SheVentures

From Nigeria to London to Paris to the United States, Pauline Idogho’s journey has taken her on a whirlwind tour of different cultures and experiences. But it’s her ability to adapt to change that has made her a successful entrepreneur. As the founder of Mocktail Club, an innovative line of elevated non-alcoholic beverages, not only does Idogho take pride in offering delicious, natural drinks, but she also dedicates 1 percent of her sales to support clean water initiatives around the world. She tapped into an ever-evolving market — and has learned to diversify her distribution channels and stay connected with her customers through social media. Idogho’s story can inspire you to embrace change and thrive in constant change, on this episode of SheVentures. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover the undeniable advantages of adapting to change for sustained success in your business ventures. Unravel the potential of diversifying distribution channels to reach a wider audience and boost revenue. Master the art of engaging customers on social media for a stronger online presence and genuine relationships. Explore the pivotal role flexibility plays in navigating an ever-evolving entrepreneurial landscape. Gain insight into the significance of inclusivity in branding and marketing for optimal resonance with a broader demographic. Check out Mocktail Club’s blog for tips and recipes. Help this small business by recommending Mocktail Club to local retailers or bars and asking them to carry the products. Donate to Mocktail Club’s clean water access initiative by making a purchase or directly by visiting the website. For more information, visit the show notes at https://www.sheventurespodcast.com/podcast/pauline-idhogo-podcast-episode

The pivot from finishing high school, college, or graduate school to landing one’s first job is often filled with anxiety. If you are like most recent grads, you have zero idea of how to approach your job search — unless you are one of the smart or lucky students who proactively sought help or had an amazing career development department. The truth is many grads lack foundational knowledge in how to interview, write a winning cover letter and a resume, use LinkedIn, and most importantly, how to be proactive, tenacious, and confident in their career search instead of waiting for it to unfold passively. And that’s assuming they know what field they want to explore. As a mother of two Gen Z daughters and the mentor to a handful of young women who’ve interned at SheVentures podcast, I’ve witnessed the need for quality job guidance firsthand. When I received a review copy of Beth Hendler-Grunt’s practical manual, The Next Great Step: The Parents’ Guide to Launching Your New Grad Into A Career, I knew I wanted to speak to her about the book as well as her role as the enterprising founder of Next Great Step, a company dedicated to guiding recent graduates through the transition from school to the job market. A proud mother to two college-age sons, living the transition in real-time, Hendler-Grunt brings a unique, empathetic perspective to her work. With decades of robust professional experience prior to founding Next Great Step, Hendler-Grunt leverages her workplace expertise and uses it to inform her job-seeking strategies, help grads understand their talents, and acknowledge and confidently articulate their professional value.  Next Great Step is a one-stop shop for some quality free checklists and videos. Hendler-Grunt embraces a B2B2C business model where she helps students, parents, colleges, universities, and corporates looking to hire recent grads or provide internship opportunities. Highlights Let’s address the elephant in the room: Graduates’ mismanagement of expectations in job search, their lack of coping mechanism for rejection, and how they can learn positive and proactive tools, habits, and mindset. If you are still in school — even a freshman — learn what you can do to build career readiness. Why clarity and educated risk-taking matter What gender differences has Hendler-Grunt seen in career challenges? Find out how to apply your professional acumen for your children’s benefit while respecting their independence. Create a culture of trust with your children through candid communication. Develop an effective career mentorship structure fitted to the individual requirements of the young adults around you. Unearth the powerful secret to successfully pivoting careers and thriving in today’s volatile job market. Discover the transformative value of embracing failures and missteps in your career path. Learn practical strategies to smooth your transition from academia to the professional world, which will add value to your early career journey. Unearth the hidden significance of internships and how they provide critical industry insights. Understand the pressing challenges university career services face, how this might affect your journey, and how you can advocate for yourself. Learn how to hone your skills to distinctively shine in the competitive job market. Buy Hendler-Grunt’s book, The Next Great Step: The Parents’ Guide to Launching Your New Grad Into A Career, or visit Next Great Step online if you are a student, a parent, a career services office, or a corporation. Next Great Step offers a myriad of ways to help in this essential transition.

