is a champion for creating a positive workplace culture that fully supports its talent, even when they choose to move on. She takes the long view to support employees building their own personal brands that balance loyalties to themselves and their employers. Lee believes that companies able to inspire lifetime loyalty from employees — currently or formerly employed — are the companies that are best suited to thrive. She has long recognized that people will leave employers and understands the real problems this causes for companies.

Some of the talking points Julie and Lee Caraher go over in this episode include:

The #1 reason why women don’t tend to put themselves out there.
How to amplify the voices of the women around us.
The steps you need to take to get found so that media starts coming your way.
How to determine what you want to be known for and move toward being an expert in that.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

CONNECT WITH LEE CARAHER:

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Reproductive Health and Political Fundraising with Gretchen Sisson, Ph.D.

It’s important that, as women, we fight for our rights to reproductive health and one of the ways to do that is through our political fundraising. This week’s episode 33 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about reproductive health and political fundraising!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Gretchen Sisson share the importance of understanding the data behind reproductive health and where it’s headed in the future. They also discuss actionable steps you can take right now to put your dollars to work for the values you hold dear to you.

Gretchen Sisson, Ph.D., is a qualitative sociologist whose research focuses on social constructions of parenthood, specifically examining abortion and pregnancy decision-making, teen pregnancy and young parenthood, infertility and assisted reproductive technologies, and adoption and birth/first motherhood. She is the lead investigator for ANSIRH's Abortion Onscreen program, which examines the representation of abortion on American film and television and the impact of such portrayals.

Dr. Sisson also studies adoption within the context of the reproductive health and justice movements and is working on a book about contemporary first motherhood. She serves on the Boards of Directors for WDN Action (a sister organization of the Women Donors Network) and Emerge America. She received her BA from Amherst College and her Ph.D. from Boston College.

Some of the talking points Julie and Gretchen go over in this episode include:

Why so many institutions have not historically funded reproductive work.
How adoption doesn’t work in the discussions around reproductive health and the data behind that.
Where politics fits into reproductive work and why it’s an important part.
How to put your political donations to work so that you can see the results you want.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

CONNECT WITH GRETCHEN SISSON:

Living with the Himalayan Masters

CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:

LINKS MENTIONED:

The Turnaway Study by Diana Greene Foster

Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Leading in Self-Realization with Kathryn Henry, CEO & Co-Founder of LightBrite

Our guest this week has had a very interesting journey toward being a leader and board director. She started her career with a hard hat and now sits on the board of a public company. Her journey is inspiring, and she gives insights on how you can live every day to its fullest potential. This week’s episode 32 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about leading with self-realization!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Kathryn Henry share the importance of showing up as an authentic leader. They also discuss what living to your full potential really looks like and how it has a positive impact on how you show up in the world.

Kathryn Henry is currently serving as CEO & Co-Founder of LightBrite and Independent Board Director at lululemon since February 2016. She’s a member of Audit and Compensation Committees focusing on Technology, Operations, Cyber Security, People Development, and Social Impact/ESG. She’s led strategic planning and program management for Blue-Chip global firms, including Gap Inc., Levi Strauss & Company, lululemon, Ernst & Young, and Deloitte & Touche. Kathryn also serves as a limiter partner at How Women Invest, a venture firm disrupting the unequal investment in women-owned ventures and propelling women-led businesses forward.

Some of the talking points Julie and Kathryn go over in this episode include:

The unique situation of being on the team at lululemon and then joining the board.
How a background with technical and people skills is helpful for board members.
Finding your meaning through meditation and spiritual practice of quiet.
How we as a society are becoming more awakened to our broader consciousness.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

CONNECT WITH KATHRYN HENRY:

MySoul Vibe App

CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:

LINKS MENTIONED:

Autobiography of a Yogi

Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Becoming More Financially Empowered Through Investing with Haleh Moddasser, Senior Financial Advisor and Managing Partner with Stearns Financial Group

Did you know that women who invest generally earn more than 1-2% over their lifetime than their male counterparts? Women are fantastic investors, but it’s up to us to take that step and take control of our finances. This week’s episode 31 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about becoming more financially empowered now through investing!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Haleh Moddasser share the importance of being financially empowered and actionable steps you can take right now to better understand your financial status.

Haleh Moddasser is a Senior Financial Advisor at Stearns Financial Group and the Managing Partner of their Chapel Hill office. Over the last ten years, Haleh has built a practice devoted primarily to women and their financial empowerment, a topic she is passionate about. In addition to her client engagements, Haleh has written about women and finance and has frequently been interviewed for national media outlets such as Forbes, Barron’s, Reuter’s, Bloomberg, and Kiplinger’s among others. Haleh also has spoken at various conferences around the country; most recently at Harvard's Chan School of Public Health.

Some of the talking points Julie and Haleh go over in this episode include:

How women are different from other types of investors.
Your wealth status might correlate with your sense of financial empowerment and how that impacts your investment.
Valuing your marital estate from a place of power and understanding.
How to find a trusted financial advisor who can help you make good choices with your money.

We must band together and stop viewing ourselves as a group of empowered people who can make a difference in this world.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

CONNECT WITH HALEH MODDASSER:

CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:

Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Making Space for New Political Practices with Aimee Allison, Founder and President of She the People

Who is going to define the political future? Within four years, our guest was able to redefine the political landscape. We made space in American culture for the potential of something new that’s a politics we haven’t seen yet. This week’s episode 30 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about making space for new political practices!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Aimee Allison share how she was able to make the term “Women of Color” shorthand for something beautiful. It’s not just about solidifying a multi-racial coalition of women. It’s not solidarity. It’s also shorthand for a political vision that’s grounded in a re-founding of America.

Aimee Allison is a writer, democratic innovator, and visionary champion of racial and gender justice. She is the Founder and President of She the People, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to an America redefined and inspired by women of color.

Renowned for her national efforts to build inclusive, multiracial coalitions, Allison organized and moderated the nation’s first presidential forum for women of color, attended by Presidential candidates and more than 1000 women from across the country, garnering major national press.

