The Mentor Files

In this powerful episode of The Mentor Files, Monica Royer sits down with Winnie Park, the CEO of Forever 21, to discuss her remarkable journey in the world of fashion and retail, and the personal trials that have shaped her into the leader she is today. Winnie shares insights into her approach to innovation, the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset, and leading with authenticity. She also opens up about her background, the influence of her family, and the challenges of balancing motherhood with a demanding career.  From overcoming language barriers to dealing with family mental health issues, Winnie's story is one of true resilience and determination.Episode highlights:[03:00] Winnie Park's Background - Winnie shares her personal story of immigration, family influence, and her path to becoming a single working mom and a leader in fashion and consumer retail.[06:00] The Influence of Family - Discussion on the impact of Winnie's maternal grandmother and parents on her work ethic and passion for fashion.[09:00] Overcoming Language Barriers - Winnie recounts her early challenges with English after moving to the United States at two and a half years old.[12:00] Cultural Identity and Connection - Winnie and Monica discuss how they maintain their cultural identities and pass them on to their daughters.[19:00] Back to Cultural Discussion - The conversation resumes, focusing on the pride of the next generation in their diverse cultural backgrounds. [22:00] Imposter Syndrome and Authenticity - Winnie and Monica explore the concept of imposter syndrome and the importance of being true to oneself.[25:00] Parent-Child Relationships Through Time - Reflecting on the evolution of their relationships with their mothers and their own experiences as parents.[28:00] Family Struggles and Resilience - Winnie and Monica share personal family stories, discussing the impact of mental health issues on their lives and the strength it has brought them.[31:00] Mental Health Awareness and Family Dynamics - The conversation delves deeper into the complexities of mental health within families and the journey to understanding and acceptance. [34:00] The Role of the Strong Sibling - Monica reflects on her role in managing her brother's mental health struggles and how it has shaped her resilience.[37:00] Moving Forward and Building Strength - The episode wraps up with thoughts on how personal challenges can lead to unexpected growth and strength.Resources & Links:- Forever 21: https://www.forever21.com- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org- Monica + Andy: https://www.monicaandandy.comIf you found inspiration in Winnie's story and want to learn more about her leadership at Forever 21, visit their website. Also, for those dealing with mental health issues, don't hesitate to reach out to resources like NAMI for support. Remember to subscribe to The Mentor Files for more stories like Winnie's, and if you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Join us next time for more insights and mentorship on The Mentor Files with Monica Royer.

In this episode of The Mentor Files, host Monica Royer sits down with Michelle Shetty and Suzie Carroll, co-founders of The Fitz, a medical aesthetic and wellness practice based in Chicago. They discuss the journey from nursing in a clinical setting to entrepreneurship, the importance of aligning values, and the challenges and rewards of starting and growing a successful business. They also touch on the emotional aspects of entrepreneurship, work-life balance, and the significance of self-care in their personal and professional lives.Episode Highlights:[00:00:00] - Introduction to The Mentor Files and today's guests, Michelle Shetty and Suzie Carroll.[00:03:00] - Michelle and Suzie discuss their transition from nursing to entrepreneurship.[00:06:00] - How their friendship and partnership began and their approach to business.[00:09:00] - The emotional connection to patients and how it translates to their current work.[00:12:00] - The dynamics of being co-founders and friends.[00:15:00] - The importance of having difficult conversations and growing together.[00:18:00] - Trusting your gut in business and personal relationships.[00:21:00] - The unexpected emotional challenges of running a business.[00:24:00] - The pressure of success and the high stakes of entrepreneurship.[00:27:00] - The impact of business stress on family and personal life.[00:29:00] - The co-founders' personal wellness journeys and self-care practices.Resources:- The Fitz website: https://www.thefitzmed.com/- Monica Andy's website: https://www.monicaandandy.com/If you're inspired by Michelle and Suzie's journey from healthcare professionals to successful entrepreneurs, be sure to visit The Fitz to experience their approach to wellness and aesthetics. Don't forget to subscribe to The Mentor Files for more insightful conversations with industry leaders. Share this episode with friends and colleagues who are considering a leap into entrepreneurship or are interested in the intersection of healthcare and business.---Thank you for tuning into this episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer. If you enjoyed our conversation with Michelle and Suzie, please rate and review the podcast on your favorite platform. Your feedback helps us grow and bring you more content like this. Join us next time for another deep dive into the stories behind successful leaders.