In the cutthroat world of Hollywood, Tanika Ray — a renowned TV personality who appeared on networks such as NBC, HGTV, VH1, Lifetime, and is perhaps best known for covering red carpet events such as the the Oscars, MTV Music Awards, and the Golden Globes, to name a few — is refreshingly candid about her public and acrimonious divorce with her co-star and now former husband and the soul-searching required to pivot forward and focus on her passions. Ray, 51, describes her newish podcast Mamaste with Tanika Ray as “celebrating mommying AF while bossing like a queen.”  We marked this episode explicit in case you find the F-bombs objectionable that host Doria Lavagnino and Ray use as they discuss marriage, divorce, coparenting, motherhood and Hollywood’s well-known representation problem on this episode of SheVentures. Highlights How Ray built her career as a woman of color in Hollywood and why it’s essential to create a more realistic portrayal of women’s experiences, breaking away from stereotypical Hollywood narratives and opening doors for more diverse and genuine representation within the industry Explore the pivotal role that self-care plays in enhancing your performance in your career and personal life. Ray provides serious real-life financial tips for any woman thinking about or in the thick of a divorce. Ray discusses the transformative power of women uplifting one another within their communities. Navigate the delicate equilibrium required to manage professional obligations alongside family commitments. Unravel the complex web of generational trauma — and uncover methods to disrupt this cycle and implement constructive boundaries. Acknowledge the need for broadening the scope of diversity in Hollywood and its social significance. Why navigating a demanding career and family life is a hurdle many — especially women in the public eye — confront daily plus tips that can help If you want to pursue a Hollywood career, consider the negative aspects of the entertainment industry, such as the lack of personal time and the pressure to conform, and evaluate if your goal is worth the potential sacrifice. There is no “right” answer in life! Recognize the progress made in achieving representation for people of color in Hollywood. Subscribe to Tanika Ray’s podcast, Mamaste, to join the community of mothers and to enjoy entertaining content about motherhood. Check out Tanika Ray’s socials and YouTube channel for real talk about motherhood.

Maya Ford cares deeply about truth in marketing. As the founder of Ford Momentum!, she challenges stereotypes, ignites innovation, and is conquering the business world with a diverse mentorship style and a strategic mindset.  Nearly all marketing consultants champion their data prowess, so what makes Ford stand out (in addition to her two decades of experience in marketing, communications, and operations)? Her hunger for knowledge and penchant to challenge the status quo cause her to break free from the conventional narratives that surround various societal groups. Ford is not afraid to call a spade a spade. Ford uses a new proprietary data-led methodology called STOLO (Standard of Love) that helps communities address unique regional or local problems accurately and compassionately. STOLO, backed by MIT’s Data, Economics and Development Policy program, is quickly becoming the go-to process for accurate data collection. Why is STOLO so powerful? Historically, data has been used to confirm a theory instead of being used to offer new considerations. STOLO incorporates five pillars to guide data collection and analysis: Literacy Economic power Values Self-esteem Justice Ford uses these pillars to inform data collection (surveys, gamified mobile apps) with the end goal of driving equitable results that are true to what people want and need, not only of benefiting those in power. STOLO is a radical way of helping the historically under-represented own their data and their voices — and leverage their assets for change. Listen to Ford describe STOLO in action, provide case studies where STOLO is already creating change, and why she believes this methodology will be embraced by more communities. If you are a corporate leader, a parent, or a community member who desires change and isn’t afraid to tackle problems head-on, this episode is for you. Key Highlights Unravel the importance of inclusive data compilation and storytelling in fostering societal advancement. How has traditional data aggregation fallen short of addressing the entire community Gain insight into Maya Ford’s entrepreneurial arc and her efforts to confront systematic challenges as she pivots to entrepreneurship as a small business owner. Understand the pivotal role diverse mentorship and strategic planning play in every entrepreneur’s journey. Learn about a STOLO case study in Houston, the process and costs of STOLO projects, and how the goal is to create more inclusiveness by representation. Realize the power of collaboration with skilled people in stimulating business success. Explore how technology is altering human relationships, influencing mental health, and reaching marginalized communities. Connect with Ford on LinkedIn to stay updated on her work and insights in marketing, communications, and operations. Consider hiring FordMomentum! to implement its data-driven approach in your own organization or community. Join the STOLO community and use its model to identify and prioritize the standards and values that are important to you and your community. Support FordMomentum!’s goal of creating justice, fairness, peace, and economic power by engaging with its services or spreading awareness about its work.

What on Earth is the JOBS Act? How can I get my foot in the door of the investing world? Should I take my entire maternity leave? If you’ve ever asked yourself these questions, then this SheVentures episode is for you.  Shari Noonan, co-founder and CEO of Rialto Markets, has always had an eye for market shifts. Not only did she witness the days when Wall Street traders used actual paper to trade on the floor of the stock exchange, but Noonan was also integral in digitizing trades. Now, with Rialto Markets, she makes the investment opportunities brought on by the JOBS Act easily accessible.  Noonan reflects on the positive changes in the workplace she’s witnessed over the years. More women are in senior positions, and creating support networks is getting easier. Going on maternity leave may still seem daunting in competitive industries, but Noonan has one thing to say about that: Take all of it.  For Noonan, her pivot from working in large firms to entrepreneurship took eight years. Even so, it still took time to feel like a “true” entrepreneur. Learn how she conquered her imposter syndrome and immersed herself in the world of entrepreneurship. Follow along as Noonan describes how any woman can utilize Rialto Markets to invest. Plus, learn about the benefits and risks associated with investing in early-stage companies.  Highlights: How Noonan’s academic experiences shaped and influenced her fascination with finance and international studies.  The biggest innovations in financial services in the past 20 years, according to Noonan. Why so few women have a seat at the table in the finance industry and how women can take charge  Take your maternity leave. Period.  Striking out on your own can be hard, but it’s often made harder by clinging to former connections.  A review of the JOBS Act, its impact on the markets, and how Rialto was created to bridge the gaps between the industry and investor.  Noonan explains how Rialto can be utilized by the average woman and the risks and benefits that come with investing in the companies it funds.  What makes Rialto Markets different from any other crowd-funding platform.  Interested in investing? Research the companies you’re interested in and familiarize yourself with the lingua franca of finance: financial statements.  Noonan predicts that in five years industry staples, such as the 60-40 investing rule, will be subverted, and that Rialto will be there to ease the transition.  Artificial intelligence, its potential effects, and other looming upheavals in the finance industry, per Noonan.  Ready to learn more? Go to rialtomarkets.com

