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Resilient Entrepreneurs

Author: Vicki Abraham and Laura Bell

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Resilience means different things to different people and in business, being resilient can help us thrive.
In this podcast we chat with entrepreneurs from all walks of life, in different stages of business and across industry sectors.
You'll hear their stories and can find comfort, strength and humour in knowing that whatever we go through, we're not alone!
In each short episode you'll find something to relate to. It's our hope that these real life stories will lift your resilience so you can create a business that's everything you want, and more.
164 Episodes
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End of Season 7

End of Season 7

2025-10-0318:31

In this Season 7 finale, we’re spotlighting the bold, brilliant women who have game-changing opinions and visions for change. We hope their episodes might also change your mind about what’s possible. We got real about the perfectionism girls are taught vs the bravery boys are handed, and how those early lessons still shape us as entrepreneurs. Imagine that! This wrap-up episode brings you quick-hit insights from every conversation, perfect whether you’ve been tuning in weekly or have just discovered the Resilient Entrepreneurs Podcast. Who’s going to tip you over the edge? To launch that idea, make that pitch, or take the leap you’ve been sitting on? 👉 Hit play to find out. One of these women will help you say yes to you. Loved Season 7? Please follow, subscribe, or drop us a review. We love it when you do and it helps more great women find us. You can also share this episode with someone who needs a little encouragement to go for it. Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/SUtu2ywfvWA?si=I5iD5L3zBsSyfZdI 
As entrepreneurs, our default response to stress is often to add more: another system, another hack, another early-morning routine. But what if the key to resilience is actually stopping, not stacking?   In this episode, Hawa Kombian, a Leadership and Burnout Resilience Coach chatted with us from Ghana. She breaks down the four “burnout masks” that entrepreneurs and leaders wear in our attempt to achieve success - meanwhile our health, relationships, and clarity quietly unravel. She shares why mission-driven leaders are especially at risk, and how shifting from adding more to stopping what no longer serves you is the real path to sustainable success.   What You’ll Learn:    📌 Why adding more productivity hacks can actually fuel burnout  📌The four “burnout masks” entrepreneurs wear (and which one might be yours)  📌How brain fog signals burnout before physical symptoms appear  📌Why sustainable leadership begins with stopping, not pushing harder  📌The difference between resilience and just grinding through challenges   Feeling like your business is “successful” but is secretly draining you? You’re not alone. This episode is your reminder:   You don’t have to add more.  You need rather to allow room to breathe and release.   🎧 Listen here → https://youtu.be/OtV8mBAOxP4  🌟 Connect with Hawa → https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhkombian 
Change can start in seemingly ordinary moments. For Jana Black, it was standing in a toy aisle, one side branded pink, the other blue. A magic sink for girls - action figures and adventure for boys. The stereotypes were glaring, and the message is limiting. Jana’s frustration and her need for something different for her daughters, led to her solving the problem. That moment sparked SeeMeBe Toys, a collection of diverse, inspired plush dolls designed to open conversations about possibility and potential for every child. In this episode, we talk with Jana about her bold leap from being a journalist to becoming an entrepreneur, the courage it takes to embrace being the face of your business, and the journey of building a purposeful brand. We chat about: 💡 How we must be the solution to the problem that irks us the most 🚫 The vulnerable side of personal branding (and the growth it brings) 🧸 The unseen role toys play in shaping how kids see themselves and their future 🤝 How your story creates more valuable connections. Jana’s story is proof that meaningful businesses often begin with a simple spark, the decision to challenge what feels wrong and replace it with something better. Watch now → https://youtu.be/u-M3C8bdevE?si=U2PLEeF14NDJaXu2 👉 Connect with Jana on LinkedIn and follow her journey creating toys that inspire possibility. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jana-black-a93713140/   Meet the SeeMeBe Toys here: http://seemebetoys.com/ 