In this episode of The Mentor Files, host Monica Royer sits down with Danielle Brown, the plant-based living advocate and creator behind Healthy Girl Kitchen. They delve into Danielle's personal journey from a culinary enthusiast to a wellness entrepreneur, her transition to a plant-based diet during college, and how she turned her passion for healthy, easy-to-make food into a thriving social media presence and a successful business.Key Points Discussed:Danielle's early love for cooking and how watching cooking shows inspired her.The unhealthy eating habits Danielle developed in college and the health issues that prompted her to explore a plant-based diet.The transformative effects Danielle experienced after switching to a plant-based diet, including improved energy levels, clearer skin, and better digestion.The motivation behind starting Healthy Girl Kitchen and Danielle's mission to make healthy eating accessible, affordable, and enjoyable.Insights into how Danielle grew her social media following by sharing valuable content and staying true to her unique perspective.The evolution of content creation from pictures to short-form video content and how it has changed the way people engage with recipes.The process of creating her cookbook, "Healthy Little Kitchen," and the importance of making it user-friendly, with easy recipes and pictures for every dish.Tips for grocery shopping, meal prepping, and minimizing food waste.Resources:Healthy Girl Kitchen website: https://healthygirlkitchen.com/Danielle Brown's cookbook: "Healthy Girl Kitchen": https://sites.prh.com/healthygirlkitchenMonica + Andy: https://www.monicaandandy.com

Welcome to another episode of The Mentor Files. Today, we are thrilled to have a conversation with an exceptional human and guiding light for many, Irene Ortiz-Glass.In this episode:Discovering Coaching:Irene shares her journey into life coaching, beginning with her early career and moving into an eventual senior partner role.The Impact of Early Experiences:Irene opens up about her personal life, discussing the profound impact of her childhood experiences on her path to becoming a coach. She talks about dealing with abandonment and abuse and how these experiences fueled her drive to help others.The Essence of Executive Coaching:We delve into what executive coaching entails, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, motivation, and willingness to do the work. Irene explains how coaching helps leaders navigate their personal and professional lives by understanding their behavioral patterns and mindsets.Chemistry in Coaching Relationships:The importance of chemistry between a coach and their client is highlighted, and Irene discusses how she assesses potential clients for coaching compatibility.Understanding Yourself and Others:Monica shares insights gained from coaching, such as the importance of recognizing one's natural tendencies, like flexibility or structure, and how this understanding can improve relationships both at work and at home.Higher Purpose and Second Half of Life:Irene talks about the concept of higher purpose and its significance as leaders transition into the second half of their lives. She reflects on her own purpose, which involves helping others grow and learn about themselves, and how this has become her focus in recent years.Healing and Wellness for Women:Addressing the often-taboo subject of menopause, Irene discusses her recent work in helping women navigate hormone issues and overall wellness. She emphasizes the need for healing and the importance of addressing these topics openly.Resources:"The Body Whispers Before It Screams" by Irene Ortiz-Glass on Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Body-Whispers-Before-Screams-Emotionally/dp/195682202X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2BI1A6UM5BKML&keywords=the+body+whispers+before+it+screams&qid=1707778057&sprefix=the+body+whisper%2Caps%2C261&sr=8-1Connect with Irene: www.menocoaching.comIf you enjoyed this episode and found value in our conversation with Irene Ortiz-Glass, please subscribe to The Mentor Files and leave us a review.  Your feedback helps us bring more inspiring stories and valuable lessons to listeners like you.