Some of the talking points Julie and Aimee Allison go over in this episode include:

How she got started with She the People and what led to its birth.
The shift to helping women of color shows up as an important group of people from a political standpoint.
Removing overwhelm, negativity, and the sense of individualism that keeps us from moving forward with the vision of what our political future could look like.
An overview of what we are dealing with on a political landscape.
How stories can be used to continue to drive the activism needed to further the cause.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

CONNECT WITH AIMEE ALLISON:

She the People

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Positively Impacting the Climate Crisis with Virginia Klausmeier, President and CEO of Sylvatex Inc.

The climate crisis has seen major changes in the past few decades. We’ve seen companies starting to step up to make positive climate changes and there are ways you can help with that. This week’s episode 29 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about how you can positively impact the climate crisis!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Virginia Klausmeier share the importance of massively curbing carbon emissions. We also chat about actionable steps you can take right now to make changes in your own business and life to support our climate.

Virginia has dedicated the last 10 years to solving climate change, and on this life path, she founded a venture-backed climate tech company, Sylvatex (SVX) Inc. Sylvatex has won numerous awards/funding at industry conferences and venture competitions, and is an affiliate with National Laboratories (LNBL) and USDA. Virginia is currently active in advising climate tech and minority-led organizations as well as a fellow/member of All Raise, Unreasonable Group, Alliance of CEO’s, Astia, Silicon Valley Leadership Group and is actively working on the growth and commercialization of Sylvatex Inc.

Virginia attended Singularity University and the University of Oregon earning her B.S. in Chemistry/Economics and a M.S. in Engineering. Virginia currently has a number of patents pending and has been a speaker at a number of domestic and international events. Prior to this venture, she managed the new development ideas for a fortune 500 medical device companies and led the US clinical and biomechanical research. Virginia was featured as one of the "Top 10 women in biofuels" and was selected by Forbes for "30 under 30 in Energy". Last but not least, she is the proud partner to Ryan Irwin Klausmeier and the mother to two little boys River and Dakota.

Some of the talking points Julie and Virginia go over in this episode include:

How her life journey has been a series of epiphanies that have led her to this moment.
The power of being a coachable person and how that helps her bring her education and interests into her work and business.
How to create substantial amounts of carbon change in our world.
Ways that collaboration have had such a huge impact on being able to create positive climate change.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

CONNECT WITH VIRGINIA KLAUSMEIER:

Sylvatex

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Investing in Value-Based Companies with Kathryn Moos, Co-Founder of OWYN and Managing Partner at Groundswell Ventures

Women tend to create businesses that are making a bigger positive impact globally. We want to solve those BIG problems faced in our society. So the companies we create are value-based companies. Yes, we want to make money with our business, but we also want to make a difference.

Our guest this week, Kathryn Moos, has a unique perspective with her well-rounded experience as an athlete, business owner, and now investor. This week, episode 30 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about how we can invest in (and create) value-based companies that impact the world around us!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Kathryn Moos share the importance of finding a work-life balance that still allows you to work hard while living the life you want to live. They also chat about the leadership skills needed on both the entrepreneur side and the investor side.

Some of the talking points Julie and Kathryn go over in this episode include:

How being a woman athlete has shaped her life and helped her be the successful person she is today.
The journey from being an entrepreneur into an investor and how that has uniquely positioned her to support the businesses she invests in.
The skills needed for successful entrepreneurship
Why having an impact and creating a legacy is the foundation of her company and venture.
The benefits to women investing in solutions that are positively impacting the world.

Remember, women have the unique ability to create and invest in businesses that can make a big impact on the world. Let’s do our part!

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

CONNECT WITH KATHRYN MOOS:

CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:

Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Venture as a Catalyst for Changing the World with Cheryl Beninga, Venture Capital Investor and Board Member

Do you believe that venture can be used as a global catalyst for change? We do. We’ve seen it time and time again with How Women Invest.

Cheryl Beninga, our guest this week, believes that we can each make our mark on the work by investing in women-owned companies. This week’s episode 27 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about using venture as a global catalyst for change!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Cheryl Beninga share the importance of owning your power as a woman in male-dominated spaces. They also chat about how venture capitalism can be an intentional vehicle for change in our world.

Cheryl has 20+ years of investment experience working with leading technology investors, including Intel Capital and GE Ventures, on all stages of technology investing. She has been responsible for billions of dollars in venture investing, with over $50M in early-stage technology investments yielding over $2B in value. Cheryl is experienced at the board and operations level at all venture stages, from Seed round to IPO, and has experience in M&A transactions.

She is Co-Founder of FourthWave, a non-profit accelerator program for female-led, high-potential technology companies providing business mentorship, personal potential coaching, and access to capital. FourthWave cohort members have raised over $25M in capital, participated in Y Combinator, and earned national growth recognition from INC., TechCrunch, and others.

Some of the talking points Julie and Cheryl Beninga go over in this episode include:

Power in having support when you are juggling so many endeavors.
Learning by doing and taking risks.
Investing in positive impact technology so we can make the world a better place for future generations.
Women try to hide their intuition and fit in within male-dominated spaces. That’s a disservice to ourselves and those around us.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

CONNECT WITH CHERYL BENINGA:

FourthWave

Wai Mohala Ventures

CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:

Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

What Makes a Trustworthy and Great Board Member with Nancy Sheppard, Founder and CEO of Women2Boards

Over the last twenty years, there have been major shifts and changes to the American boardroom. We are seeing more gender diversity and inclusion now more than ever, but this is just the tip of what we hope to accomplish for the women who are coming up behind us.

There are certain things needed to be a great board member. Trustworthiness and authenticity are two of the major points that will make or break you as a board member. This week’s episode 26 of How Women Inspire Podcast with Nancy Sheppard is about what makes a trustworthy and great board member!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Nancy Sheppard are sharing the importance of being able to adjust and pivot when it comes to being a board member. They also chat about things you can do on your journey to a board seat to ensure that your peers trust you.

