In this Fearless and Flawed Season 2 opener, we sit down with Cristina Penin—a multidimensional healer and DEIB consultant based in Madrid—to break down the real meaning of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Cristina shares her personal journey as a queer Latina growing up in Queens, the quick wins companies can implement right now, and the deeper cultural shifts that truly retain top talent. We explore the “bro club” dynamics of male-dominated industries, the backlash against DEI in the U.S., and how leaders can balance profit with purpose. This is a raw, empowering, and practical conversation about inclusion, representation, and resilience—without the jargon or judgment.
What if the bravest thing you ever do… is stop pretending you're fine? Meet Iona Holloway: bestselling author of Ghosts, magnetic keynote speaker, ex-Google high-achiever turned imperfection activist—and today’s guest on Fearless and Flawed. She’s not here to sugar-coat the struggle or sell you a “just be confident” script. Iona cracked herself open to stop shrinking. Now? She teaches others how to become the bravest version of themselves—not when they feel ready, but while they're still trembling. From Scottish hockey fields to the pressure-cooker of corporate America, Iona’s story isn’t one of overnight transformation. It’s one of raw reclamation, guided by a life philosophy she calls the 5 & 95 Rule: Live a life that 5-year-old you would be delighted by, and 95-year-old you would be damn proud of. You’ll hear us get bold and beautifully unfiltered about: ✨ High-functioning pain and the invisible weight of “being fine” ✨ Why perfection is an open-air prison (and how to get out) ✨ Her 5-step Brave Methodology for untangling self-doubt ✨ The pressure-cooker of motherhood meets entrepreneurship ✨ Speaking your truth when your voice is shaking ✨ What we owe our 5-year-old selves and 95-year-old future And here’s the sass-kick in the soul: you don’t have to burn it all down to build something braver. You just have to stop abandoning yourself. Loved this episode? Fire it off to a woman in your life who needs to be reminded she’s not broken, she’s awakening. Oh, and if you haven’t already, hit that shiny ‘Subscribe’ button. We’ve got more truth bombs coming right at ya. Come for the fire. Stay for the freedom.
Ever fallen in love with something so deeply that you rearranged your entire life around it? Today’s episode asks that very question—and offers a wildly refreshing answer, in a tiny porcelain cup. Meet Sarika Sake: former United Nations gender advisor turned certified sake professional. She’s not your typical sommelier—she’s a soulful rebel on a mission to revive a 2,000-year-old sacred beverage and reimagine it as a bridge between self-care, culture, and fierce female independence. Over one transformative sip of sake on a family trip to Japan, Sarika knew everything had changed. What followed? A 10-year journey from curiosity to calling—with a few detours into face yoga, skincare, and sparking a cultural renaissance from Madrid to Massachusetts. You’ll hear: 💥 How one accidental taste reawakened ancestral memory—and launched a movement 💥 Why women were banned from brewing sake for centuries (yes, seriously) 💥 How Sarika built not one, but three brands rooted in love, rebellion, and fermentation 💥 What sake can teach us about embracing our contradictions (hello, yoga and cocktails) 💥 The surprising way skincare, storytelling, and spiritual ritual all flow from the same source Turns out, it’s not about choosing one lane—it’s about honoring every part of your story. Sarika reminds us: you’re allowed to evolve. Loudly, lovingly, and a little off-script. Loved this episode? Send it to your favorite wine lover or beauty buff, and make sure you’re subscribed for more real-deal convos every week.