In this episode of The Mentor Files, host Monica Royer sits down with Dr. Sonya Bhole, a breast imaging radiologist at Northwestern Medicine. They dive into a candid conversation about finding one's purpose, the importance of embracing every step of the journey, and how inspiration can strike from the most unexpected places.Key Takeaways:- Inspiration can come from the most unexpected places, including outside of your professional field.- It's important to embrace the journey and not just focus on reaching the destination.- Early career experiences, even those at the bottom of the ladder, are valuable learning opportunities.- Finding a balance between cultural values, personal experiences, and parenting is a continuous process.- Surrounding yourself with a diverse community can help prevent burnout and add richness to your life.Join host Monica Royer, founder and CEO of Monica + Andy, every week as she engages with leaders across entrepreneurship, parenthood, health, and lifestyle.

In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges and triumphs of feeding a family. Catherine McCord, the brain behind Weelicious and the author of four game-changing cookbooks, shares her journey from culinary school to becoming a mom, and the  creation of Weelicious, a platform designed to empower parents in the kitchen.  Catherine emphasizes the importance of making mealtime fun, approachable, and nutritious, especially when dealing with picky eaters or managing a busy schedule.In this episode, Catherine and Monica discuss:• The inspiration behind Weelicious and how it evolved with Catherine's growing family.•  Strategies for dealing with picky eaters and making mealtime less stressful.•  The significance of bento box-style lunches and how they can make school lunches more engaging and enjoyable for kids.•  Catherine's personal routine for meal prepping and how it helps maintain a healthy, balanced diet throughout the week.•  The transformative power of a daily smoothie and how it can positively impact your family's health.•  Essential kitchen appliances that make meal prep a breeze.•  The balance between the business and creative aspects of running a food-focused brand.Catherine's insights are not only valuable for parents looking to streamline their mealtime routines, but also for anyone interested in the intersection of entrepreneurship and lifestyle.  Whether you're a seasoned home chef or just starting to navigate the world of family mealtime, this episode is packed with practical tips and heartfelt advice.  Don't forget to check out Catherine's cookbooks for more delicious recipes and inspiration!Resources mentioned:- Weelicious- Cookbooks:  "The Smoothie Project",  "Meal Prep Magic", "Weelicious Lunches" & "Weelicious: One Family, One Meal" - Monica + AndyIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with other parents and entrepreneurs who might benefit from Catherine's wisdom. Stay tuned for the next episode of The Mentor Files for more insights from leaders in entrepreneurship and lifestyle.Remember, you can always be the confident CEO of your own life.  Until next time!

In this inspiring episode of The Mentor Files, host Monica Royer sits down with entrepreneur Manuela Zoninsein, founder and CEO of Kadeya.  Manuela delves into the challenges and rewards of motherhood, her experiences living abroad, the importance of building a supportive network as a parent and business owner and her vision to visionary entrepreneur determined to eliminate single-use beverage containers with her innovative company, Kadeya.The sisters-in-law discuss:• Manuela discusses the mission behind her company Kadeya, which aims to revolutionize the way we hydrate by eliminating single-use beverage containers with a low-waste vending machine system.• Manuela shares the path that led her to become the entrepreneur she is today and the lessons learned along the way.•  Manuela and Monica discuss the complexities of being a parent and a CEO, the importance of self-forgiveness, and how to celebrate small wins in both domains.•  Manuela emphasizes the importance of trust and autonomy in her team, and how a culture that respects personal time and responsibilities can lead to a more productive and satisfied workforce.• Manuela offers insights into the entrepreneurial mindset, including the need to be good rather than perfect and the power of compounding small, consistent efforts.Join Monica and Manuela in this heartfelt and enlightening conversation about entrepreneurship, environmental innovation, and the balancing act of motherhood on this episode of The Mentor Files.Resources:- Follow Manuela on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuelasweb/- Kadeya: A sustainable hydration solution aiming to eliminate single-use waste. https://www.kadeya.com/- Monica + Andy: https://monicaandandy.com/And be sure to subscribe and follow our YouTube channel.

