Points of Courage

They say everything's bigger in Texas, and when it comes to weddings, that’s usually true. As a rising star on the Dallas wedding scene though, Meggie Francisco didn’t feel that bigger was always better, and she followed a hunch that told her other people would agree. In this episode, Jessica talks with Meggie about where that hunch led her, and what it’s like to settle into a new city as a self-made small business owner.

On paper, there’s a lot that’s admirable about Scott Kaufman: he has a Ph.D. from Columbia University; he worked for years to reduce corporate carbon footprints; he built a successful big data startup, which he founded soon after receiving a life-changing diagnosis. But listen to him talk and you’ll realize it’s his thoughtful philosophy in the face of life’s range of challenges that makes him an admirable (and successful) entrepreneur and global citizen. 

When Jo Williams joined the U.S. Army, she was out of shape and unclear on where her path was headed. Fifteen years later, Jo is a decorated combat veteran and sits at the head of Inferno Fitness, an exercise brand that spans three states and counting. In this episode, Jessica Jackley goes deep with Jo about the long road she took to shape up her health, life, and career.

Dipesh Patel has done what most people dream of doing but few actually do: quit their day job to start their own business. He scratched that insatiable itch to successfully launch his technology consulting firm, Solvegy. In this episode, he speaks about providing solutions for an industry the world relies on, the courage it took to get to where he is today, and why his favorite hashtag is #dosomething.

Catherine Mattice’s journey from receptionist at a startup to HR director showed her she could conquer any challenge—even starting her own business. She went on to found Civility Partners, an HR consulting firm dedicated to ending workplace bullying. Catherine opens up about the financial and emotional importance of ending workplace abuse, the courage it took to start her company, and the advice every aspiring entrepreneur should hear.

Louise Sattler learned sign language in college on a whim. After two decades working as a school psychologist and using sign language to help children with developmental challenges, Louise Sattler launched Signing Families, a sign language instructional company that provides resources to help first responders, educators and families communicate with individuals with exceptional needs. Sattler speaks honestly and openly about the bumps in the road to success and why she had the courage to keep building.

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