Major personal events can be agents of change. Jan Patterson, M.D., candidly reflects on how her own cancer diagnosis —  shortly after her son’s suicide —  implored her to find inner strength and alternatives to augment her traditional Western medicine background.  As a result, Dr. Patterson (an infectious disease and integrative medicine specialist) began to explore and embrace holistic remedies like breathwork, meditation, and essential oils to help balance and heal both her patients — and herself. With a 30-year career as a physician and teacher, Dr. Patterson, co-author of the book Breath for the Soul: Self Care Steps to Wellness, focuses on how we can have agency in our health.   A key takeaway: Combining both Western and Eastern modalities emphasize disease prevention and stress reduction and benefit one’s physical and mental health.  We feature a heartfelt discussion on maternal grief and guilt, having tough conversations with your children, and incorporating self-care into your life — stat! This episode of SheVentures will explore new healing methods that can help not only your physical well-being but your mental health, too! What sparked Dr. Patterson’s interest in becoming an infectious diseases doctor?  How did Dr. Patterson’s interest in holistic medicine expand after she lost her son to suicide? Dr. Patterson’s fellowship at the University of Arizona allowed her to learn more about non-traditional healing methods like breathwork, meditation, and essential oils. What is Dr. Patterson’s biggest tip to being there for your children and those dealing with grief around you? How faith, friends, integrative medicine, and meaningful work helped Dr. Patterson in her healing journey. Despite a constant emphasis on traditional medicine, there is plenty of evidence for using non-traditional healing methods. How a cancer diagnosis shortly after her son’s suicide pushed Dr. Patterson to examine her life and focus on what had the most meaning The silver lining of life pivots  How to forgive yourself and address misplaced guilt Dr. Patterson reflects on her greatest wins — including her two sons, her contribution to improved healthcare, and her implementation of integrative medicine at the hospital, in her practice, and in her life. Dr. Patterson tells listeners simple preventative techniques they could implement in their lives today!

The devil’s in the details, and it’s easy to get lost in them where money is concerned. Post–high school education is no exception, and it’s rarely made easy. From saving to taking out loans — and paying off said loans — the cycle seems downright Sisyphean.  Patricia Roberts, founder and COO of Gift of College and author of Route 529: A Parent’s Guide for Saving for College, gets it. And, with her expertise with education savings plans, she’s here to help you make the details and devil within work for you. Her company makes it easy for anyone to open an education savings plan online in a matter of minutes. Plus friends and family can contribute $25 to $200, and the funds don’t expire! As a first-generation college student herself, Roberts knows the struggles many face when thinking about post–high school education. For Roberts (who’s also an attorney), specializing in the intricacies of 529 education savings plans was personal — she and her husband wanted to provide their son with choices not readily available to them.  Some myth-busting about 529 education savings plans:  Did you know they pay for a myriad of education-related expenses, such as K–12, trade schools, and college? Many 529 plans have tax benefits — check your state. The owner of the 529 plan can change the beneficiary to another family member — or use it for themselves. Roberts also discusses diversity in the workplace and how far it’s come along since the 90s — but acknowledges it still has a ways to go, especially in traditionally male-dominated industries like financial services.  Save time sifting through different 529 resources and find the information you need in one fell swoop with Roberts’ insight. Learn about Roberts’ recent pursuits on LinkedIn and Instagram, and check out the hashtag #radicalgenerosity on Twitter for inspiration! Find out who benefits from a 529, what can be done with the money, and more on this episode of SheVentures!  Roberts discusses the lessons learned from her late mother and how crucial self-care is to long-term health.   As a first-generation college student herself, Roberts reflects on the social and financial roadblocks she faced — and how she’s striving to ensure her son avoids the same pitfalls. From working in financial services to attending law school at night, Roberts’ early career and personal motivations led her to working with 529 savings plans (tax-advantaged education savings plans).  How diversity in the workplace has evolved since the 90s, according to Roberts  Corporate ladder climbing tips: Understand your motivation and your gifts, cultivate a community that supports you, and highlight your accomplishments when appropriate.  How 529 plans are underutilized — plus Roberts’ tips for ensuring you reap the most benefit Through Gift of College (a college-savings platform started by Roberts), setting up a 529 plan can be as easy as buying a gift card. The differences and similarities between the 529 and the ABLE plan — and how each can best serve you   Roberts debunks the biggest misconceptions surrounding 529 plans.  Three skills that eased Roberts’ transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship  Roberts is active on LinkedIn and can be found on Instagram and Facebook at @route529mom. More information about Gift of College can be found at giftofcollege.com.

