Women, Wealth & Wisdom

In this powerful season finale of Women, Wealth & Wisdom, Anita sits down with Nicki Anderson to explore what it really takes to step into your power—whether you're starting a business, making a career move, or simply learning to say no with confidence.This conversation is a reminder that leadership doesn’t require a title—but it does require courage, clarity, and love. We talk about how to advocate for your worth, why setting boundaries is essential, and the questions every woman should ask herself before taking the leap into entrepreneurship.From owning your value to embracing uncertainty, this episode is full of real talk for women who are ready to create change—from the inside out.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:The must-ask questions before starting your own businessThe art (and necessity) of saying noHow to advocate for your value—especially when others don’t see it yetWhy risk-taking is a muscle we all need to flexWhat it means to lead with love, purpose, and authenticityWe can’t wait around for systems to change—we have to be the ones who lead the change, in our companies, communities, and within ourselves.

In this episode of Women, Wealth & Wisdom, Anita sits down with the dynamic Jules Patrick—a strategist, leader, and mentor for so many.Jules shares how launching her first business as a teen planted the seeds for a life of intentionality, growth, and purpose. From designing a career path that evolved with her life stages to building her strategic muscle across industries, Jules offers invaluable insights on how to lead your career on purpose—not by accident.We also dive into:The surprising lessons from starting a business at a young ageHow to strengthen your strategic thinking in both life and leadershipWhy being intentional about your career trajectory matters more than everWhat it means to be an "intra-preneur" This conversation is packed with real talk, practical wisdom, and empowering reminders that your path doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be yours.Some Resources:Jules Patrick | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jules-prokop/Anita Knotts | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-knotts/Lotus Women's Institute: https://lotuswomensinstitute.com/

In this bold and inspiring episode of Women, Wealth & Wisdom, Anita sits down with Lorena Cabezas, a leader in asset management who challenges every stereotype about what success is supposed to look like.Lorena’s story is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to choose between being analytical and people-oriented…or between being an introvert and excelling at business development. You don’t have to come from a traditional background to thrive in this industry. As an immigrant and first-generation college student, Lorena has carved a path that is anything but conventional—and that’s her greatest strength.Together, we explore: How owning your uniqueness is a strategic advantage A fresh and thought-provoking take on what it really means to be “underrepresented” The mindset shift from hard work to self-advocacy Why leadership isn’t about loudness—it’s about clarity, conviction, and courageThis episode is for anyone who has ever felt “different” in their industry or environment—and wondered if that difference could be a strength. (Spoiler: it absolutely is.)Share this conversation with the women in your life who are redefining success on their own terms—and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!Some Resources:Lorena Cabezas | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenacabezasloo/Anita Knotts | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-knotts/Lotus Women's Institute: http://lotuswomensinstitute.com/

In this powerful episode, Anita highlights the inspiring journey of Vanessa Martinez, Founder and CEO of Expressive Wealth. Vanessa's parents were unable to pursue their own education due to civil war in their home countries. So they poured their hopes into giving their daughters the education they never had. Vanessa took that gift and ran with it, becoming a lifelong learner and passionate advocate for financial education and equity.From mentoring underrepresented groups to empowering women with financial literacy, Vanessa is a force in the movement to reshape the finance and wealth management industry—and beyond. Her story is one of resilience, purpose, and impact.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:The power of education as a generational giftHow personal history fuels professional purposeWhy financial literacy is a cornerstone of equityThe importance of representation and mentorship in wealth managementHow Vanessa contributes to building a more inclusive financial ecosystemSome Resources:Vanessa Martinez | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-n-martinez/Anita Knotts | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-knotts/Lotus Women's Institute: https://lotuswomensinstitute.com/