Nancy Sheppard is passionate about helping to lead the movement to have more qualified women have a seat at the board table. She founded Women2Boards as a way to assist both corporate boards and women connect and improving gender diversity in the boardroom. She joined The Athena Alliance in 2017 as part of their leadership team to continue her mission. She advises women on the path to the boardroom, speaks on the subject nationally, and works with corporate boards that want to find talented individuals for their boardroom (who happen to be women).

Nancy has 30+years of management and governance experience in banking associations, the financial services industry, and legislative, regulatory & political environments. She was the CEO of Western Independent Bankers, the largest regional banking association in the US, for over 20 years, served on two private company boards for financial institution products, created educational programs for directors and senior executives, and worked with hundreds of bank CEOs and board members.

Some of the talking points Julie and Nancy go over in this episode include:

The journey that led to Nancy’s current place in business and life.
How seeing injustice from an early age had a direct impact on her passion for social justice.
Challenges that come with trying to adapt to situations that are particularly difficult.
How to take risks and pivot when you are ready for a change in your career.
Ways to utilize transferable skills from one career path to another.

We hope you are feeling a sense of hope and clarity. And that you have a roadmap now for how to be seen as an authentic and trustworthy leader. Don’t forget to take your shot!

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

CONNECT WITH NANCY SHEPPARD:

Women 2 Boards

CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS:

Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Balancing Life as a Career Woman and Mother with Val Red-Horse Mohl, Co-Founder of Known Holdings

There’s pressure in society today for hard-working women in leadership to put work or family first. Still, Val Red-Horse Mohl is one of the amazing women able to put all her passions and responsibilities together. Much like an apple pie, it all starts with a strong foundation. In Val’s case, that’s faith and family. This week’s episode 25 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about solidifying your foundational principles for a strong life and career!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Val Red-Horse Mohl are sharing the importance of understanding and developing your strong foundation and actionable steps you can take right now to have a more meaningful life and career at the same time.

Some of the talking points Julie and Val go over in this episode include:

How faith has impacted Val’s life and career, and how she uses it as a compass to guide her on her path to success.
Balancing life and career and family; how she equates this to an apple pie and how to think about all your responsibilities.
The commonalities between finances and film, and how being multi-passionate has helped elevate her career and helped her deliver for her clients.
What you need in a life partner, and how to live a more meaningful life with them.

As a successful woman, you can have it all. It just takes an intentional look at life, career, family and other responsibilities and dedication to the cause. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips and to hear even more about the points outlined above.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Wed, 10 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Going with the Flow with Mia Umanos, Co-Creator and CEO of Clickvoyant

Do you ever feel overwhelmed with your life responsibilities? Feeling pulled under by all the demanding aspects of your life, from work, business, family, and other tasks or things taking your attention? Are you entering burnout?

This episode will help you see your daily tasks and responsibilities in a new, optimistic light and allow a breath of fresh air and appreciation for what you get to do each day to wash over you. This week’s episode 24 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about going with the flow and appreciating your responsibilities!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Mia Umanos are sharing the importance of learning to love and appreciate your daily responsibilities and actionable steps you can take right now to be an active listener as a leader.

Some of the talking points Julie and Mia go over in this episode include:

What it means to truly go with the flow, and how you can enjoy even the mundane tasks in your life and daily activities in order to live a more fulfilled life.
How and why she started her business, Clickvoyant, and the power in feeling like you’re doing good work.
How to juggle everything on your to do list in a positive, optimistic manner that helps make it more manageable to accomplish.
Why listening is so valuable as a leader and as a new business, and how Mia really has learned to implement it in her company and with her staff.

This episode is a great reminder that we get to do things each day that others only dream about, and the true power in being able to say what you do each day is for the better good. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips and to hear even more about the points outlined above.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Wed, 03 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Guiding Principles to Becoming a Better Leader with Sonita Lontoh, Public Company Board Director

When it comes to being a good leader, Sonita Lontoh believes it’s all about guiding principles that guide us to be the best leaders we can be, no matter where we are starting as a leader. Sonita was inducted into the United States Asian Hall of Fame in 2017, and recently has started her own board member journey, and today she’s sharing her journey with you. This week’s episode 23 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the guiding principles to becoming a better leader, with Sonita Lontoh!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Sonita Lontoh are sharing the importance of leadership styles and actionable steps you can take right now to be a better leader, no matter what level of a leader you are right now.

Some of the talking points Julie and Sonita go over in this episode include:

What Sonita did to earn herself a spot in the United States Asian Hall of Fame, and the sense of added responsibility she feels since being inducted in 2017.
When she started living by certain guiding principles in both personal and professional aspects, and how she’s been guided by them throughout her life and career.
How, and why, women are more likely to be in a career field long-term if they feel a meaningful connection or a purpose for their work.
Ways you can define leadership, and how it all starts at the top when it comes to change and diversity.

This episode is sure to help guide you to becoming the best leader you can be. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips and to hear even more about the points outlined above.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Supporting and Mentoring our Next Generation of Women Leaders with Heather Jerrehian, CEO of Hitch Works, Inc.

Many come into a career with the expectation of starting here and wanting to be at the next level at a certain very rapid point. Sure, technology has made some changes to that; but we’ve lost the importance of what you can learn in the process of building from the ground up. This week’s episode 22 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about supporting and mentoring our next generation of women leaders!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Heather Jerrehian are sharing the importance of surrounding yourself with people who can help raise you up. So many of us grew up in an era where there was only one seat at the top. There’s abundance for all of us, and How Women Invest showcases that spectacularly.

Heather Jerrerhian is an award-winning entrepreneurial leader and turnaround expert with key executive roles as a startup founder, CEO, COO, CFO, and VP/GM for Fortune 500 enterprises and startups with extensive software, consumer, and technology expertise. Global business builder recognized for cultivating key strategic partnerships, accelerating sales through robust GTM strategies, maximizing distribution channels (B2B + B2C + B2B2C), and demonstrating the operational acumen to architect systems and infrastructure to support large-scale organizations.