Imagine being the youngest female member of the Mongolian government and the country’s first female state secretary of digital development.  For Bolor-Erdene Battsengel, these are not mere titles. She crafted, implemented, and executed a plan to transform Mongolia into a “digital nation” by leading the E-Mongolia Project, ensuring internet access across the country. Before her plan, the nation faced challenges in digital inclusion. Today, she estimates 80 percent of Mongolian adults have internet access. When Battsengel left her government position due to alleged cyberbullying, she continued her focus as a social entrepreneur in technology. She pivoted to create a program, Girls Code, that teaches coding skills to girls from disadvantaged, rural communities in Mongolia. Battsengel, raised in a rural community herself, worked at both the World Bank and the United Nations, and received an MBA as well as a  master’s in public policy from Oxford. She was named a Next Generation Leader by Time magazine and a Forbes 30 Under 30 in Asia.  Listen to Battsengel describe her journey as a child from a rural village in Mongolia to becoming an advocate of social entrepreneurship on this episode of SheVentures. Highlights: Battsengel describes how her childhood in a small town in Mongolia influenced her to become a passionate advocate for digital access. A self-described nerd, Battsengel remembers finishing high school at 14 and being the youngest person in the room for most of her professional life. How Battsengel transitioned to Oxford where she earned her master’s in public policy The World Bank and the United Nations both taught Battsengel how to implement programs to address a social need. She shares why she thinks so many programs fail due to a lack of cultural understanding. How the pandemic was used to promote E-Mongolia, a platform that offers more than 1,300 services to its citizens on its platform Gender perception in Mongolia and the challenges faced by women and girls who hold managerial or executive roles Battsengel discusses her experiences with age and gender discrimination in politics and the tech industry as well as the cyberbullying she faced as a result of her political activism. Why creating a culture of equality and collaboration to support women in leadership is her mandate  Battsengel discusses the admissions process for GirlsCode, a free program, which is highly competitive and involves four exams and four interviews with the girls, their parents, and their teachers. Expansion plans: Battsengel hopes to expand the GirlsCode initiative to other countries;  how international sponsors can help make a bigger impact.  Make a donation to GirlsCode at girlscode.mn

Many of us are told that confidence is innate. Not so fast, says Selena Rezvani, an award-winning journalist specializing in training people leadership skills and author of Quick Confidence: Be Authentic, Create Connections and Make Bold Bets on Yourself. Sure, many women face imposter syndrome, but they beat it one tiny step at a time. Action is the key. Rezvani started in social work, but after realizing that maintaining work-life balance was impossible, she transitioned to a position where she could apply her skills from social work to multiple workplaces to reduce employee hardship.  While pursuing her MBA, Rezvani designed a project to interview women in leadership positions in business. Her only female professor gave her this advice: Go after the giants. Learn how Rezvani engineered the perfect emails to politely and uniquely slide into the inboxes of C-level executives.  These interviews became her first and second books. Take a risk and e-mail the CEOs of a company you love for an interview. You’d be surprised how many said yes.  Follow Rezvani as she details workplace scenarios — such as asking for a raise — and gives tips on how to best approach them.  To build confidence, Rezvani says, think like a dog: Don’t overthink too much — just do. Be the first to greet others. Extend a hand for a handshake. Be the first to welcome others into the workplace. Tune in for a discussion about how gender bias affects children, the ups and downs of reducing gender disparity in the workplace, and battling imposter syndrome. Challenge harmful perceptions of what a leader in the workplace should look like and affirm a healthy work-life balance. Rezvani describes her moments of pride and regrets in exercising confidence in the workplace, on this episode of SheVentures. Highlights Discover Selena Rezvani’s number-one female role model. After pivoting from social work to pursue an MBA, she focused her research on women in leadership positions. See what pushed Rezvani to score interviews with notable women despite her doubts. Rezvani on networking: Be short, direct, and specific.  How the workplace is primed to favor men and why this leads to women being underrepresented in leadership positions We internalize gender roles from a young age. How Rezvani instills female empowerment in her children and dismisses gender stereotypes.  Rezvani provides actionable tips on how to navigate common workplace scenarios women encounter. Imposter syndrome is debilitating and can be alleviated by reframing one’s mindset. Rezvani discusses how men are celebrated disproportionately over women in the workplace, while intersectionality is often glossed over. Workers are commonly discouraged from setting boundaries when balancing work and life. Are you inhibited in your workplace? Try initiating a conversation more often — watch your confidence soar!  Rezvani reflects on how to use courage to power through feelings of doubt and to take action against avoiding regret. Quick Confidence is a book that originated as bite-sized confidence tips Rezvani provided initially in a LinkedIn newsletter. She quickly amassed almost 100,000 subscribers and a book deal! Rezvani shares how it went down.