What if chasing the dream means choosing a different one altogether? Annie Woodbury thought she’d be cutting movie trailers in L.A.—but instead, she’s editing wedding films in Florida and loving every second of it. In this episode, we meet a woman who redefined success on her own terms, built a thriving freelance career straight out of college, and discovered that contentment isn’t complacency—it’s a quiet kind of power. We talk creative chaos, algorithm hustle, and what it really costs to be a woman in a creative industry that never stops moving. You’ll hear: - Her scrappy start—dog walking, Upwork gigs, and a Facebook post that changed everything - Building a freelance identity before she even had a diploma - Why she turned down her literal dream job in Hollywood (and what happened next) - Releasing the pressure to “make it big” and choosing to love her life now - The rogue power of picking peace over prestige Sometimes, the boldest move isn’t chasing the most glamorous path—it’s choosing the one that actually fits. Annie’s story is proof that clarity, not clout, is the dream. Know a woman who needs to hear this honest, liberating take on success? Share this episode—and if you haven’t yet, hit subscribe so you never miss a truth bomb. This is Fearless and Flawed. Let’s keep rewriting the rules.
What if the reason you feel stuck isn't because you're doing it wrong—but because you're doing it someone else's way? Meet Aida Ramos: a quiet disruptor in a loud world and the founder of Thinking Side, where meaning is translated—not just words. A sworn translator based in Madrid, Aida didn’t start her business out of confidence. She started it terrified—and did it anyway. This episode peels back the perfectly filtered curtain on what it really takes to build a business when the voice in your head says, “I don’t know where to start.” (Spoiler: You start anyway.) You’ll hear stories of: ✨ Building a global business from scratch—without flashy marketing ✨ The power of referrals, reputation, and real relationships ✨ Going from self-doubt to “actually, I know what I’m doing” ✨ Translation in the age of AI—and why human nuance still wins ✨ The deep emotional labor of bridging culture, context, and meaning ✨ A bold reminder: you only need to be brave one choice at a time Some people translate documents. Aida? She builds bridges between worlds. If you’ve ever wondered whether imperfect action is enough—you’re about to get your answer. Loved it? Then share this with a woman rewriting her own rules. And if you haven’t subscribed to Fearless and Flawed, what are you even doing? Go hit that follow. Let’s keep getting real together.
What if giving up on your dream was the very thing that made it come true? Meet Sion Dayson—award-winning author, voiceover artist, and walking proof that surrender can be a superpower. From a rainy decade in Paris to the sun-drenched coast of Spain, Sion’s journey is packed with unexpected turns, a few publishing heartbreaks, and one very serendipitous mic check that sparked a whole new career. In this episode, we dive into how Sion made the leap from novelist to voiceover pro, what it’s really like building a creative business abroad, and why she believes success doesn’t come from pushing—it comes from paying attention to the lightbulb moments. We talk AI, imposter syndrome, nervous energy (and why dancing it out works), plus what it takes to keep a human voice heard in a machine-driven world. ✨ Key Takeaways: 🎤 Confidence comes after clarity—why Sion trained for 9 months before saying “I’m ready”✨ Serendipity loves a surrender—how letting go brought her two book deals in 48 hours📣 Voiceover is more than talking—a masterclass in breathwork, tech, and self-promotion🤖 AI isn’t the enemy—it’s the prompt for stronger boundaries and better ethics🧠 Your inner voice knows—and it might sound more like a gut feeling than a soundbite Sion’s story is a reminder that reinvention isn’t a detour—it’s part of the path. 🎧 Tune in for a funny, warm, and eye-opening conversation that’ll have you thinking twice about your next “no”... and possibly dancing to Outkast before your next pitch. Want to connect with Sion Dayson or learn more? Head over to fearlessandflawed.com for guest links, episode extras, and more.
That’s the question Julia Horne found herself asking—14 years after turning a nursery sing-along into one of the most joyful, multicultural early years programs in London. She wasn’t trying to become an entrepreneur. She was a singer, a mum, and a volunteer with a knack for connecting through music. But one forgotten playlist (hello ADHD), a car full of reggae and calypso CDs, and a very enthusiastic group of toddlers later… Juma’s Journeys was born. Fast-forward over a decade, and Julia’s created something remarkable: 🦁 A signature character (Juma the Lion!) 🌍 A monthly travel-the-world class for kids aged 0–5 🎶 A curriculum that celebrates global music, sensory play, and imagination 📦 48+ multicultural lesson plans—with parents begging for more But the real story? It’s what happens when a founder finally sees her idea for what it really is—not just a local class, but a movement. One with global legs. In this Fearless and Flawed episode, we talk about: 🦁 Turning passion into a franchise model 🦁 Why kids’ classes are really about educating parents 🦁 Pricing, planning, and growing after you’ve already succeeded 🦁 How to show up, even when you don’t feel “business-minded” 🦁 The big vision: Juma boxes, Juma shows, and cultural experiences in every living room Julia’s story is proof that you don’t need a pitch deck or an MBA to create something powerful—you need a spark, a map, and a parachute (literally… she has one). ✨ Listen to the full episode in the comments—and bring your whole imagination with you.