She has full 360-degree knowledge of SaaS, marketplaces, e-commerce, retail, wholesale, and manufacturing across multiple consumer categories, including hardware, electronics, clothing, accessories, and food – as well as technology expertise using AI + ML across HRTech, EdTech, AgTech, and FashionTech. Known for the ability to identify trends and quickly capitalize on growth opportunities, having a consistent record of building multi-million-dollar businesses ($0 to $75M) and driving triple-digit increases while maintaining financial controls for profitability and extraordinary people leadership skills to enable the impossible.

Some of the talking points Julie and Heather go over in this episode include:

Stepping out and taking the shot to meet the right people
How being a hexagon has helped her better articulate and shift the conversation to how she can best support the role she wanted.
Pivotal qualities that served her well through all her career shifts.
The most critical skills for any new entrepreneur or startup CEO
How to create an advisory network that will best serve you in your different roles.
The most important thing the younger generation needs to know as they step into these leadership roles.
What to do when you are in the middle of a struggle in your career.

There’s a time and a moment for all of us. Grab the moment when you can because you never know what will come out of it.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Transgender Diversity and Representation in Politics with Lisa Middleton, City Council Member in Palm Springs, California

Being a woman in a boardroom or a political office can be challenging, but being transgender is a whole other level of power, grace, and representation issues. Today, we invited Lisa Middleton, who is the third transgender person in US History to serve as Mayor of an American city, and the first transgender person to serve as Mayor in the state of California. This week’s episode 21 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about being transgender in the political space!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Lisa Middleton are sharing the importance of transgender diversity in board rooms and in political spaces and actionable steps you can take right now to support and encourage other transwomen.

Some of the talking points Julie and Lisa Middleton go over in this episode include:

What LGBTQ+ communities and political stances have been throughout the last 50 years of change, and how Lisa has seen this firsthand.
The power of having LGBTQ+ diversified representation in boardrooms, and what we all bring to the table.
The most powerful thing corporate leaders can do following what we’ve learned in the pandemic and during the great resignation.
How being transgender has become politicalized and how best to support your fellow trans-community members.

I hope this conversation made you puff up in pride for Pride Month. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips and to hear even more about the points outlined above.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Leading from the Boardroom with Cheemin Bo-Linn, CEO of Peritus Partners Inc.

It certainly takes a village to be successful, and no one knows that better than Cheemin Bo-Linn. Recognized by multiple Presidents of the United States for her successful and inspiring leadership skills, Cheemin comes to us today to instill in us the leadership skills and lessons she’s learned throughout her career so far. This week’s episode 20 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about how to get to the top of the board room; the board director!

Cheemin leverages tech to make the seemingly "impossible...possible " and leapfrogs competition with a time to market advantage. .. from AI/neuron "human thinking" machines, to POS checkout with concurrent loan access, to EV trucks and drones "scaleup" for mass zero carbon transport, to "smart" cities, to 3D physical to digital transformation, or leveraging tech in new markets or patient care. Currently, she is CEO of Peritus Partners Inc. Prior, she was recruited to scale growth as IBM Vice President running a $3.5b P&L, M&A partner, and other financial expert and "go to market" roles. Also she has served in roles such as digital Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Revenue Officer and multiple roles in mobile, internet, e-Commerce, software, energy, financial, semiconductor, and industrial sector companies.

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Cheemin Bo-Linn are sharing the importance of others’ help in your success journey and actionable steps you can take right now to be a positive leader evoking positive change in your circles.

Some of the talking points Julie and Cheemin go over in this episode include:

Ways Cheemin has felt recognized in her role as one of the best board directors in the country, and possibly internationally.
A powerful lesson Cheemin makes sure to instill in younger generations in board positions that will help you succeed now.
The top leadership skills that helped Cheemin make her who she is today, and taken her where she has been.
How Cheemin has navigated her ethnic and cultural background in the C-suite and board rooms, while also being American-born, and the ethnicity challenges she’s faced.

A huge theme in this episode is the power of others’ help in getting you to the top, and I couldn’t agree more with the power of community and helping the woman next to you also succeed. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips and to hear even more about the points outlined above.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

The Power in Women Supporting Women with Sue Harnett, Executive Board Member at How Women Lead

Sue Harnett knows a thing or two about helping others’ voices be heard, and she’s a fierce advocate for others. Through her many years in Fin-Tech and banking, as well as her experience being an angel investor and helping start ups. Sue has a heart for women leaders and business owners. This week’s episode 19 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about growing your network and asking the right questions to help others expand their horizons and ideas!

Sue currently serves as Independent Director, Nomination & Governance Committee Chair, and a member of the Risk Committee of the OFG Holding Company Bank Board (NYSE:OFG) and a member of the Compensation & Human Capital and Audit Committees of Life Storage (NYSE:LSI). She recently joined the Board of American Enterprise Group, a mutual insurance company and is a member of the Audit Committee. Previously she served on the Board of Directors of First Niagara Financial Group. She is certified by the National Association of Corporate Directors as a Director and a Governance Fellow and a Qualified Risk Director when she was awarded a Certificate in Risk Governance from the DCRO Institute.

To give back, Sue is a founding limited partner of How Women Invest and a member of the Executive Board of How Women Lead an organization committed to increasing venture funding to women led companies.

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Sue Harnett are sharing the importance of asking great questions and actionable steps you can take right now to help other women succeed beside you.

Some of the talking points Julie and Sue go over in this episode include:

Balancing Motherhood, careers, and other challenges throughout the ages as women in successful career fields.
The power in asking good questions in board meetings, and the role you play as a board member, whether it’s in banking or start ups.
Why it’s important for other women to join boards and why Sue puts in extra work to help fellow women join them.
Innovations in Fin-tech that Sue sees that have a strong potential to change the trajectory of women in finances.