Do you want to create a harmonious and productive work environment where employees feel engaged and innovative? Are you searching for ways to lead with mindfulness and unlock the full potential of your team? In this SheVentures episode, our guest, corporate mindfulness guru Keren Tsuk, Ph.D., reveals the key to achieving these goals as the founder of Wisdom To Lead, a company with clients including Google and Bayer. Tsuk explores her wide-ranging pivots within the corporate world and combines them with a personal, 20-year mindfulness practice. Tsuk — an international teacher, consultant, entrepreneur, and author — shares practical strategies and insights on incorporating mindfulness into leadership, fostering a culture of connection, creativity, and success. Her new book, Mindfully Wise Leadership, is a practical guide for implementing mindfulness in the workplace. By implementing Tsuk’s proven techniques, you can cultivate a workplace that thrives on mindfulness, leading to increased employee satisfaction, enhanced collaboration, and, ultimately, extraordinary results. Tune in to discover the power of mindfulness in leadership. Episode Key Takeaways: Discover the transformative power of mindfulness when applied to leadership. Explore the rewarding balance of material ambitions and spiritual fulfillment in business. Uncover the multifaceted struggles of incorporating mindfulness into the corporate sphere. Learn about unique courses and retreats geared toward cultivating mindful leaders. Witness the art of career, academic, and family management and how Tsuk pivots with agility. More Highlights: Why Tsuk decided to start her mindfulness-based leadership company, Wisdom To Lead How mindfulness helps overcome personal and professional resistance and fear Tsuk describes the role of mindfulness in her personal life and her practice. Balancing roles: Tsuk reflects on how she earned her Ph.D., taught, and started her company. The unique challenges Tsuk faces as a female founder include the importance of setting boundaries and asking for respect in the workplace. Learn how mindfulness can be integrated with diversity, equity, and inclusion in any organization. How Tsuk uses feedback from course participants to continuously iterate and improve Scaling her business by crafting a mindfulness-based leadership course and offering it to the corporate world Resources, recommendations, and how to work with Wisdom To Lead Check out Tsuk’s book Mindfully Wise Leadership and her pragmatic approach to implementing mindfulness in the workplace.

Have you heard these myths about work-life balance in venture capital? Myth #1: You have to sacrifice your personal life to succeed. Myth #2: Only men can handle the demands of the industry. Myth #3: Taking time for self-care is a sign of weakness. But let’s be real, these are all…myths. And Ashley Aydin, principal at VamosVentures, is here to share the truth about balancing work and life in venture capital.  As a successful VC, she knows firsthand the challenges and rewards of juggling a demanding career and personal life. Get ready to debunk these myths and learn practical strategies for achieving work-life balance in the startup world. In this episode, you will be able to: Unravel the untapped value of diverse funding in venture capital Appreciate the impact of empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs on driving sustainable economic growth Aydin’s career pivots from Morgan Stanley to working with an early-stage startup and subsequently earning her MBA from MIT Sloan School of Business Real talk about the marginalization of Black and Brown consumers — and what you can do Acquire the recipe for achieving work-life equilibrium in the fast-paced environment of venture capital Get a glimpse of the cutting-edge technological solutions tackling the complexities of aging and elder care Why Aydin is focused on investing in and empowering Latinx entrepreneurs. Hone your skills in delivering persuasive pitches that leave a lasting impression on potential investors The tips mentioned in this episode are: Prioritize building a strong company culture as a founder to attract and retain top talent Focus on creating a viable business model that can scale quickly and target a large, growing market Know and understand your consumer or target audience to build a product that meets their needs and priorities Consider impact-oriented investing and allocating dollars toward diverse founders to make a big impact Seek out and learn from those who have been through similar experiences to gain insights and guidance

Most people move once or twice in their life, but the move is seldom across continents. Following her now husband, Carice Anderson undertook a journey that led to much more than just a new location. Her book, Intelligence Isn’t Enough: A Black Professional’s Guide to Thriving in the Workplace, outlines how to overcome such big changes, remain authentic, and much more. As a Black woman and the first member of her family to enter the corporate world, Anderson isn’t a stranger to facing challenges in the workplace. Though many businesses are slow to make progress, you don’t need to be. As Anderson points out: Change starts with the individual. Discover how Anderson turned these obstacles into lessons for women of color, on this episode of SheVentures. Timestamps: 2:00 Anderson’s move from the United States to South Africa  5:30 Culture differences between the U.S. and South Africa  8:18 Challenges Anderson experienced as a first-generation corporate worker 9:47 The framework of Anderson’s book 12:56 Anderson explains how to develop your personal brand.  17:07 Authenticity in the workplace  22:12 Anderson grades corporate America’s relationship with Black professionals.  26:27 Transforming yourself  28:06 Anderson discusses the difference between working in your business and working on your business. 32:25 Key takeaways for women of color in corporate America 