What if the only thing holding you back from real success… is not trusting yourself enough? When was the last time you second-guessed a business decision? Or stayed stuck, waiting to feel “ready”? For many high-achieving women, self-doubt, not lack of skill, is the real bottleneck to growth. In this episode, real estate powerhouse Mandy McAllister shares how learning to trust her own judgment took her from panic attacks in a hospital parking lot to leading a nine-figure apartment portfolio. But this isn’t a story about overnight success. It’s about not trying for ‘balance’, letting go of ‘being good’, and practicing being ‘all-in’ on one thing at a time. In this episode, we explore: 💭 Why women are conditioned to doubt their judgment (and how to break that pattern) 🚫 How perfectionism keeps you stuck - and how “reasonable enough” sets you free 🧠 The real reason you might be the bottleneck in your business 🎯 The “boulder vs. pebbles” focus method for getting more done 🙌 Why ‘balance’ is BS! If you’ve ever felt like you’re the only one who doesn’t have it all figured out, or if you’re tired of playing small while others take bold action, this episode will remind you: You don’t need permission. You just need to start trusting yourself. 🎧 Watch the full episode now → https://youtu.be/5zh6t59G97Y 🌟 Explore more empowering conversations with Mandy at: gobundancewomen.com/podcast
When Andrea Buck’s film The Jammed was rejected everywhere, most people would’ve quit. She didn’t. Instead, it went on to break box office records and spark national conversations about a deeply important issue - human trafficking. On this episode of Resilient Entrepreneurs, Andrea, filmmaker, TEDx speaker, and Coach to the Creative Industries, opens up about what really happens behind the curtain of success. From battling imposter syndrome even at the top, to knowing when to pivot and when to persist, her story is raw, real, and full of twists and turns that we can all be inspired by. We cover: ✨ Why self-doubt never truly disappears (and why that’s okay) 🚀 Why course-correcting is better than a pivot for your business 💎 Why authenticity is the most underrated business strategy 🧠 Protecting your “mental diet” in a world of information overload If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong, like rejection means the end, or like you’re building something no one ‘gets’ yet, this episode will remind you: you’re not alone. 🎧 Listen or watch now and ask yourself: Why was it important to me that I start this?Watch Andrea’s TEDx Talk and get inspired: https://youtu.be/iX083d3R9qo?si=in5dfExeIXD4cW4D
The 3.5x multiplier most founders ignore Jennifer Kaplan, earned media has 3.5x more impact than advertising, yet most of us avoid it because it feels uncomfortable. That discomfort? It's actually your signal that growth is around the corner. Silence is never neutral When something goes wrong in your business, staying quiet creates a vacuum others will fill with speculation. The fix is simpler than you think: "We hear you and we're addressing it" keeps trust intact while you work behind the scenes. The moment you go into hiding, you're letting other people write your story. Communication doesn't have to be perfect - it just has to exist. Even acknowledging the situation buys you time and maintains your relationship with your audience. Your reputation is happening whether you manage it or not Every email you send, every introduction you make, every comment you leave online, these small moments are building the perception that becomes your business reality. You're already creating a reputation; the question is whether you're being intentional about it. Jennifer shared how her brand identity differs from her reputation: "Perception is reality. If you're the one that was interviewed, people immediately think you must be the expert they should call." The opportunity sits in recognising that you don't need more credentials, you need more visibility of what you already know. Fear is just data, not a stop sign The discomfort you feel before hitting publish or speaking on stage isn't a warning, it's evidence you're stepping into the visibility your business actually needs. Jennifer's mum taught her that "fear is the real F-word," and the solution isn't becoming fearless - it's acting anyway. When you shift your mindset from "What will they think?" to "Who might I help?", the uncomfortable feeling transforms into purposeful action. Your expertise has the power to solve someone else's problem, and that's worth the temporary discomfort of putting yourself out there. Listen to Jennifer's complete perspective on building thought leadership confidence. 🎧 Listen now and start owning the authority you already have. About Jennifer Kaplan Jennifer Kaplan runs a PR agency in Scottsdale, Arizona, helping entrepreneurs and brands navigate everything from national media coverage to crisis communications. She believes every founder already has what it takes to be seen as a thought leader—it's about using PR as a tool to amplify what's real, not hide behind what's polished. Her approach focuses on earned media that builds genuine authority rather than manufactured credibility.