In this powerful episode, Anita sits down with senior wealth management executive, Jennifer Hanau, to explore what it really means to show up with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Jennifer shares her personal journey—from her dream of wanting to be an actress, to taking risks in life, and knowing how to advocate for herself.One of the most impactful moments in our conversation was her a-ha moment: the realization that preparation is everything. When you're prepared, you're not just occupying space—you’re ready to add value to the conversation. That’s how you set yourself apart.This conversation is especially empowering for young women carving their path and for anyone ready to lead with presence and conviction.Key Takeaways:The transformational power of preparation—being ready to contributeWhy your unique perspective is your superpowerHow betting on yourself leads to growth and courageShifting from fitting in to standing out with purposeJennifer Hanau is a thoughtful, purpose-driven leader who embodies resilience, clarity, and growth. Her story is an empowering example of what’s possible when you lead with authenticity and believe in your own value.Some Resources:Jennifer Hanau | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferhanau/Anita Knotts | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-knotts/Lotus Women's Institute: https://lotuswomensinstitute.com/

In this deeply honest and inspiring episode of Women, Wealth & Wisdom, Anita sits down with Lucy Chang Evans, whose remarkable life path includes careers in engineering, the Secret Service, and now public service.At the heart of Lucy’s evolution is a powerful truth: financial security reduces fear. It gave her the confidence to leave behind roles—and relationships—that no longer aligned with her values. From stepping away from a marriage to pivoting across high-stakes careers, Lucy reminds us that when women have financial stability, they also have freedom.Her story isn’t just about reinvention—it’s about resilience. Lucy trusted her instincts and pursued purpose, knowing she had the financial foundation to fall back on—and rise again.In this episode, you’ll learn:How Lucy’s financial foundation gave her the courage to start over—professionally and personallyThe role of money in helping women navigate divorce and fear of the unknownWhat it really takes to follow your heart in male-dominated spacesWhy financial security isn’t just about wealth—it’s about agencyLucy’s life is proof that fear has less power when you have the financial means to choose your own direction. Her voice is an inspiration for any woman facing a turning point and wondering, “Can I really start over?”Spoiler: yes, you can.Some Resources:Lucy Chang Evans | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-chang-evans/Anita Knotts | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-knotts/Lotus Women's Institute: https://lotuswomensinstitute.com/

How do we shift from just building wealth… to using it as a tool for meaningful, transformative change?In this episode, Anita sits down with renowned wealth management visionary and advocate Heather Ettinger, whose life’s work has centered on exactly that. As the founder of Luma Wealth and author of the bestselling book Lumination, Heather helps women align their financial resources with their values to create deep personal and community impact.With more than 35 years in the wealth management industry, Heather is a true trailblazer—educating and activating women to not only build wealth, but use it to lead, influence, and uplift.In this episode, you’ll learn:What happens when fathers raise daughters to lead boldlyWhy authenticity and self-honesty are the foundation of financial empowermentHow Heather’s illumination process helps women turn clarity into impactWhy advisors must stop making assumptions and start listening differentlyHow to find your tribe, stay curious, and lead with purposeHeather shares stories from the frontlines of women’s wealth—reminding us that financial power isn’t just about numbers. It’s about freedom, legacy, and showing up in the world with intention.Some Resources:Heather Ettinger | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherettinger14/Anita Knotts | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-knotts/Lotus Women's Institute: https://lotuswomensinstitute.com/

What drives a white male advisor to champion women and minorities in a traditionally exclusive industry?In this compelling episode, Anita sits down with Tom Canale, founder of Canale Financial Group and a dedicated ally committed to reshaping the wealth management landscape. Tom is on a mission to expand who gets to be in the room—and who gets to thrive.With a powerful mindset of “I don’t have to be one to help one,” Tom shares how he’s mentoring and recruiting diverse talent in a field still dominated by sameness. His work proves that allyship isn’t about checking a box—it’s about building lasting impact.🎧 For those exploring the advisor career path, this episode offers invaluable insights:What it really takes to succeed as a financial advisor (hint: it’s not just about sales)How your mindset can limit—or unlock—your potentialWhy financial planning is a career rooted in purpose, not just productHow to find your voice in an industry that urgently needs more diverse perspectivesWhether you're considering a career in wealth management or mentoring someone who is, this conversation offers a fresh, purpose-driven lens on what it means to lead, serve, and grow in this field.🔔 If you enjoy the episode, be sure to follow, rate, and share Women, Wealth & Wisdom—and help us amplify bold voices and new ideas in finance.Some Resources:Tom Canale | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomascanale/Anita Knotts | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-knotts/Lotus Women's Institute: https://lotuswomensinstitute.com/