Swank A Posh CEO Ebony Swank pivoted from being a high school dropout and teen mom to building a $40M+ year fashion empire that sells body-positive clothes for women in a little over a decade. Swank bootstrapped her company with $12,000, and the first iteration of her online business failed. She attributes her success to grit, determination, hard work, being data-driven, and trial and error.  The next time you think you can’t accomplish something or there are too many cards stacked against you, listen to this episode of SheVentures for inspiration, as we take a deep dive into Swank’s life, her wins, and her trade-offs.  Highlights: Swank reflects on her childhood and the sacrifices her own mother made to provide for her family. Swank describes her sudden pivot to becoming a teen mother. Swank’s first job was an entry-level position in accounting and she worked her way up. Trial and error: Swank’s first retail business failed, as did a hair salon.  Swank reflects on how this taught her invaluable lessons on pricing and controlling overhead costs. Swank reveals how she became phenomenally successful at online marketing — and shares her secret sauce. Insight on how to be a good negotiator and get the best outcome.  Taking the supply chain into her own hands. How many buyout offers has Swank received? Three key tips for women of color who want to stand out professionally. Paying it forward: Why Swank created a secondary business called Business Best Friends, a program to help entrepreneurs learn how to run their businesses.  Financial literacy and leadership in action: Swank mentors young Black women from entry-level employees to become high-level executives at Swank A Posh.

Do you struggle to monetize your business, need guidance on setting boundaries, and find sales to feel, well, sleazy? In this episode of SheVentures, Annie Ruggles, founder of the newly rebranded Quirk Works Consulting, speaks about coaching 200+ solopreneurs and small business owners who struggle with sales, much like Ruggles did in early entrepreneurship. You’ll listen to her tips on relational sales, the value of investing in personal and professional relationships, and the importance of finding your community. Highlights:  How her musical theater background helps her read a room  Why she understands the plight of creatives when it comes to selling The importance of rebranding a business  Ruggles’ mental pivot: “I am not only a sales coach but a marketer.” How to build authentic relationships with clients, listen, collaborate, and understand their needs  Why it’s essential to contact clients for testimonials and referrals — and how to do it Book recommendations: Joy-Full AF: The Essential Business Strategy We’re Afraid to Put First and Practical Ikigai Let’s hear it until it sticks: Self-care is not selfish — and how Ruggles learned this firsthand. Key challenges female entrepreneurs face How to find your niche and why it matters Insights on the best social media platforms for business — it’s not what you think! Ruggles take on ChatGPT and why it will never replace humans. Why do you need to delegate tasks that do not align with your strengths? Ruggles’ professional wins and regrets, staying authentic, and overcoming sales avoidance  If you are struggling with your business, Ruggles recommends SellCoachSell.com, where you can find a copy of her noir sales novella. 
Extra bonus if you find Ruggles on LinkedIn, drop her a line, and let her know you heard her on SheVentures!

A successful podcast entrepreneur, as well as the founder and CEO of Ginni Media — a podcast strategy and creation company that serves both big-ticket clients and fledgling entrepreneurs with quality audio strategy, monetization, community building, and production tips — Ginni Saraswati, is the audio authority. After all, Saraswati, who has hosted a few morning radio shows, has embraced audio since….what? Radio?! Saraswati shares her journey from Sri Lanka to Australia to the U.S. and details her experiences in radio and podcasting. She also discusses the challenges she faced with racial intolerance and what it was like to come out as queer to her traditional family. Not for nothing, but Saraswati is keen on all creators staying true to their values — and preaches the power of authenticity in business. With characteristic authenticity, she recalls the business idea that failed and how she learned invaluable lessons from her mistakes as an entrepreneur. Listen to Saraswati delve into gender imbalance in podcasting as she speaks about being a woman in a male-dominated industry — and stick around for her tips for women looking to pursue their business dreams, on this episode of SheVentures Podcast. Highlights: Saraswati talks about radio and podcasting, her passions for more than a decade, producing award-winning content focused on pop culture, music, entertainment, and the LGBTQ+ community. What it was like to interview celebrities like Paula Abdul and be the host of two-morning radio shows in Melbourne, Australia As a Sri Lankan immigrant to Australia, Saraswati speaks about her cultural acclimation.  Entrepreneurship involves personal and professional transformations, including overcoming fear, reckoning with imposter syndrome, and learning to delegate tasks. Saraswati recalls coming out — and how she found support in the LGBTQ+ community. Facing discrimination and stigma, Saraswati found solace in the community and used her platform to amplify voices. Saraswati discusses the gender imbalance in podcasting and content creation and attributes it partly to obstacles and judgment women face. Representation is crucial in podcasting, and Saraswati’s journey shows how important it is to amplify diverse voices. A failed event business, Blink, taught Saraswati that having a greater purpose is essential for success. She started Ginni Media as a side hustle and won five clients before quitting her day job. Today, her client roster includes Cynthia Rowley, Allure, Siemens, and many entrepreneurs. Saraswati faced numerous challenges in her entrepreneurial journey, including losing all her money. Ginni Media grows through referral clients, prioritizing quality over quick growth. Reviewing how podcasts can be monetized — and how to decide what is right for you Saraswati encourages people to reach out to her on Instagram at @ginnimedia or @theginnishow