When Anya Cheng moved from Taiwan to the US, people told her her English was “too broken” to work in the marketing sector. Today? She’s the Founder & CEO of Taelor, an AI-powered men’s clothing subscription service that’s raised $1M, won Marketing Excellence Award of the Year, and is redefining effortless style. A Girls in Tech 40 Under 40 honoree, she’s also led innovation teams at Meta, eBay, Target, and McDonald’s. In this episode, we explore what happens when you refuse to let other people’s doubts define your future. From testing her idea with a $10 Shopify page (and landing a customer who tracked her down), to raising $1M without a tech background, to turning “outsider” status into her biggest advantage, this conversation is honest, inspiring, and an enthralling story. We cover: 📍Landing your first customer before building the product 📍Raising $1M without a Silicon Valley network 📍Why authenticity beats perfection every time 🎧Listen now and ask yourself: What’s the next bold step you can take in your business? 📲 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this with your entrepreneurial crew. Experience effortless style with rental and personal styling services: 📌Taelor: Get 25% OFF your first month of men's clothing subscription. Use code: PODCAST25 Sign up at: https://taelor.style/pages/membership 📌Armoire: Get 50% OFF your first month of women's clothing subscription. Use code: ArmoirexTaelor Sign up at: https://www.armoire.style/refer/ArmoirexTaelor Give the gift of time, convenience, and effortless style: 📌Taelor Gift Cards: Get 10% OFF Use code: PODCASTGIFT Purchase at: https://taelor.style/products/menswear-rental-gift-card
The CEO Who Never Wanted to Be One (And Why She’s Great at It) Someone literally forced Vicky Brown into entrepreneurship. Now, 25 years later, she's the CEO helping entrepreneurs to build teams that create results. Vicky shares… 🔥 The recruiting secret that attracts the right people to your business (it's about marketing, not posting) 💡 Why Tuesday mornings can be special! 🚫 Why you should never use personality profiles when hiring 🎯 The interview questions to ask - and not - when interviewing candidates ⚡ Why hiring people just like you will sabotage your growth (and what to do instead) 🤖 Why AI is your friend, not your enemy - and how to use it without losing the human touch 🎧 Ready to build a team that can grow your business?  Watch or listen now - your approach to hiring can transform your business. Connect with Vicky: Leaders Journey TV: / @leadersjourneytv 🎧 Listen now to shift how you think about hiring, leadership, and building a resilient business.
What if you could build significant wealth by stepping away from your business? Nikki Nash, Author and Entrepreneur discovered this with a wake-up call - a serious car accident forced her to ask: If I disappear tomorrow, does my business survive without me? We sat down with Nikki to explore how she shifted from chasing income to building lasting wealth and how she’s now showing you how to do it too. Here’s what we covered: 📌Revenue ≠ Wealth: Why service-based businesses are often overworked and undervalued 📌Asset Thinking: Systems, SOPs, and offers that grow your business value 📌Learning from the 1%: How mentors can change the trajectory of your thinking 📌Marketing = Dating: Her fun, effective framework for attracting aligned clients 📌Permission to do it your way: Let go of “shoulds” and build the business that fits you   🎧 Listen now and start building the kind of business that doesn’t need you glued to it 24/7   📘 Grab Nikki’s book Market Your Genius - hhttps://bit.ly/3HlcX6j 🎙️ Listen to The Market Your Genius Podcast for more smart, actionable advice. https://bit.ly/3J7Mfic
What if the secret to achieving more is doing less? In this episode with Vicki and Laura, we focused on the lie we've all been sold - that busyness equals success. Our guest, Peggy Sullivan, bestselling author and TEDx speaker (with over 1 million views), shares her deeply personal wake-up call that exposed the cost of overworking. That sent her on a mission to show other women how you can reclaim your time, energy, and joy. Peggy shares her three-step "Busy-Busting" framework: 📌Subtraction – eliminate low-value tasks stealing your focus 📌Mojo Making – daily rituals that boost energy and mindset 📌Values Vibing – align your schedule with what matters most You’ll also learn: ✔ The truth behind time poverty and why multitasking is a myth ✔ Peggy’s “11am chocolate routine" (yes, chocolate!) ✔ Why micro-steps matter more than big leaps ✔ How your corporate burnout might be the best thing to happen for you. 🎧 Listen now and find out how to escape the busyness trap without sacrificing your ambition. 📘 Grab her book Beyond Busyness: How to Achieve More by Doing Less 🎥 Watch her TEDx talk (1.1M+ views!) here: Peggy Sullivan TEDX Talk