This episode will encourage you to humbly help others and be a fierce advocate for others through networking. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips and to hear even more about the points outlined above.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Women’s Representation on our Currency with Rosie Rios, 43rd Treasurer of the United States

Rosie Rios noticed while on a lunch break the lack of women representation in statues in DC, which led her down a rabbit hole of currency changes that would soon take effect. Now, Harriet Tubman and other women of influence from our history will grace the United States currency. All because she was inspired by the invisible. Rosie Rios, the 43rd Treasurer of the United States, comes to us today to remind us that with a little inspiration and a lot of commitment to the cause, you can make an impact on the world. This week’s episode 18 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about how Rosie Rios changed the United States currency to include women, and why it’s so important!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Rosie Rios are sharing the importance of women’s history being shared publicly and actionable steps you can take right now to make changes in your local areas and industries to allow for more women's representation.

Some of the talking points Julie and Rosie go over in this episode include:

How, and why, Rosie came to the conclusion that the currency of the United States needed an adjustment, and the process it takes to change currency while remaining integrity in our currency.
When Rosie knew the turning point in her career was coming, and the hints she got along the way that helped remind her she was on the right path for her.
How to, and why you want to, analyze for risk when proposing projects and future events and changes.
The future of currency; where Rosie thinks it’s going, based on where it is today, and how we as women leaders and founders can make even more amazing initiatives happen.

This episode will surely encourage you to be inspired by the invisible throughout history. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips and to hear even more about the points outlined above.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

How Your Personal Values Impact Your Career Paths with Millicent Tracey, Board Director and Fintech Advisor

Millicent Tracey is a seasoned FinTech and financial services product management executive who for years has helped FinTech companies and startups. She’s also helped develop b2b payment strategies. She is just a brilliant, kind leader who steps up and makes things happen Millicent Tracy spent just about 20 years at Wells Fargo working on online banking for business and building digital payment platforms like Zelle which we all use. This week’s episode 17 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the importance of knowing your values for furthering your career intentionally!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Millicent Tracey are sharing the importance of understanding your own values and actionable steps you can take right now to grow your career or take on the board seat once you understand who you are and what you want.

Some of the talking points Julie and Millicent go over in this episode include:

How you can help consumers through a cultural shift when launching a new product or service.
Up and coming trends in financial technology that women owned start ups should know about.
What Millicent learned from her immigrant parents and what she didn’t learn from them but found valuable to her career expansion.
What ESG is, and how it’s impacting board seats and governance of companies today and in the future.

This episode will empower you to understand your personal and professional values and life lessons that matter to you in order to further your career in a positive way. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips and to hear even more about the points outlined above.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 25 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Showing up to Succeed with Preethy Padmanabhan, High Tech Executive and Board Director at NexStem

Showing up can position yourself in a dynamic way that allows no room for negotiation; you deserve that raise! This week’s episode 16 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the stepping stones of showing up that lead to success.

Preethy Padmanabhan is a seasoned technology executive with 20 years of experience across engineering, sales and marketing. She's the host of 10 Times Growth Strategies podcast, and she’s an investor with many years experience on boards and various roles. She understands the importance and the value in showing up, even as a volunteer, until you become successful.

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Preethy Padmanabhan are sharing the importance of being unabashedly visible and actionable steps you can take right now to grant yourself success through showing up thoughtfully and intentionally.

Some of the talking points Julie and Preethy go over in this episode include:

What it was like for Preethy moving to the United States as a woman in tech who didn’t yet understand English well, and the challenges she overcame to be successful despite a language barrier.
The biggest leadership skills Preethy learned through her various roles, and how her unique perspective guided her to be the leader she is today.
How to negotiate higher pay, an equal salary, more responsibility or that raise, as a woman, and do it in a way that creates no room for doubt.
Preethy’s five “S”s to success: self-awareness, self-care, seeking help, setting boundaries and stretching ourselves.

Preethy has served on lots of nonprofit boards, and you'll get to know her and her deep commitment to the world and the community through this episode. But her big focus is on economic empowerment for women, children and education. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to hear even more about the points outlined above.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 18 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Funding Support for Nonprofits with Vivienne Hsu, CEO and Founder of LENDonate

With nonprofits, there’s a lot of hush hush about money - many companies don’t talk about where they got funding or how they got it, and rarely talk about bankruptcy or anything else negative without a victory story.

After 20+ years of hands-on experience in financial services, including investment product design, portfolio management, risk modeling, and private banking, Vivienne Hsu decided to form LENDonate, an online collaborative marketplace of loan+donation to nonprofit organizations. The idea of this new financial ecosystem for nonprofit is also a result of her 10+ years of fundraising and constantly thinking "there must be a better way." This week’s episode 15 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about nonprofit funding and support options!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Vivienne Hsu are sharing the importance of seeking help when you need it, especially when it comes to needing money loans and actionable steps you can take right now to utilize crowdfunding opportunities to help your nonprofit succeed.

Some of the talking points Julie and Vivienne go over in this episode include:

How crowdfunding actually works and who the investor is in that type of funding relationship.
Different ways nonprofits can utilize crowdfunding, bank loans, and other support to grow, sustain or even save their businesses.
Why banks are usually overly cautious when it comes to funding, and why it may feel like you have to jump through a lot of hoops to get approved.
Different support and investment options and opportunities for nonprofit leaders, as well as things to pay attention to and look for when it comes to funding opportunities.

This episode is going to help you see behind the curtain at what it’s like on the other end of funding and investment opportunities, what banks and lenders look for in a business looking for a loan, and more. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips and to hear even more about the points outlined above.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 11 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Creating Change at the C-Suite Level with Evelyn Dilsaver, Board Member for 6 Corporations and 5 Non-Profits

When you get too many people in the room with the same perspective and expertise, you tend to get “group think”; no fresh ideas, and everyone on too much of the same page. Luckily, Evelyn Dilsaver knows the solution to get out of that funk - getting skills in various fields! Evelyn is one of the most responsible, disciplined philanthropists and leaders that Julie’s ever met.