In this deeply impactful episode of The Mentor Files, host Monica Royer sits down with Navyn Salem, the founder of Edesia Nutrition, a non-profit organization on a mission to end malnutrition globally. Navyn shares her journey from being a mom of four to spearheading a global initiative that produces life-saving food products for malnourished children. Tune in to hear Navyn's story of resilience, innovation, and her vision of a world where every child has access to the nutrition they need to thrive.In this episode:Navyn Salem shares her inspiration for starting Edesia Nutrition along with the challenges of juggling motherhood, the origins of Edesia and the initial steps she took to address malnutrition on a global scale.Navyn shares the profound impact of malnutrition and her perspective on problem-solving in global health.Monica recalls her first encounter with Navyn and the powerful story that stopped her in her tracks.Navyn explains the difference between hunger and malnutrition and the critical importance of addressing both.Navyn explains the development and significance of Plumpy'Nut -- its life-saving capabilities in the way how malnourished children are fed, as well as the challenges and logistics of scaling up production to meet the increasing global need.Navyn shares complexities of delivering these essential nutrition packets to children in crisis zones and the strategies and determination required to overcome logistical challenges.Navyn shares personal insights into her life as a mother and entrepreneur, and the sacrifices made to balance both worlds, and reflects  on the emotional weight of her work and the responsibility to deliver without excuses.Monica and Navyn discuss the emotional challenges of parenting while addressing a global crisis, and Navyn delivers a message of hope and the continuous effort to find solutions for malnutrition.Resources:Edesia Nutrition: https://www.edesianutrition.org/World Food Programme: https://www.wfp.org/UNICEF: https://www.unicefusa.org/Monica + Andy: https://monicaandandy.com/If you're inspired by Navyn's story and want to learn more about Edesia Nutrition or support their cause, visit their website and consider making a donation. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children around the world.

Join host Monica Royer as she sits down with Brian Bloom, her co-founder of Monica + Andy, to discuss the evolution of their business partnership, the behind-the-scenes of building a brand, and the personal growth they've experienced along the way. From starting as a bachelor with no ties to baby clothes to becoming a father and an integral part of a thriving company, Brian shares his unique perspective on entrepreneurship, parenthood, and the value of a strong business partnership.  The business partners discuss:The Genesis of Monica + Andy: Brian reflects on his initial decision to join Monica in building a baby brand, despite being a bachelor at the time. The serendipitous meeting with Monica's cousin, Sabina, led to the partnership that would become Monica + Andy.The Evolution of a Business Partnership: Monica and Brian delve into how their relationship has grown from co-founders to becoming like family. They emphasize the importance of shared values in a business partnership, akin to a marriage, and how it has helped them navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.Parenthood and Business: Brian talks about how becoming a father has changed his connection to the brand, making him an end-user of the products and giving him a deeper understanding of the company's community and mission.The Reality of Entrepreneurship: Monica and Brian candidly discuss the constant presence of work in their lives, the necessity to manage stress, and the importance of supporting each other through personal and professional challenges.Job Evolution: Brian shares how his role at Monica + Andy has changed over the years, from being hands-on with every aspect of the business to learning to delegate and trust in the growing team of specialized talent.The Importance of Honest Feedback: Both Monica and Brian stress the value of having advisors and investors who are willing to offer hard truths. They discuss how this has helped them grow personally and professionally, and how it's crucial for propelling the business forward.Recommended Resources: Monica + Andy

Andy Dunn co-founded Bonobos, a revolutionary menswear e-commerce brand. But, behind the scenes, he was struggling with bipolar disorder. “Here’s the real story of what was going on, which I think was a heckuva lot more interesting than selling pants on the internet,” he tells host Monica Royer—who also happens to be his sister.   In this episode of The Mentor Files, Monica Royer sits down with her brother, Andy Dunn, to discuss how his journey with mental health influenced his entrepreneurial experience. The siblings discuss:Andy discusses his experience with bipolar disorder and how it both helped and hindered his entrepreneurial journey. He shares the statistics of mental health conditions among entrepreneurs and highlights the importance of being open about mental health struggles.Monica and Andy reflect on their childhood and how their shared family history shaped their relationship. They discuss the challenges they faced as a biracial family and how they navigated through these experiences together. Andy shares the story behind his decision to turn down multiple financial job offers after graduating from business school to start selling men's pants online, which eventually led to the creation of Bonobos.The siblings discuss the importance of therapy and mental health professionals in managing mental health conditions. Andy emphasizes the need for an external support system, especially during a crisis.Monica talks about the difficulty of accepting Andy's diagnosis and the denial they experienced as a family. They discuss the importance of accepting mental health conditions and understanding that there can be a positive side to it.Andy shares the concept of the Stockdale Paradox and how it applies to dealing with mental health conditions. He emphasizes the importance of facing reality while maintaining hope.They discuss the potential of turning Andy's book, Burn Rate, into a TV show and the importance of treating mental health issues with levity. Andy shares his experience with writing the book and the support he received from his family. He encourages others to share their mental health struggles and assures them that there is nothing to be ashamed of.Listen to the full episode to hear more about Andy's journey with bipolar disorder and how it has shaped his life and career.Resources:Dunn’s memoir, Burn Rate: Launching a Startup and Losing My Mind, is out now. Find it on Amazon.com, or a bookstore near you.Monica + Andy