You know those moments when burnout forces you to rethink everything—and you come out the other side stronger, fiercer, and doing squats like a boss? That’s exactly how Vanesa Nicolosi turned a career crisis into Grow StrongHer, a bold fitness movement helping women reclaim their strength, energy, and confidence. But this isn’t your typical “I fell into fitness” story. Vanesa’s journey took her from Argentina to Dubai to Spain, navigating high-stress jobs, a major injury, and a life-altering realization: movement isn’t just about the body—it’s about healing the mind too. Now, through her personalized programs and online community, she’s changing the way women move, think, and thrive. In this episode, Vanesa gets real about what it takes to build a brand from scratch (hello, 2 free ads and sheer grit), why strength training is non-negotiable, and how she’s helping women everywhere ditch the scale and grow strong on their own terms. Key Takeaways: 💪 How burnout, injury, and a bold leap led Vanesa to launch Grow StrongHer 💪 The truth about strength training—and why it’s about life, not looks 💪 How to start a business when you have no clue, no clients, and a pandemic 💪 The real mindset shift that fuels long-term wellness (spoiler: it's not about bikini season) 💪 Why empowering women to move is about more than fitness—it’s about freedom Vanesa’s story is your reminder that building something meaningful doesn’t require perfect timing or a perfect plan—just the courage to start, the heart to keep going, and the belief that strength is already inside you. Ready to move, grow, and thrive? Visit growstrongher.com and start your journey today.
You know those moments where everything shifts—not because of a grand plan, but because you finally said yes to yourself? That’s exactly how Gabrielle Thil went from IP lawyer and filmmaker… to walking 1,000 miles across Spain and becoming a spiritual somatic love coach. Yep, you read that right. Gabrielle swapped courtrooms and camera sets for breathwork, energy healing, and helping women rebuild self-trust so they can attract the love they deeply deserve. But this isn’t your typical “find your purpose” fairytale. It’s raw, radiant, and real. Gabrielle opens up about living with vitiligo, navigating vulnerability in her 20s, and how learning to feel—really feel—was the most radical thing she ever did. Spoiler: it led to her husband, her business, and a whole new way of being. In this episode, we explore the messy, magical path from heartbreak to healing, from somatic work to soulful love—and why your breath and your body already hold the map. Key Takeaways: 💫 Why somatic work is the game-changer most mindset methods miss 💫 How one 1,000-mile pilgrimage rewrote her story (and her love life) 💫 The nervous system shift that makes you magnetic—not desperate 💫 Reclaiming pleasure as power, even when you're running a business 💫 What it really means to trust yourself again after heartbreak Gabrielle’s story is a reminder that healing isn’t a detour—it’s the direct path to who you’re meant to be. Want more? Visit gabriellethil.com or follow her on Instagram for calming vibes, real talk, and plenty of light.