Evelyn is a CPA by trade, having spent the first 17 years of her career in Audit and Finance before becoming president and CEO of the Charles Schwab investment management firm. She was one of the first Asian women board directors in the United States of America. This week’s episode 14 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the tips she’s learned and been taught in the C-Suite spaces!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Evelyn Dilsaver share the importance of getting multiple perspectives on a subject and actionable steps you can take right now to ask insightful questions to provoke change.

Some of the talking points Julie and Evelyn go over in this episode include:

The lessons Evelyn learned through sports growing up and throughout her parenting days, and why women in sports tend to grow up to be leaders.
The 3 top C-suite tips she learned from a mentor that helped her become the powerful and thoughtful leader she is today, and how you can too.
The reason she varies her industry and expertise in order to learn more and free her mindset and perspectives.
The power behind an insightful question, as opposed to an insightful comment, and why that has led to Evelyn’s ability to ask questions in such a thought-provoking manner.

There are a lot of negative effects of “group think”; hopefully today’s conversation sparks that creative, new perspective for you to help take your team, group or c-suite to the next level by sparking a new conversation and fresh ideas. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips and to hear even more about the points outlined above.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 04 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Finding Yourself in Your Own Success Journey with Hannah Kain, President & CEO of ALOM Technologies

I met Hannah Kain while being co-authors for Scrappy Women in Business; Living Proof that Bending the Rules isn’t Breaking the Law. Hannah Kain, who is the very first supply chain expert that we’ve had on the show, is a bright light who encourages giving and giving well to others, she’s a humble example of a power player in the female entrepreneurial and C-suite space, and a strong believer in the power in being yourself. This week’s episode 13 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about finding you in your own success journey!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Hannah Kain are sharing the importance of being yourself and being confident in who you are and actionable steps you can take right now to continuously give back to the ecosystem that is women in entrepreneurial positions.

Some of the talking points Julie and Hannah go over in this episode include:

The supply chain issues of 2020 that caused the industry cause for concern, like the toilet paper demand and the concern of when things will go back to normal.
How Hannah managed to built and maintain a strong team of employees throughout the pandemic, despite the huge dip in employee retention.
How giving back through different outlets and endeavors has contributed to the ecosystem of women in business.
How the dynamic of being a woman in the CEO space has been like throughout the years, but shoulder pads and pencil skirts, to the rockstar women, are today in power positions.

So many words of wisdom come with this episode, from understanding that you don’t have to be like anyone else to be successful, to remembering to hold tight to words of encouragement and compliments from others for a rainy day, this episode is sure to inspire and uplift you. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to hear even more about the points outlined above.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Redefining Success as a Woman of Color with Deepa Purushothaman, Co-Founder of nFormation

When it comes to being a woman of color in the C-suite or corporate side of business, there can be a lot of pressures and residual inner dialogue that can make your own identity a blur. Women have edited themselves to fit the mold or the leader before them for a really long time, and this is even stronger in relation to those of color or with a different cultural belief than their white male counterparts. This week’s episode 12 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about understanding and redefining the shadow side to being a woman of color in business, with Deepa Purushothaman!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Deepa Purushothaman are sharing the importance of redefining success for yourself, no matter what culture or society deems accurate for you, and actionable steps you can take right now to step into your power as a woman of color and powerful leader.

Some of the talking points Julie and Deepa go over in this episode include:

The significance and role of work on women of color, and how this plays a huge role in their lives and identities.
How we as women edit ourselves and put ourselves on mute more times than we shout unless that’s the expectation.
The shadow side to being a woman of color in business, and how this can lead to not only being forced to fit stereotypes but the other significant (unpaid) roles we play in corporations.
Hiding your identity: why some people choose to do that, and how easy or difficult it may be to do that.

In this episode, Deepa shares her new book, along with a few of the amazing stories held within, to help share how women of color are truly stepping into their calling as the power brokers of the future. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips and to hear even more about the points outlined above.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400

The Importance of Funding Equity Groups with Rebecca Darwent, Working Group Member at the Foundation for Black Communities

We know there’s a difference between the funds donated and provided for philanthropic groups that are white, and those that are black-owned. But do you know the actual numbers? Rebecca Darwent does, and she’s literally speechless as she shares the numbers with us on today’s podcast. This week’s episode 11 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the disparity between black-owned philanthropies and other organizations, and how less than 7 cents for every $100 of philanthropic money goes towards Black-owned philanthropies!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams and Rebecca Darwent are sharing the importance of funding equity groups and actionable steps you can take right now to help provide support and resources to these groups, no matter your own sexual orientation or philanthropic segmentation.

Some of the talking points Julie and Rebecca go over in this episode include:

Biases around the Black community and a sense of diminishing that occurs around the “professional” ideation around supporting Black communities as a Black leader.
The call to action Rebecca has for us all to help support and provide resources for equity groups of all types, and how anyone can help.
What the Unfunded Black Communities Overlooked by Canadian Philanthropy report has done for Rebecca; taking her from the number two for everyone to the number one spot as a leader in her field.
Taking yourself off mute; why now is the time to stop being silent and the best ways to be loud, bold, and proud.

Rebecca is a great leader of inspiration in our community who will inspire you to be proud and bold about yourself and your community. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to hear even more about the points outlined above.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Building a Trusted Brand for Women with Fran Maier, CEO & Founder of BabyQuip

It can be difficult to run a successful start-up - the ups and downs aren’t for everyone and it can be a challenge. Someone who truly understands this experience is Fran Maier, co-founder of Match.com, who is well known for her 10+ years running TRUSTe (now TrustArc), and is now the CEO and founder of Babyquip. This week, episode 09 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about how to create a startup that’s truly a trusted brand!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Fran Maier is sharing the importance of being a trusted brand and the actionable steps you can take right now to build that trusted brand from the ground up.