I'm thrilled to announce that The Mentor Files is back for a new season and we're digging deeper than ever before into the story behind the story.  As the founder of Monica and Andy, I'm always eager to connect our community with sources of all kinds of inspiration.  Join me this season as we hear from entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and experts who are all changing the game.Join Monica as she interviews her brother, and founder of Bonobos, Andy Dunn in episode 1.  The Mentor Files returns November 7th, 2023.

Learn how Nona Lim started her restaurant-quality food brand, what she brought from her fencing career, and why a great team needs full transparency. "I've always had a passion for food, even if I'm not professionally trained." - Nona Lim. Learn more about this episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer at www.monicaandandy.blog/89

Listen in to learn how to create a powerful partnership with your investors, and what Sarah Woelfel wants to see in successful CEOs and her own clients. "We specifically designed CULT Capital to be differentiated in the VC growth equity space, and we're really set on creating a new and different investor paradigm." - Sarah Woelfel. Learn more about this episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer at www.monicaandandy.blog/88

Listen in to learn how Annie Lawless started her lifelong love of health and wellness, and why she doesn't hesitate when opportunity knocks. "I've always just been so fascinated with nutrition, ingredients, and the correlation between what we consume and how we look and feel." - Annie Lawless. Learn more about this episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer at www.monicaandandy.blog/87

Learn how David Heath and his team innovated on a clothing staple, the unfair advantages he had as an entrepreneur, and how he built his team at Bombas. "You should never lose the humility that it can all turn around in a moment." - David Heath. Learn more about this episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer at www.monicaandandy.blog/76

Listen in to learn how Miyoko went from nothing to an in-demand business in less than 6 months, and how she has transformed through her business career. "I don't do all this market research and figure out how to do it right, I just start doing things, and that's how I've done everything in my life." - Miyoko Schinner. Learn more about this episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer at www.monicaandandy.blog/78

Listen in to learn how Sarah Flint made the transition from wholesale to DTC, how she broke into the luxury shoe industry, and how she developed her team. "There was this huge space in the market for shoes where women wouldn't have to choose between fashion and the functional features that they wanted." - Sarah Flint. Learn more about this episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer at www.monicaandandy.blog/74

Learn how Gregg Renfrew uniquely combined the philosophies of DTC and retail, how she developed her products, and who has inspired her the most in her life. "I started to draw parallels between things that were detrimental to the Earth and things that were detrimental to our bodies." - Gregg Renfrew. Learn more about this episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer at www.monicaandandy.blog/86

Listen in to learn how Nicole Gibbons went from medical school to marketing to entrepreneur, and what she wishes she knew before she started her business. "I saw this huge pain point around the homeowner when it comes to choosing color." - Nicole Gibbons. Learn more about this episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer at www.monicaandandy.blog/85

Listen in to learn what inspired Holly to start Supergoop, why she focused on a slow scaling of her brand, and what she considers when she takes in capital.  "I think the decision making becomes easier when you're always focused on your mission and why you exist as a brand." - Holly Thaggard. Learn more about this episode of The Mentor Files with Monica Royer at www.monicaandandy.blog/58