Ready to decode the unspoken rules of global communication... and maybe finally understand what “we’ll see” really means? Meet Csenge Fazekas, intercultural trainer and founder of Cultural Origami, who helps expats, teams, and curious humans navigate the glorious (and sometimes totally confusing) mess of culture clashes, communication breakdowns, and time zone tangles. From her Hungarian roots to life in Spain—with a stopover in multicultural Belgium—Csenge’s story is all about embracing difference, asking better questions, and learning how not to take things so personally. In this episode, we dive deep into cultural values, dinner party timing disasters (looking at you, Cairo), and the silent codes that shape how we connect, critique, and celebrate each other. Whether you’ve moved countries or just married someone from a different zip code, this one will have you nodding, laughing, and rethinking your RSVP strategy. Key Takeaways: 🌍 Direct doesn’t mean rude – Understanding communication styles can save your feelings and your friendships. 🌍 Time is not universal – 8PM in Spain? That means 10. Maybe. 🌍 Culture is everywhere – You don’t need a passport to have a culture clash; it can happen at your own dinner table. 🌍 Don’t assume. Ask. – Csenge’s golden rule: curiosity is the ultimate cultural superpower. 🌍 And yes, we talk dessert – Because who doesn’t want to know what creamy-chocolatey treat wins in Madrid? If you’ve ever felt lost in translation—or just want to understand people better—this episode is your permission slip to get it wrong, learn out loud, and laugh your way through the mess. Hit play and join the convo with Csenge Fazekas. Want to work with Csenge or learn more about Cultural Origami? Head over to fearlessandflawed.com for all the links, guest details, and ways to connect. We’ve got everything waiting for you in the show notes!
You know those big, bold moves that start with a little nudge—and maybe a cupcake? That’s exactly how Susan Kellerman went from baking Christmas cookies in Madrid to running one of the city’s most beloved American-style dessert businesses: Tasty Cakes. But this isn’t your average “follow your dream” story. Susan moved from the US to Spain, taught music full-time, and somehow ended up elbow-deep in frosting with a business that now serves Madrid’s expat crowd (and plenty of sweet-toothed locals too). She didn’t have a plan—just passion, grit, and one fearless friend who refused to let her say no to starting. In this episode, Susan spills the real tea (and maybe a little vanilla extract) on what it’s really like to run a product-based business in a country that doesn’t exactly crave cupcakes. From time management chaos to cultural baking clashes, she shares the behind-the-scenes moments that make entrepreneurship messy, magical, and totally worth it. Key Takeaways: 🧁 Why “just one order” from a friend can change your entire career 🧁 The real hustle behind pretty pastries—think spreadsheets, not sprinkles 🧁 What happens when your product doesn’t fit the local taste (hint: you don’t change it) 🧁 Ingredient drama, expat marketing, and running a business in your second language 🧁 Why Susan refuses to sacrifice quality—even if it means growing slower Susan’s story is a delicious reminder that building something meaningful doesn’t require a million-dollar plan—just the guts to show up, the smarts to learn as you go, and the courage to keep baking your way forward (even when the frosting melts). Hungry for more? Visit tastycakesmadrid.com and get a slice of the magic yourself.
Is planning a family vacation stressing you out before you’ve even booked the flights? You’re not alone—and this episode of Fearless and Flawed is your permission slip to stop overwhelm-booking and start travel-planning with purpose. Whether you're juggling school holidays, dietary restrictions, sensory needs, or just trying to keep everyone happy without losing your mind—this conversation is for you. This week, we're joined by Brianna Hawes, a travel advisor who’s reimagining what family travel can look like: more adventure, less anxiety. As a mom, a certified autism travel specialist, and a planning obsessive (the kind of person who lives for digging into flight schedules and hotel reviews), Brianna brings both personal experience and pro-level expertise. We dive into: Why most family vacations feel like more work, not a break—and how to flip the scriptThe hidden cost of “do-it-yourself” travel planning (spoiler: it’s not just money—it’s your sanity)What soft adventure travel is and why it’s the sweet spot between relaxing and