Some of the talking points Fran and I go over in this episode include:

How Fran created her hospitality and travel start-up in the beginning of the pandemic and how she managed to get through to a record-breaking month with almost 1 million bookings under her belt.
How to build a trusted brand; through consistency and understanding your market well enough to build it to be trustworthy.
Fran’s best tips for hiring your first employees and your own responsibilities as a start-up founder.
How Fran keeps her creativity going and how she takes care of herself so she can run a successful business in a great headspace.

Fran Maier is a leader and inspiration to so many startup founders and entrepreneurs and I cannot wait for you to listen to this episode. So be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips and to hear even more about the points outlined above.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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BabyQuip Website

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Health Advancements for Women Around the World with Allison Martin, Executive Director at Recuro Health

Allison Martin is the founder and former CEO of UDoTest, a first-of-its-kind company to significantly reduce cervical cancer in Africa. In 2021 Allison was able to do what a lot of us want to eventually be able to do; she sold her company! That’s why episode 08 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about lessons Allison has learned throughout her journey as a mission-driven entrepreneur!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Allison Martin is sharing the importance of having the courage to dream big and actionable steps you can take right now to find opportunities through generosity in others.

Some of the talking points Allison and I go over in this episode include:

The creation of UDoTest, a way of doing personal health that got a lot of kickback for being well ahead of its time in women’s health advancements in third world countries.
Lessons Allison has learned throughout the years as an entrepreneur and true market disruptor, including the power in being prepared and the courage to think BIG.
How her change of role, pace, and responsibilities have shaped a new narrative for her since selling her company and becoming co-founder.
How generosity can be a vital weapon for startups and business leaders to utilize and give, and how culturally the generosity in the United States both shocked and excited Allison.

Through generosity and building honest connections with people because she cares, Allison built a company and sold it in under 10 years. There are many lessons she’s learned and shared in this episode that I think anyone can relate to and learn from. So be sure to tune in to all the episodes and to hear even more about the points outlined above.

Thank you for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Learn more about UDoTest

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Advocating for Women’s Equality with Hannah-Beth Jackson, Former California Senator

Former Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson has made an indelible impact on us all through her courage and leadership. An expert in public policy and legislation, Hannah-Beth Jackson is an active advocate for women’s equality. She has worked on a lot of legislative acts and been advocating for every woman from high school through to CEOs and leaders. That’s why episode 7 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about building a community you can be proud of and support!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Hannah-Beth Jackson is sharing the importance of a culture that’s better for everyone and actionable steps you can take right now to create that culture where you are with the tools you have.

Some of the talking points Hannah–Beth and I go over in this episode include:

How Hannah helped create the California Fair Pay Act for equal pay for all women, how that’s personally impacted my own daughter’s career and pay, and why it’s so important to have equal pay for all women.
What changes for the companies that change leadership from a standard model to one focused on representation around the people in their communities.
Sexual assault and rape on college campuses, and how we can change the narrative through legislature and speaking up for those around us, through the example of the Yes Means Yes act and the Me Too movements.
The importance of recognizing that we aren’t and do not need to be perfect, and how Hannah learned this from her own experiences.

It’s important to recognize the community you want to have and live in, and go create it and support it. So be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips and to hear even more about the points outlined above.

Thank you for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Supporting Women through Political Advocacy with Fiona Ma, California State Treasurer

You may have heard that many business owners are leaving the state of California; but I wonder if you’ve heard that there are more small businesses being created in California than ever before?

Today we sit down to talk with Fiona Ma, California state Treasurer, about her thoughts on how to support women leaders and small businesses, and how you can help advocate for those who need your support. That’s why episode 06 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about political advocacy you can do through your own networks!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Fiona Ma is sharing the importance of being a fierce political advocate and actionable steps you can take right now to support female political leaders in your area.

Some of the talking points Fiona and I go over in this episode include:

How Fiona learned from her parents to love both the people and the profession, and how she took that advice and upbringing to become a CPA and the California state treasurer.
The importance Fiona has found through keeping her eye on the prize and pushing through to help her as she gets numb to some of the antics she encounters on social media in reference to her career.
How Fiona has helped encourage diversity among leaders on public company boards, and how it all started with her leaving her first job because she didn’t see diversity in the boardrooms of that company.
How we can help women in political seats make change that matters to us, and how best to fund their advances in the political arena.

If you’ve ever been curious if politics should matter to you, or if you’ve ever wondered how to support your political leaders besides voting, this episode will open your eyes and share the wave of influence your political leaders have to change your state for the better. So be sure to tune in to all the episodes to hear even more about the points outlined above.

Thank you for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Believing in Your Belonging with Tricia Timm, Board Member at Salsify

Tricia Montalvo Timm was reading an article with a very low statistic of the number of Latinas who get a board seat - and it was in that moment that she realized she had the qualifications to do so herself and be the role model for others to take that step too. Tricia Montalvo Timm, a passionate advocate for Latinas, knows what it means to be the only or one of few in a room. That’s why episode 05 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about believing in your belonging!

Ms. Timm is an established Silicon Valley leader with cross-functional experience in public and private companies. Ms. Timm has grown and scaled businesses from early-stage to multi-billion-dollar companies, including the sale of Looker to Google for $2.6 billion. She has been the first lawyer at 3 different high-growth start-ups and has extensive public company and corporate governance experience, advising management and boards on executive compensation, financial reporting and compliance matters. Throughout her 25-year career, Ms. Timm has sat in the boardroom at both private and public companies, presenting at board and committee meetings and advising on strategic issues. Given her experience, Ms. Timm can sit all on three board committees - Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Governance.

In addition to the law, Ms. Timm has a passion for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). While at Looker she launched the Company’s first DEI program where they developed a multi-prong solution that consisted of recruiting and retaining diverse talent, cultivating a culture of belonging and establishing the company as a DEI thought leader.

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Tricia Timm is sharing the importance of believing in yourself and that you belong and actionable steps you can take right now to start showing up with confidence.