When ChatGPT told our guest Sreyna Rath she was “good at baking,” she didn’t just get annoyed… she built Jaimee, the world’s first female-focused AI companion. In this episode, we (Vicki and Laura) sat down with Sreyna to unpack what happens when you stop trying to fit in and start building something the world really needs. From battling imposter syndrome as a woman coder in a man-tech world, to being OK with the haters, and inviting an innovative and ethical advisory board, this conversation is as bold and honest as it gets. We talk about: 📌Why true gender equality means women don’t have to be exceptional to belong 📌The quiet (and dangerous) gender bias baked into AI tech 📌Building a dream team with no budget. 📌Why it’s okay to stop convincing skeptics Whether you’ve ever felt underestimated, unheard, or like you’re building something no one gets yet, this episode is for you. And if you, like us, weren’t aware that 700 million people are already using AI companions daily, watch this! 🎧 Listen now and ask yourself: What’s the change you’re brave enough to create? 📲 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this with your entrepreneurial peeps. 📘 Read about Sreyna’s journey featured on 60 Minutes and beyond: https://jaimee.ai/blog/60-minutes-sreyna-rath-jaimee-interview Download Jaimee from your App Store to be introduced to your next best friend.
“Who am I to speak on stage?” It’s a question too many brilliant women ask themselves—while stages remain dominated by men, 3 to 1. In this episode of Resilient Entrepreneurs Podcast, Gail Watson, founder of Women’s Speakers Association, shares how women can stop second-guessing themselves and start owning the message they were born to share. She’s not just talking about speaking gigs - she’s talking about standing in your truth. We had a delightful conversation about: 🎤 How to turn fear into fuel 🔥 How you know that your message matters 👭 The power of finding your people - community changes everything 💡 How to uncover the message you’re meant to share 🗣️ Why women’s stories are so powerful This episode isn’t about being louder. It’s about being real. And being heard. 🎧 Listen now and see why “I’m not a speaker”, may not actually be true. 👉 More about Gail and Women’s Speakers Association: https://www.womenspeakersassociation.com/ 📘 Check out Voices of the 21st Century: https://voicesofthe21stcenturybook.com/
"From living room sales to 120 franchises" — Rhea Lana Riner didn’t plan to become a business founder. She just needed to make ends meet. What started as a side hustle in her living room turned into a franchise model now helping thousands of women build flexible, profitable businesses across 27 states. With no business background, she built a model centered on generosity, community, and flexibility — proving that part-time businesses can have full-time impact. 🔑 What You’ll Learn: - How a side hustle turned into a national franchise - Why having no business background worked in her favor The power of values in scaling across 27 states - How “inverted royalties” flipped franchising norms - Why pop-up events work better than storefronts - How her business supports women through different life seasons 🎧 Tune in to hear how one mom built a movement — and why your best business ideas often start with solving your own problems. 👉 Learn more about Rhea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhea-lana-riner-84874035/  
What if the key to building wealth isn’t working harder—but breathing better? In this new episode of Season 7 of Resilient Entrepreneurs Podcast, we connected with Monica Garcia Duggal—Wall Street veteran and “billion dollar coach”, to explore the surprising link between breathwork and business success. Monica reveals how just one minute of intentional breath can improve decision-making by 30%, shift fear into excitement, and help you lead with clarity, not stress. She also shares: 🌬️ The 1-minute breathwork routine that top entrepreneurs use daily 📦 Her “Tinkerbell Quadrant” for turning big dreams into focused action 📈 The 1% Rule for consistent, compounding growth 💡 Why wealth is actually about mindset, money, and energy 🎧 Listen now to learn how your breath may be your most underrated business tool.   📘 The Power of Breath by Monica Garcia Duggal — out now 🎤 Watch for her TEDx Talk: “Breathwork Makes You Wealthy” It’s not about hustle—it’s about how you show up. Start by breathing. Monica’s Financial BITES Method: www.monicagarciaduggal.com BOOK: https://www.monicagarciaduggal.com/powerofbreath