exploringHow to create trips that work for everyone—even when family interests are wildly differentTravel tips for families with neurodivergent kids (including sensory-friendly airports and autism-certified resorts)Why dreaming about travel is not a waste of time—and how planning ahead supports mental healthThe real difference between a travel agent and a travel advisor in 2025—and why it matters Brianna also shares a personal travel horror story (involving wildfires, flight delays, rental car drama, and hotel chaos) that solidified her mission: to help families travel with confidence, clarity, and a whole lot more joy. And if you’ve ever: • Googled “best family-friendly resorts” and ended up with 74 tabs open • Been paralyzed by too many choices (and conflicting reviews) • Traveled with kids and returned home more exhausted than when you left Then get ready—because this episode will shift the way you think about travel forever. PLUS: Tips on creating forever memories, even if you don’t leave your time zone. ✨ Whether you're dreaming about zip-lining through rainforests or just looking for a hotel that won’t make you cry, this one’s for every woman trying to keep the magic in the family vacation—without sacrificing her own peace. Listen now and find out how Brianna Hawes is helping families travel smarter, not harder. 🌴 Want more of Brianna’s travel wisdom? Check out her Facebook group: Adventures and Family Travel for tips, destination ideas, and the occasional dreamy flight deal. https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinfamilytravel/
What if the thing holding you back… is a truth you’re too scared to say out loud? In this episode, we sit down with Elizabeth Carrington—master certified coach and founder of the Life Attunement Coaching Method—for a conversation that’s part life story, part soul tune-up, and entirely unforgettable. Elizabeth has been coaching for nearly 30 years (before it was even cool) and has helped high-achieving women stop hiding behind “having it all together” and start living in full alignment—with their voice, their power, and their wild, sacred truth. She opens up about the moment she knew she had to end her 13-year relationship—and how helping other women do the same held up a mirror to her own life. From childhood dreams of traveling the world to deep healing from chronic illness, Elizabeth’s story is a masterclass in what it means to choose yourself—over and over again. We cover: ✨ What coaching really is (and what it isn’t) ✨ Why your body often knows before your brain does ✨ The hidden cost of staying in something that looks “fine on paper” ✨ How to start listening to your intuition—without blowing up your life overnight ✨ Daily practices to reconnect with your truth (no crystals required) If you’ve ever felt the nudge to shift—but couldn’t explain why—this one’s for you. It’s raw, grounded, and full of the kind of wisdom that gives you chills (the good kind). Because sometimes, freedom starts with a whisper: This isn’t it. Inspired by Elizabeth’s story? Don’t keep it to yourself. Share this episode with a friend who’s standing at a crossroads—and make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss next week’s deep, real, and fearless conversation.
Ever found yourself doomscrolling at 2 AM, knowing you should be asleep but somehow unable to put your phone down? Or feeling like you’re constantly running on empty—despite knowing all the “right” things you should be doing for your health? In this episode of Fearless and Flawed, Renee Mosier, a wellness coach specializing in sleep, stress management, and recovery, breaks down why we sabotage our own well-being—and how to turn things around (without a complete lifestyle overhaul). We dive into: ✨ The science of sleep—what’s actually keeping you up at night (hint: it’s not just caffeine) ✨ Revenge bedtime procrastination—why we stay up late on purpose and how to break the cycle ✨ Doomscrolling detox—small steps to reduce late-night phone binges (without going cold turkey) ✨ Breathwork for stress relief—how a simple four-second breathing technique can instantly shift your state ✨ Why most wellness goals fail—and how to set ones you’ll actually stick to Renee also shares her own wake-up call—a sudden health crisis that changed her perspective on wellness forever—and why rest is just as important as hustle when it comes to success. If you’re tired of feeling exhausted (literally and figuratively), this episode will help you take back control—one small step at a time. Want more of Renee’s wellness insights? Connect with her on LinkedIn!
