WIN/WIN: Women in Innovation

In this episode of Win/Win: Women in Innovation, Zoia Kozakov sits down with Henley Vazquez, co-founder of Fora, to unpack how she’s reimagining the travel advisor industry through technology, training, and community. Henley shares how Fora is lowering barriers to entry, empowering a new generation of travel entrepreneurs—most of them women—and using thoughtful innovation to modernize an industry long overdue for change.Listen for advice on:Why innovation doesn’t always mean reinventing the wheelLowering barriers to create stronger ecosystemsCommunity beats competition - collaboration, shared learning, and trust are core to scaling a platformHuman expertise matters more in the age of AILearn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaHenley Vazquez (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/deedunne/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.coAudio Editor: Samantha Gattsek Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dee Dunne shares her extensive experience in lifecycle marketing, discussing her journey from PayPal to Mailchimp, where she is currently Sr. Director, Global Lifecycle Marketing & Operations. She emphasizes the importance of understanding customer behavior, the challenges of event marketing, and the complexities of measuring ROI. Dee also delves into the role of innovation in marketing, particularly in the context of AI, and reflects on the dynamics of gender in her career. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of marketing and the future possibilities driven by technology and strategic thinking.Listen for advice on:Integrating innovation into daily operations vs. having it exist as a siloTaking a multifaceted approach to measuring ROI for eventsWhy marketing is the middle point between people and dataThe impact of rapid technological advancements on marketingLearn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaDee Dunne (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/deedunne/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.coAudio Editor: Samantha Gattsek Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we are joined by Joanna Strober, CEO and co-founder of Midi Health. Joanna’s career spans venture capital, entrepreneurship, and now category-defining innovation in women’s midlife care. We explore how her own experience navigating perimenopause sparked the idea for Midi, and how she transformed a small pilot into one of the fastest-growing women’s health platforms. Joanna opens up about the realities of fundraising in an underestimated category, the emotional resilience required to lead through “no’s,” and why starting a company in your fifties can be a strategic advantage. Listen for insights on:The advantage of pursuing innovation through addressing personal pain pointsHow to accept a fundraising ‘no’ as a data point, not an identityThe superpower of starting a company later in life/career Learn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaJoanna Strober (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannastrober/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.coAudio Editor: Samantha Gattsek Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, host Zoia Kozakov sits down with Marissa Steinmetz, Head of Digital Product, eCommerce at Coterie. With over a decade of experience spanning industries from luxury fashion to liquor and now baby care, Marissa shares how she’s built a career on adaptability, empathy, and innovation. She reflects on leading through ambiguity while designing digital experiences that truly make parents’ lives easier.Listen for insights on:Pivoting product skills across luxury, liquor, beauty, and now baby careWhat “wartime innovation” really looks like in a fast-scaling startupBuilding empathy for customers—even when you’re not (yet) the end userLeading through uncertainty and crisis with resilience and clarityLearn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaMarissa Steinmetz Israel (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-steinmetz-israel-1b101511/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.coAudio Editor: Samantha Gattsek Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Catherine Ann McCourt, Global Technology Consulting Leader at EY, reflects on her 25+ years in consulting and her journey from Partner to global leadership. She shares how mindset, self-belief, and continuous learning are essential for thriving in fast-changing technology environments, while also addressing innovation blockers like fear of change, siloed cultures, and legacy systems. Catherine discusses overcoming imposter syndrome at the senior level, the role of mentorship and “finding your tribe,” and why diverse, inclusive teams are key to driving transformation and long-term business success.Listen for advice on:How to set new milestones after hitting big career goalsWhy mindset and confidence matter more than hard skillsStrategies for breaking through common innovation blockersThe power of inclusion  and “finding your tribe”Learn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaCatherine McCourt (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinemccourt/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Ariba Jahan, Head of Transformation for North America at Anomaly, shares her journey from studying biomechanical engineering and attending medical school to leading innovation and transformation across nonprofit, startup, and agency environments. She opens up about embracing a multi-hyphenated career, navigating ambiguity with confidence, and redefining what it means to “have it all” as a mother, immigrant, and woman of color. Ariba also explores the intersection of innovation and transformation, how to bring others along on the journey, and the importance of anticipating unintended consequences in emerging technologies like AI.Listen for advice on:Building clarity and buy-in for innovation and transformation rolesNurturing a culture of experimentation and co-creationSustaining confidence while navigating uncertaintyIdentifying and addressing biases in product and service designLearn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaAriba Jahan (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/aribajahan/Ariba's podcast - Unmissables: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unmissables-with-ariba-jahan/id1707384312Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.coAudio