Marjorie Radlo-Zandi is an accomplished entrepreneur, board member, and angel investor who started her career in sales and marketing and continued as a business development executive for decades. One major professional accomplishment: She grew a life science diagnostic company with angel funds, expanded it to more than 100 countries, and sold it to a multi-billion-dollar publicly held firm. Do you think she may know a thing or two about how to scale a business? Radlo-Zandi also reflects on timing and work-life balance. Learn which company she did not become employee number 3 at because she was becoming a mother, and knew she wasn’t willing to spend 18-hour days at a promising startup and sacrifice her chance to show up for her daughter.  Radlo-Zandi is pragmatic about other work-life balance decisions she and her husband made, and she emphasizes the importance of finding equal opportunities for both spouses when making career moves. In her case, both she and her husband took turns putting their job first.  That said, Radlo-Zandi acknowledges she also has skills that are in high demand, so finding a job wasn’t a struggle whether in Silicon Valley or the East Coast.  She stresses the significance of soft skills such as emotional intelligence, listening, and understanding cultural nuances in building relationships and trust.   Listen to Radlo-Zandi’s candid discussion about how more women need to be in leadership roles. She underscores how angel investing and venture capital need to expand to a more diverse and inclusive community pool for investment opportunities. She talks business and is also refreshingly frank about the balancing act between her personal and professional lives on this episode of SheVentures. Timestamps 1:53 Radlo-Zandi recalls how growing up in a family of entrepreneurs helped shape her.  6:12 A firsthand account of being a woman in Silicon Valley in the 1980s 8:17 The current state of venture capital funding for female tech entrepreneurs 9:47 Discussion on the lack of access to friends and family rounds for diverse entrepreneurs as well as the need for improved government programs 13:05 Tips for dual-career couples who want to raise children and are considering moves for career opportunities 17:50 Steps for entrepreneurs contemplating an exit 18:51 Radlo-Zandi discusses the importance of cultural match and transparency in mergers and acquisitions. 24:16 Building relationships and establishing trust in different cultures and why it matters 28:37 The importance of work-life balance and its positive impact on productivity and health for both employers and employees 29:00 What are Radlo-Zandi’s three important lessons for female entrepreneurs? 31:24 Radlo-Zandi discusses the exciting innovations in diagnostics, immunotherapy, and gene therapy in the life sciences industry as well as what the future may hold.

If you’ve ever suffered from anxiety and depression so debilitating that you knew you had to slow down to focus on your mental, physical, and spiritual health —  and uncover your career and life purpose —  this SheVentures episode is for you. 🙏🏽   Jen Shultz’ career journey started in the music and entertainment industries before she pivoted to education. She returned to school herself, earned her master’s degree in education, and landed a job at an NYC charter school. But despite her love of teaching, she found herself becoming increasingly depressed and anxious, not to mention more than $100,000 in debt due to school loans. 😱   Shultz prioritized her health, quit her stable teaching job, and founded her first entrepreneurial venture: a tutoring business called Teacher on the Go, where she helped students as a private tutor. After the first one turned into several, she recognized that she was capable of creating a business that scaled. ✅   Like many entrepreneurs, Shultz also learned to keep perfectionism at bay so she could take action. After another bout of anxiety and depression, an epiphany led her to combine her passion for teaching and supporting others by becoming a career coach for women and launching The Non-Nine-to-Five, a business created to help women find their untapped or unrecognized potential. 🚀   Shultz faced those self-doubt gremlins as a new business owner. With the help of mentors and focusing on her personal growth, she was able to manage her anxiety and move her business forward while keeping her physical and mental health intact. ♥️   In our discussion, Shultz reveals her wins and her failures, taking risks, building relationships, and owning her potential. She also discusses the power of trusting one’s intuition and making decisions from the heart. Get ready for some real talk on this episode of SheVentures. Hey, if you need to speak to someone immediately about your mental health, or you are considering suicide, please click on the hyperlink to the ➡️ Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or dial 988.    Jen Shultz’ offer for SheVentures listeners: If you sense you are meant to create successful self-employment impacting the lives of others with your own unique skills and talents BUT you get caught up in self-doubt, second guessing yourself, or overwhelm - Jen invites you to apply for a private clarity call with her (her gift to you!). On your call, Jen will listen deeply about what isn’t working, she will aim to have you feel seen and heard, and you will see if the work Jen does is a match for you. Click here to apply! Offer expires 5/31/23 at 11:59 PM EDT.   Timestamps 1:53 Shultz discusses her career path in the music industry after college. 4:33 A suggestion from Shultz’s mother sparks an interest in teaching.  13:46 Working as a private tutor for a woman-owned business fascinates Shultz and builds her confidence as she starts to build clients one at a time.  16:03 Shultz’s father encourages her to start her own tutoring business and figure out how to market it. 22:35 What statement propelled Shultz to start her current business, The Non-Nine-to-Five? 31:06 Shultz provides insight on finding the right mentor from a coach and client perspective — and gives information on how The Non-Nine-to-Five process works. 40:05 Though she may appear confident, Shultz experiences mental health hardships, too.  42:44 Three tips for those who are at the start of a career or life change 44:59 Shultz reflects on her personal and professional wins. 47:20 Typical clientele of The Non-Nine-to-Five and more information on the business