Some of the talking points Tricia and I go over in this episode include:

How Tricia got started with board positions, and the strong power of opportunity women can give each other to succeed and project us all forward.
How investors look different with different backgrounds, and how the stereotype of what an investor is shouldn’t hold you back from investing.
The importance of being visible, especially as a Latina, and the power of providing a role model for future generations.
The power of being let in and why it all begins with you believing you belong in order to succeed.

If you’re in a position with influence, it’s important to let others in, and if you’re not yet in a position of influence it’s important to believe you belong there, even if you’ve never seen someone like you in that seat before. So be sure to tune in to all the episodes and hear even more about the points outlined above.

Thank you for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500

The Importance of Diversity in Philanthropy with Elizabeth Barajas-Roman, President and CEO of Women’s Funding Network

Philanthropy is important because it provides opportunities for those who may not otherwise have it. Because of this, it’s even more important that there is diversity in philanthropy so that no one is left behind. Elizabeth Barajas-Roman is the President and CEO Women's Funding Network, where she helps provide powerful support to funds fueling social change for women and girls, worldwide. That’s why episode 04 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about supporting women of color in philanthropic leader positions!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Elizabeth Barajas-Roman is sharing the importance of diversity in philanthropy and actionable steps you can take right now to support women of color leaders in this space.

Some of the talking points Elizabeth and I go over in this episode include:

How a women’s foundation is a community foundation focused specifically on gender equity, how it’s grown to much more than just a giving circle now, and why we need them.
The higher turnover rate amongst executives in women’s funds and why this is changing the face of philanthropic funds to a more diverse space.
How you can take a stand and create the support needed to create better environments and support for women of color leaders.
The importance of identifying your implicit biases for both women and women of color in leadership and philanthropic roles.

All in all; it’s time to find a women’s fund or philanthropic space today. Don’t wait to dive into a rewarding and quickly changing space.

Thank you for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

CONNECT WITH Elizabeth Barajas-Roman:

Book: The Missing Mentor: Women Advising Women on Power, Progress and Priorities

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Creating a Path for Inclusive Leadership with Mary Stutts, Chief Global Inclusion & Health Equity Officer at Real Chemistry

Explicit content: child death, sex trafficking, and other triggering conversations

I met Mary Stutts when she interviewed me for her book; The Missing Mentor; women advising women on Power, Progress, and Priorities. Mary Stutts is the Chief Global Inclusion & Health Equity Officer at Real Chemistry, Corporate Board Member, Author and Keynote Speaker. If you truly want someone who helps other women climb the ladder and someone who shows up - Mary is your woman. That’s why episode 03 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about taking the shot with Mary Stutts!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Mary Stutts is sharing the importance of taking the shot and actionable steps you can take right now to acknowledge and understand your own biases and how to move forward with more equity.

Some of the talking points Mary and I go over in this episode include:

How Mary has found inspiration through Eminem and even wrapped her first C-suite speech, all through embracing fun, creativity, and the determination to seize every opportunity.
How being in the foster care system encouraged Mary to use her voice and speak up, find her faith, and how influential her foster parents and faith have been for her story.
Creating a path for inclusive leadership; how to implement the start of the change and how to make sure employees have the tools to change once biases emerge.
How, and why, we need both patriarchal and matriarchal leadership styles to implement the best leadership and mentorship for those following us and working with us.

This episode will help you not only live in a way that acknowledges biases, but you’ll lead from a place of understanding and equity and teach others how to do the same.

Thank you for listening!

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LINKS MENTIONED:

Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 04:00:00 -0500

Betting on Yourself with Nicole White, Senior VP at Newfront

We get told a lot of things as women; like “You can’t have it all,” and as entrepreneurs, like “no” but Nicole took “no”s and figured out how to go a different direction, and learned her own boundaries along the way to have both a successful career, a leader in insurance, and a mom. Nicole White is the senior vice president and founding principal at Newfront, and is a leading woman in the insurance space. That’s why episode 02 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about betting on yourself!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Nicole White is sharing the importance of betting on yourself and actionable steps you can take right now to chase joy.

Some of the talking points Nicole and I go over in this episode include:

Nicole’s history of bettering herself through betting on herself and how when an opportunity presents itself, her willingness to say yes allows her to grow as a person and investor.
The process Nicole goes through to determine where she’ll put her resources and time when it comes to investments.
How putting your desire to help others above all else projects your business forward in a simple process of just breaking down what’s needed of you or the project.
Chasing joy - the power and the chase behind finding and chasing joy vs happiness.

This episode really dives into how best to bet on yourself to better yourself. How will you bet on yourself this week?

Thank you for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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Join us for Get On Board Week from October 16-20, 2023. Registration is now open at https://www.howwomenlead.com/getonboard

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 02:00:00 -0500

Breaking Down Barriers Fearlessly with Julie Gordon White, Founder of Bossa Bars

If you’ve ever felt like you’re too old to start a company, or if your lack of self-confidence has shifted your success journey, this episode is going to inspire you to take the leap anyway. Julie Gordon White, founder of Bossa Bars, author, and coach, comes with her today a sense of pure joy, confidence, and the fiery determination we all need to start hard conversations and light fires wherever we go. That’s why episode 02 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about breaking down barriers fearlessly with Julie Gordon White!

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Gordon White is sharing the importance of not listening to the myths and noise around you and actionable steps you can take right now to break down barriers and have a fearless business journey.

Some of the talking points Julie and I go over in this episode include:

How Julie struggled at the start of her own menopause journey and ended up creating a company that starts the conversation so many don’t have around this big change in your life and loving your body.
The guardrails Julie put in place when finding investment money and companies to work with to bring her vision to life, and why she doesn’t believe all money is good money.
How Julie started her Bossa Bars company and why the business planning process is crucial to a successful business long term.
Why Julie doesn’t recommend new founders taking too much investment money right off the bat, and how she thinks taking too much can create a false sense of security in new companies.

It’s time to take the advice of Julie here and realize that you can do it; no matter what stage of life, business, investing, or any other part of your journey.

Thank you for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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