Ever walk into a room and immediately feel off—or, on the flip side, totally at peace? That’s not an accident. Interior designer and psychology-of-space expert Anna Costa believes that the way we design our surroundings has a direct impact on how we think, feel, and function. In this episode of Fearless and Flawed, Anna takes us on a journey from growing up in a one-room apartment in Russia (where "personal space" wasn’t a thing) to redefining what interior design should be—functional, livable, and made for real life (yes, even if your dining table is currently doubling as a laundry station). We dive into: ✨ The science behind how space influences our mood and productivity ✨ Why clutter is secretly stressing you out—and what to do about it ✨ How corporate spaces and homes alike can be optimized for creativity and calm ✨ The biggest design mistakes people make (hint: it’s not just about color) ✨ How to balance beauty with actual livability—because, let’s be real, that white couch isn’t surviving kids and red wine If you’ve ever felt like your home or office isn’t working for you, this episode will change the way you see your space—and maybe even yourself. Want to transform your space with Anna’s expertise? Visit idbyanna.com to learn more!
aSome people follow a straight path. Sairan Aqwari? She carves her own. From teaching engineering and leadership to working at the UN to becoming a certified coach, Sairan’s career is a masterclass in reinvention. But her story isn’t just about career shifts—it’s about having the courage to ask, "What else am I capable of?" After years of excelling in technical fields, Sairan realized that being great at math and engineering wasn’t the limit of her skills. She had a passion for mentorship, leadership, and making a real impact—especially for younger women. That realization led her to ditch a PhD, step onto the speaking stage, and ultimately embrace coaching as her calling. In this episode, we dig into the big leaps, the unexpected pivots, and the moments of self-doubt that shaped her journey. Sairan shares how she went from following the “safe” path to building a career that actually lights her up—and how you can do the same. Key Takeaways: 🔥 How to recognize when it’s time to pivot (and actually do it) 🔥 Why technical skills are great—but human connection is greater 🔥 The power of mentorship and leadership in building a legacy 🔥 Why walking away from the wrong path can lead you to the right one If you’ve ever felt boxed in by expectations, this episode is your permission slip to break the mold and build something bold. 🎧 Hit play and get inspired!
You know that feeling—the one where life’s throwing curveballs, and you start wondering, Is this really it? For Robin Brodsky, that moment came while sitting in a Harvard job she hated, fantasizing about popping a tire just to skip the workday. (Relatable, right?) But Robin’s story isn’t just about leaving a soul-crushing job—it’s about the power of reinvention. After being laid off twice (including on 9/11, while working at Logan Airport), battling toxic workplaces, and navigating a nightmare condo purchase that nearly derailed her sanity, Robin made a choice: She wasn’t going to let life keep driving. She was grabbing the damn wheel. Fast forward to today—Robin’s living in Spain’s stunning Basque Country, leading curated travel experiences for solo female adventurers through her company, All Set to Jet. It’s more than a trip; it’s a confidence boost, a safe space, and a reminder that traveling alone doesn’t mean you’re on your own. In this episode, Robin spills all the tea—on bad bosses, real estate disasters, the joy of solo travel, and how she built a business around helping women feel comfortable and empowered while seeing the world. Key Takeaways: ✈️ When a “dream job” turns into a nightmare – How Robin pivoted (again and again) until she found her true passion. ✈️ Solo travel myths (and why most of them are total BS) – The real fears women face and how Robin helps squash them. ✈️ Turning setbacks into stepping stones – From career nosedives to personal breakthroughs. ✈️ Building a business with heart – Why All Set to Jet isn’t just another group tour. ✈️ Health, happiness & the power of place – How living in Spain literally healed Robin’s body and mind. Robin’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to pack your bags, rewrite your story, and chase what actually makes you happy. Whether you’re dreaming of your next adventure or stuck wondering what’s next in life, this episode is your permission slip to go for it. Ready to jet? Find your next adventure at allsettojet.com. Because life’s too short for boring trips—and even shorter for shitty jobs.