"Are you really going to try that?" We've all heard that voice - sometimes from others, sometimes from ourselves. Shannon Russell tackles this head-on with a refreshing truth: by the time you're ready to make your move, those comments will bounce right off you. Her advice? Tune in to find out…. And see why you don't need anyone's permission to choose a life that fits you. Your purpose isn't some grand, fixed destination; it's your personal arrow, constantly guiding you towards what matters most, whether that's more time with your children or simply feeling alive in your own skin every day. Coming from the gig-based world of television production, having worked with big stars like Taylor Swift, Shannon knows something crucial about entrepreneurship: resilience isn't about avoiding rejection, it's about dancing with it.  She's on a mission to show her children (and all of us) that life doesn't have to follow a straight line – you can be multiple versions of yourself and become fuller rather than just older. As a thought leader, she's figured out that it's not about broadcasting to everyone; it's about reaching the right someone at exactly the right moment. In a world drowning in noise, Shannon champions something revolutionary: listening to that steady inner voice that tells you how you want to show up and how you want to feel. This isn't about starting over—it's about moving forward with purpose. 🎧 Listen now and learn why your successful second act starts with your own permission. 👉 Know more about Shannon here:https://secondactsuccess.co/about📘 Grab her book Start Your Second Act: https://noboringbooks.com/books/start-your-second-act/
Download Your Free LinkedIn to Latte Method Here: https://www.twofouronetraining.com/linkedinlatte Think your business idea is launch-ready?  🎯 Take this quiz: https://launchready.scoreapp.com ** Jen Febel is an Author, Master Hypnotherapist, and Emotional Resiliency Coach. In her new book, How to Set Boundaries (Without Feeling Like a D*ck), she offers a compassionate yet practical approach to boundaries. You can find more about her HERE -- Boundaries aren't about becoming the "no" person - They're about knowing who you are, what's yours to control, and knowing where you fit in the bigger picture. When boundaries get wobbly, your business, health, and relationships feel the impact. Why Being Real Feels Scary - We tend to filter our stories through old wounds rather than from a place of strength, which creates that uncomfortable mismatch that gets in the way of genuine client connections. What Courage Actually Looks Like - "Courage doesn't feel brave - it feels like that uncomfortable vulnerability we'd rather avoid." That horrible feeling when you want to hide. That's courage knocking at your door. What we took from this conversation: ✅ Get someone in your corner - you can't have perspective on your own life ✅ Stop editing your story through unhealed parts of yourself ✅ Use language that creates bridges: "Life has been lifey" vs fake positivity ✅ Remember: feeling like an impostor in new spaces is normal - you’ll soon belong ✅ Your business is a real-time mirror showing when you're off balance Connect with Jen: BTG Wellness | Book: "How to Set Boundaries Without Feeling Like a Dick"
Download Your Free LinkedIn to Latte Method Here: https://www.twofouronetraining.com/linkedinlatte AI is everywhere—and if you’ve felt unsure about how to stay real in a world full of bots, you’re not alone. In this episode, we (Vicki and Laura) talk honestly about what it feels like to be real entrepreneurs in an AI-saturated space. No scripts. No filters. Just the real stuff that’s on our minds too.  You’ll hear: 📌Why authenticity still matters—more than ever  📌How comparison and fear creep in when tech moves fast  📌What helps us stay grounded and visible anyway     If you’ve ever felt like hiding or wondered if there’s still space for you, this is your reminder: there is.   🎧 Press play to feel less alone—and more empowered.