Editor: Samantha Gattsek Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Scout Brisson, CEO of De Soi, discusses her journey from corporate life to leading a startup in the booming non-alcoholic beverage industry. She reflects on the importance of celebrating achievements, the challenges of transitioning from a corporate environment to entrepreneurship, and the complexities of recognition in her career. Scout also shares insights on the regulatory challenges in the beverage industry and the future trends indicating a shift towards non-alcoholic options, especially among younger generations.Listen for advice on:How to navigate ‘getting on the shelf’ in the world of beverage The importance of community and mentorship for women in leadershipBalancing vision and execution in businessFiguring out the role of recognition in your personal life and careerLearn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaScout Brisson (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/scout-brisson-558674121/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Mallory Contois, Head of Community at Mercury and founder of Old Girls Club, joins Zoia on the podcast. Mallory has had many chapters in her career, including being an early-stage employee at Pinterest and Compass, working at LinkedIn, and being a COO at an early-stage startup. Today, she epitomizes what it means to be a true leader and woman in innovation, juggling a multitude of roles, projects, and initiatives in what is an inspiring career for all.Listen for advice on:What it takes to build a flourishing community How to navigate ego vs. intuition in career decisionsThe pillars of creating safe and authentic spaces for womenWhy community is a business-driving lever Learn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaMallory Contois (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorycontois/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Zoia sits down with Emily Heyward, who is the co-founder and Chief Brand Officer of Red Antler. In her second appearance on the WIN/WIN podcast, Emily shares more about her new role (in addition to Red Antler), as a Founding Partner at Habitat Partners, which is an early-stage venture fund. Listen for advice on:The role of consumer empathy in investingHow being authentic has shifted in the world of brandPivoting and navigating a new role at a senior levelLearn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaEmily Heyward (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-heyward-5465253/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Phoenix Porcelli, SVP of Global Sales at Convene, shares her journey from working in prestigious hospitality institutions to becoming a leader in a startup environment at Convene. She discusses the importance of innovation in sales, the concept of the glass cliff, and how she navigated leadership challenges to ascend to her current position, while uplifting the entire Convene organization. Listen for advice on:Transitioning from mid-level leadership to an executive teamHow to enable innovation in a sales practiceWhat it takes to navigate and overcome a glass cliffFinding the right people and partners to help you sustain career successLearn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaPhoenix Porcelli (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoenix-anna-porcelli-cmp-31501916/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Kristine Locker, the CEO & Founder of Locker, shares her journey from the real estate industry to entrepreneurship in consumer technology. She discusses the inception of Locker, a platform designed for everyday consumers to curate and save their favorite products, akin to Pinterest but focused on shopping. Kristine reflects on the challenges of being a first-time founder, the importance of networking and mentorship, and her experiences with investors. Listen for advice on:How to optimize your network in a way that enables growthThe role of personal experiences in shaping professional resilienceBalancing your identity and professional role (especially as a founder)Navigating gender and its role throughout fundraising and building a company Learn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaKristine Locker (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinelocker/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Frances shares her journey from data scientist to Venture Capital partner at Two Sigma Ventures. She discusses the evolution of her understanding of risk, the importance of independent thinking, and navigating a career in venture capital. Frances also addresses the cyclical nature of the investment market, the role of gender in her career, and her vision for the future of venture capital, particularly in relation to AI technology.Listen for advice on:The pros and cons of traditional vs. corporate venture capital How women can create their own measuring sticks for successCreating an equitable and strategic investment decision mechanism Ways to understand and engage with new technologies and innovations (such as AI)Learn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaFrances Schwiep (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/frances-schwiep-554832b/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Zoia interviews Stephanie Horton, Senior Director of Global Marketing, Commerce (Shopping/Payments) at Google. They discuss Stephanie's diverse career journey across various industries, her leadership style, the importance of mentorship, and her role in founding Fashion Tech Connects. The conversation also delves into innovations in online shopping, the significance of cultural relevance in marketing, and the challenges of navigating intersectionality in the workplace. Listen for advice on:How to tap into team expertise to navigate career changes and pivotsThe role of cultural relevance in unlocking a product-market fit Using inflection points in industries and companies to build a career in innovationThe ways in which AI can make shopping easier for consumersLearn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaStephanie Horton (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/hortonstephanie/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Mehera O’Brien, Head of Creative, New York, at argodesign, discusses her extensive experience in the design industry, the evolution of design consultancies, and the importance of client