Ever feel like self-care is just another chore on your never-ending to-do list? Same. That’s why this week on Fearless and Flawed, we’re hanging with Transformational Coach Michele Julian, whose first step to “waking up” involved a literal wake-up call—a motorcycle accident. (Spoiler: she survived, ditched the corporate sales gig, and dove headfirst into healing her own body and mind.) If you’ve been hustling for that quick fix—like dropping five pounds only to gain six—Michele’s got news: There’s no 30-day solution for real change. Instead, she’s all about picking a card first thing in the morning, journaling about your random epiphanies (or donut regrets), and silencing the “shame monster” with a big dose of no-bad-parts compassion. Because, as Michelle puts it, all those “flaws” you stress over? They’re pure gold waiting to be mined. In This Episode, We Chat About: Rewiring Self-Care Myths: Why you don’t have to sweat your booty off at 5 AM to be “worthy.”Daily Rituals that Actually Stick: Think card-pulling, mindset shifts, and baby steps that pack a punch.No Bad Parts (For Real!): How befriending your anxiety, anger, or people-pleaser streak might be your secret weapon.Healing vs. Quick-Fixing: Tapping into your own inner guru instead of hopping onto the next 30-day bandwagon.Turning Flaws into Fuel: Yes, even the parts of you that you’re certain need “fixing” can be the spark for your biggest breakthroughs. Michele’s warmth, wit, and zero-BS wisdom will have you embracing your messiness, cranking up the inner goddess vibes, and realizing your best life is an everyday practice—not a one-and-done sprint. So, grab your journal, pull a card, and join us for a conversation that’s equal parts hilarious and eye-opening. Connect with Michele: Check out JulianGoddessCoaching.com or find her on Instagram at @JulianMethod—and get ready to ditch the guilt and own your glorious imperfections. Because flaws aren’t flaws at all; they’re the fuel for your most fearless moves!
You know that one idea—the one that pops into your head and refuses to leave? The one that makes you say, Wait… why doesn’t this exist already? For Sarah Neal, it was simple: Why can’t a greeting card come with cake? And just like that, InstaCake Cards was born—because who wouldn’t want to rip open an envelope and find a party inside? But here’s the thing: dreaming up a brilliant idea is the easy part. Turning it into an actual, functioning, money-making business? That’s where things get messy (sometimes literally, when you’re in the business of cake). Sarah didn’t just whip up a novelty—she built a full-fledged company, learning (sometimes the hard way) how to navigate manufacturing, cash flow, inventory nightmares, and all the fun legal headaches no one tells you about. In this episode, she’s bringing the real, no-BS truth about product-based businesses—what worked, what flopped, and what she wishes someone had warned her about before she started. Key Takeaways: 🎂 Test before you invest – How Sarah made sure her “cake in a card” idea wasn’t just cute, but actually sellable. 🎂 Not all growth is good growth – Why saying no can be just as powerful as saying yes. 🎂 Scaling is a beast – The unseen struggles of growing a product-based business (spoiler: it’s nothing like scaling a service). 🎂 Legal drama and brand protection – What to do before someone tries to rip off your idea. 🎂 Cash flow & inventory chaos – The mistakes that nearly broke the business (and how she fixed them). Sarah’s journey is proof that success isn’t about perfection—it’s about creativity, adaptability, and sheer, stubborn persistence. Whether you’re hustling a product, running a service-based biz, or just starting to dip your toes into entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with the kind of insights you need. Want to see her in action? Check out instacakecard.com. Because let’s be real—everything is better with cake.
Change is inevitable, but transitions? Those are messy. And often, we’re so focused on the external steps—updating résumés, moving cities, starting over—that we forget about the internal journey happening beneath the surface. Enter Madjeen Lorthe, a certified life and career transition coach with over two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership and mental health counseling. Madjeen helps women of color navigate life’s biggest shifts—career changes, leadership transitions, personal reinventions—with clarity, confidence, and intention. In this episode, she shares her own deeply personal journey from nonprofit leadership to coaching, the unexpected burnout that forced her to pause, and the powerful realizations that helped her rebuild her path on her own terms. Key Takeaways: The difference between change and transition—and why mastering both mattersSigns your body is telling you it’s time to pivot (before burnout forces you)How to let go of the dream you thought you wanted—without losing yourselfWhy women struggle to prioritize themselves—and how to break the cycle If you’ve ever felt stuck, uncertain, or overwhelmed by what’s next, this episode will give you the perspective—and the tools—to navigate your transition well. Listen in and ask yourself: Where in my life do I need to be instead of just do?