What becomes possible when we women design business our way? Prepare to be amazed! Today’s guest Ros Cardinal—leadership researcher, thought-leader and cancer survivor, shares her powerful insights from researching over 10,000 women across 93 countries. From corporate burnout to building values-based businesses, Ros explores how women are creating flexible, purpose-driven businesses that support real life. In this episode, you'll hear: How women are reimagining leadership and success What Ros learned from interviewing women in 93 countries Why traditional corporate structures often fail talented women The traits that define truly resilient entrepreneurs How a cancer diagnosis shifted Ros’s entire perspective One unforgettable story involving a cockroach empire - really! Tune in now to discover how women are reshaping leadership and creating more human-centric workplaces.
Ever wondered what separates entrepreneurs from everyone else? This special compilation episode reveals the fascinating childhood stories of successful entrepreneurs who showed business flair from an early age. Who you’ll meet… The Youngest Nurse Aide in New Zealand Mia Munro's determination at 15 to break age barriers in healthcare - her passion still drives her outcomes today. From Soviet Secrecy to Success Eugenia Oganova was giving paid consultations at 14... in a country where entrepreneurship was illegal. Her underground business story will amaze you. The $10 Lesson That Changed Everything Cindy Jordan thought she'd made a fortune from her kiddies lemonade stand until her mum handed her the bill for expenses. This EBITDA lesson set her up for life. Competitive Cookie Sales Abingdon Mullin reigned supreme with her Girl Guide cookie-selling prowess - and it was just the beginning of her competitive edge. From Trauma to Triumph At just 8 years old, Sussi Mattsson made a life-or-death decision that would ultimately lead to helping thousands heal through writing. Her story is remarkable. What you might find truly fascinating is how these women come from completely different backgrounds - from rural Pennsylvania to the Soviet Union, from single-parent homes to multicultural households - there's an invisible thread connecting their childhood moments to the business each woman has built today. Do you wonder how your own early experiences might connect with your entrepreneurial success? This episode might spark a new awareness in you that you never realised was there. ---- Ready to explore your own entrepreneurial potential? We help women in their second act to see and show their greatness. Email hello@resiliententrepreneurspodcast.com to continue the conversation with Vicki and Laura.
This compilation brings together powerful insights from remarkable entrepreneurs who've mastered resilience. They’ve developed unshakeable self-belief, they’ve built the right support networks, and they’ve asked for help when they need it. Key Themes & Takeaways The Power of Self-Belief When facing uncertainty, successful entrepreneurs share one crucial mindset: "I can figure it out." This isn't about having all the answers - it's about trusting your ability to find solutions, adapt, and grow through whatever comes your way. Taking Action Over Perfection The most transformative advice often comes down to three simple words: just do something. Whether it's reaching out for help, putting yourself in uncomfortable situations, or taking that leap you've been considering - action creates momentum and opens doors you never expected. Building Your Support Ecosystem From mentors who guide your journey to coaches who challenge your thinking, the entrepreneurs featured shared that success isn't a solo endeavour. Creating safe spaces where you can admit mistakes, seek help, and receive honest feedback becomes essential for a sustainable business. Redefining Self-Care for Entrepreneurs These leaders remind us that prioritising your emotional health isn't selfish—it's strategic. Recognising that you deserve to reset, recharge, and experience joy isn't just nice to have; it's fundamental. The Bottom LineEvery entrepreneur featured in this compilation shares one underlying truth: resilience isn't about going it alone. It's about building the right relationships, maintaining the right mindset, and taking consistent action - especially when the path isn't perfectly clear.   Ready to build your own resilient entrepreneurial journey? Connect with us and discover how these insights can transform your business approach.
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