partnerships. She shares insights on navigating the intersection of creativity and data, the significance of taking leaps of faith in one's career, and how AI is re-shaping the industry. Listen for advice on:Finding the balance between risk-taking and data in innovationDefining success as you progress through your careerThe importance and role of Design Ops in the industryPartnering with clients in a truly collaborative wayLearn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaMehera O'Brien (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/meheraobrien/Argo Design: https://argodesign.com/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Anneliese Olson, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, at HP North America, shares her extensive experience in leading go-to-market strategies across various business lines. She discusses her career journey, the importance of risk-taking, and the value of personal growth through a gap year. Listen for advice on:Understanding one’s purpose and its role in effective leadershipNavigating multi-generational workforcesMost surprising elements of a business transformationThe continuing importance of technology in shaping the future of workLearn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaAnneliese Olson (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/annelieseolson/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jelena Joffe Weil, Worldwide Venture Innovation Lead at AWS, discusses the importance of curiosity and creativity in driving innovation, the challenges of establishing a venture innovation program, and the role of failure as a learning opportunity. They share insights on managing stakeholders and complex challenges, using real-world examples. Key Takeaways:How to navigate starting a corporate venture 0-to-1The need for respectful persistence in execution and strategy What the role of leadership is in fostering innovationThe importance of staying present and engaged in both work and familyLearn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaJelena Joffe Weil (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jelena-joffe-weil-8456242a/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Andrea Hopelain, GM and SVP of Publishing at EA Sports, discusses her career in the entertainment, media, gaming, and sports industry. She focuses on emotional connections with fans and the intersection of entertainment and sports participation. She also shares insights on engaging with Gen Z and Gen A, brand changes, innovation, and the role of women in sports and gaming.Key Takeaways:How to stay closely connected with large-scale audiencesThe impact of Gen Z and Gen A on brand engagement and innovationUnique challenges and opportunities in the gaming & sports industry for gender advancementLearn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaAndrea Hopelain (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreahopelain/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Zoia Kozakov, the host of the WIN/WIN podcast and Head of Device Digital Wallets @ JPMorgan Chase, shares her journey of launching the podcast and how it has shaped her, along with how she’s evolved throughout her career. Zoia emphasizes the importance of having a growth mindset and continuously learning and growing, talking about the shift in her definition of success and power, focusing on being true to herself and embracing her vision. Key takeaways: Using a passion project as an entrepreneurial experience to broaden horizons and solve problemsDefining success and power on your own terms, while embracing your true self and visionHow to navigate change and give yourself and others grace during transitionsWhy softening and being present can lead to a deeper connection with oneself and others.Learn more:Lizzie Azzolino (Host): https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzieazzolino/Zoia Kozakov (Guest): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaWomen in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Cheryl Sew Hoy, founder and CEO of Tiny Health, shares her entrepreneurial journey and the challenges she faced in building her startups. She discusses her experience as a first-time founder and the lessons she learned from her first company and its acquisition process. In a conversation focused on both Cheryl's trajectory and her experience building Tiny Health, a microbiome testing the episode reveals the challenges and opportunities for female entrepreneurs and how they can approach growth and expansion for their ventures. Key takeaways: Adapting the startup ecosystem to the local culture is crucial for success.Passion and a mission-driven approach are key to overcoming challenges and building a successful company.Raising funds from a position of strength and being disciplined with spending can lead to better outcomes.Building credibility and partnerships are critical for ventures in the healthcare industry. Learn more:Zoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaCheryl Sew Hoy (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylyeoh/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Amy Divaraniya, Founder & CEO of Oova, shares her unexpected journey to becoming a founder of a data-first, at-home hormone-tracking solution. She shares the ins and outs of building a multi-sided marketplace and how she turned her own struggles with fertility and the medical system into Oova. Throughout the conversation, Zoia and Amy touch on the challenges of the medical system that are specific to women and women's health and how data can be used to empower women to ensure that they are advocating for themselves.Key takeaways: Imposter syndrome can be overcome by surrounding yourself with mentors and being open to asking questions.Women's health care needs better solutions that empower women with data and enable them to advocate for their own health.Building a strong network and relationships with investors and mentors is crucial for success as a founder.The future of women's health care lies in data-driven approaches and conversations prioritizing women's needs.Learn more:Get 10% off an Oova product - URL: oova.life/win OR use "WINOOVA" on the siteZoia Kozakov (Host): http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoiaAmy Divaraniya (Guest): https://www.linkedin.com/in/aparna-amy-divaraniya/Women in Innovation: http://www.womenininnovation.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.