In this episode of Women, Wealth & Wisdom, Anita Knotts sits down with trailblazer Kathleen McQuiggan, whose journey from Division I basketball to Wall Street shaped her lifelong passion for gender equity. Inspired early on by the few women leaders she saw at Goldman Sachs, Kathleen has spent her career advocating for greater inclusion in finance—pioneering the movement around gender lens investing. She reminds us that "we are all investors", whether we realize it or not, and encourages listeners to align their money with their values. From joining Women Moving Millions to her annual self-audit ritual, Kathleen shares how she stays connected to purpose—and why investing in women and girls is not just a cause, but a strategy for change.Some Resources:Kathleen McQuiggan | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenmcquiggan/Anita Knotts | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-knotts/Lotus Women's Institute: https://lotuswomensinstitute.com/

In this episode of Women, Wealth & Wisdom, Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton shares her perspective on why diverse leadership is essential — not just in government, but across every system that shapes our lives, including finance. She draws a powerful connection between political change and financial empowerment, reminding us that real progress happens when underrepresented voices have both a platform and the power to act. If we want more inclusive policies and more equitable wealth, we need more women at the table — in boardrooms and in office.Some Resources:Learn more about Juliana: https://ltgov.illinois.gov/Follow Juliana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliana-stratton-esq-63719a12/

In this episode of Women, Wealth & Wisdom, host Anita Knotts is joined by May Vang, Chief Investment Officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota.May shares her extraordinary journey — from growing up in a housing project as the daughter of Hmong refugees to becoming a senior leader in the investment world. Her story is one of grit, grace, and unshakable resolve.Together, Anita and May explore what it takes to rise in an industry where few look like you, how resilience becomes a lifelong asset, and why embracing your identity can be your greatest strength in leadership.This is a conversation about what’s possible — when purpose meets persistence.Some Resources:Follow May on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maydvang/

In this episode of Women, Wealth & Wisdom, host Anita Knotts sits down with Kathleen Burns Kingsbury, wealth psychology expert and author of Breaking Money Silence, for a dynamic conversation about women, money, and the power of speaking up.Kathleen shares a personal childhood story about being told to “take a lunch break” — and how that moment planted the seed for her life’s work: helping women use their voice, especially when it comes to money.Together, Anita and Kathleen explore:The mixed messages women receive about money and power in societyThe three biggest mindset blocks that hold women back from negotiating compensation — and how to overcome themHow to have more confidence and even have fun talking about moneyWhy it’s critical for advisors to better understand and support female clientsWhether you're navigating a raise, building a business, or guiding others in their financial journey, this conversation is a reminder that breaking the silence around money isn’t just brave — it’s transformational.Some Resources:Learn more about Breaking Money Silence: https://www.breakingmoneysilence.com/book/Follow Kathleen:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenburnskingsbury/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathleenburnskingsbury/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakingmoneysilenceWebsite: https://kbkwealthconnection.com/

In this powerful debut episode, host Anita Knotts, founder of the Lotus Women’s Institute, shares why now is the moment to launch Women, Wealth & Wisdom — a podcast years in the making.In conversation with marketing executive Pamela Von Lehmden, Anita opens up about her 30+ year journey in the wealth management industry, her experience as an Indian immigrant, and her mission to create a space where women’s voices, stories, and financial power are fully seen and heard.You’ll hear stories from women in the corporate world, nonprofit sector, public office, and entrepreneurship — all sharing how they’ve navigated challenges, claimed their worth, and redefined success on their own terms. Together, their experiences reveal a powerful truth: when women are economically empowered, they don’t just change their own lives — they change the world.Some ResourcesLotus Women's Institute: https://lotuswomensinstitute.com/Anita Knotts | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-knotts/Pamela Von Lehmden | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelavl/

This is not just a women's podcast...