Franny Tacy, the owner of Franny’s Farmacy, a cannabis franchise, shares her journey from pharmaceutical sales to cannabis farming. She discusses her struggles with student loans, disillusionment with the pharmaceutical industry, and love for farming. Tacy’s story is one of perseverance and reinvention, and she encourages other women to follow their passions and take advantage of opportunities like the USDA loan for beginning farmers. Tacy acknowledges the challenges she’s faced in the male-dominated cannabis industry, and how she still became one of the few female hemp farmers in North Carolina.    Listen to how Tacy’s business began as a destination for community events, weddings, and goat yoga. She explains how she pivoted to hemp and cannabis farming, an unregulated industry (at the time). Tacy emphasizes the importance of building a strong brand and culture for her franchise. Learn how she measures her success with product safety, e-commerce, and her cannabis franchise model while remaining committed to diversity and mentorship on this smoking-hot episode of SheVentures! Timestamps 2:03 Why Tacy started in big pharma and her pivot to farming. 8:11 Tacy discusses purchasing a farm and the difficulties she faced. 11:43 What is regenerative agriculture? 15:40 Tacy’s transition from a corporate career to the cannabis industry. 16:16 Getting involved with efforts to legalize cannabis cultivation. 22:50 Tacy’s entrepreneurial journey in the cannabis industry. 24:39 Tacy stays independent in a cutthroat industry. 28:15 Keeping the business small and authentic while building a brand. 33:41 Are there women in executive roles in the cannabis industry? 39:50 Is cannabis a moneymaker? 42:25 Tacy encounters legal obstacles in different states. 

Have you ever wished your passion project or side hustle could become your full-time gig ⁉️   Jamila Trimuel did, and though it took years of planning, she eventually transformed her personal and professional life. Today Trimuel is the founder and CEO of Chicago-based Ladies of Virtue, a nonprofit that’s worked with thousands of girls of color on confidence-building, leadership, job-readiness skills, and combating the marginalization young women of color often face.   Listen to Trimuel speak candidly about why mentorship matters, and what it took to pivot from a stable job in healthcare administration to embrace a complete career reinvention. She speaks authentically about her motivations, fears, and wins — and guides listeners through the journey of starting a nonprofit and slowly scaling to where it is today.   Trimuel’s long-term plan is to expand the organization nationwide. Through Ladies of Virtue, Trimuel is instilling confidence and empowering young women of color to succeed in whatever they choose to do. On this episode of SheVentures, learn more about Ladies of Virtue volunteer and mentoring opportunities.   If you would like to donate, please go to ➡️ lovchicago.org. ⬅️ Timestamps 3:16 Trimuel recalls how she realized the importance of positive role models. 15:53 How did she deal with life’s challenges? 17:07 Real talk about coping with miscarriage 20:56 How Trimuel started Ladies of Virtue 31:59 Get ready for master tips for networking and relationship building. 35:59 Utilizing corporate sponsorships for mentoring opportunities 43:27 Trimuel addresses harmful misconceptions about marginalized women of color. 48:57 Why it’s essential to meet women where they are 49:44 How Trimuel helps build confidence in young women 51:14 Steps to mentor proactively from a woman who has done it for more than a decade 52:58 Small acts of mentoring 56:00 Volunteer and mentoring opportunities with a virtual alternative 

Imagine experiencing a range of tropical fruit year-round right in your own home. From pink pineapples grown on farms in Costa Rica to fresh yellow dragon fruit native to Mexico and Central America, Desiree Morales provides exotic, tropical fruit in a box delivered to your doorstep. Morales recognized this niche during the pandemic — and went all in. Morales, CEO and founder of Tropical Fruit Box, a company dedicated to providing fresh, exotic tropical fruit to consumers, is an offshoot of the existing family business, WP Produce, which was started by her father, Willy Pardo. He started out selling exotic and tropical fruit from the back of his truck in Miami to provide the neighborhood staples common to their diet, but tough to find in local markets.  Morales’ business experience helped her identify a gap in the market, which she filled with on-demand tropical and exotic fruit boxes. Inspired by her father’s commitment to building relationships, Morales and her family collaborate with farmers globally to supply quality produce to customers. Listen to Morales discuss her experience as she grew up working alongside her father, how she applied her knowledge to expand the family business, and her pivot to building a venture of her own on this episode of SheVentures. 2:25 Morales speaks about her father’s success 4:10 Following in her father’s footsteps, Morales saw a need in today’s market and worked to meet it 6:23 Morales describes her experiences growing up in the family business 8:58 What kick-started Morales’ idea behind Tropical Fruit Box? 11:22 There were many roadblocks Morales fought to overcome 13:30 How did the COVID pandemic affect Morales’ business? 20:53 Morales discusses her highs in business and personal life 23:15 Morales describes lessons she learned while building her business to what it is today 26:05 Tips for entrepreneurial women looking to build their own business