Pretty Powerful Podcast with Angela Gennari

On this week’s episode of the Pretty Powerful Podcast, I’m joined by the brilliant Paige Arnof-Fenn, Founder & CEO of Mavens & Moguls, a global branding and digital marketing firm whose clients include Microsoft, Virgin, The New York Times Company, Colgate, and more. Paige is not only a Stanford and Harvard Business School alum—she’s a branding powerhouse, board member, sought-after speaker, and a regular voice in Forbes and Entrepreneur. In this episode, we dive deep into: 💡 The power of authenticity and vulnerability in truly connecting with people 💡 Why consistency is everything when building a memorable and trusted brand 💡 Lessons from working with global icons and mission-driven startups alike 💡 How to tell your story in a way that resonates and inspires If you're building a brand, growing a business, or trying to make meaningful connections—this episode is for you. Listen now and get ready to level up your presence, purpose, and personal power. #PrettyPowerfulPodcast #WomenInBusiness #AuthenticBranding #PaigeArnofFenn #Leadership #VulnerabilityIsStrength #MarketingWithPurpose #PodcastRecommendation #MavensAndMoguls #PersonalBranding

On this episode of the Pretty Powerful Podcast, I sit down with Nancy Cavey, a fierce advocate for those fighting to receive the Social Security and Long-Term Disability benefits they deserve. Nancy’s passion for helping others stems from a deeply personal experience—watching her father battle leukemia and witnessing the emotional and financial toll of navigating the disability system. This experience shaped her into more than just an attorney; she is a relentless champion for those who have been unfairly denied benefits. As a nationally recognized disability attorney, author, and member of the National Organization of Social Security Claims Representatives (NOSSCR), Nancy has dedicated her career to guiding individuals through the complex claims process. In this conversation, we break down the biggest challenges claimants face, expose the hidden obstacles in the system, and discuss how advocacy can transform lives. Whether you're navigating a disability claim yourself or want to learn more about standing up for justice, this episode is packed with invaluable insights! #PrettyPowerfulPodcast #NancyCavey #DisabilityAdvocacy #SocialSecurityDisability #LegalHelp #Empowerment

On this episode of the Pretty Powerful Podcast, I sit down with the incredible Morgan DeNicola, a true force for global change. As the Executive Director of the DeNicola Family Foundation, Morgan is dedicated to transforming lives through world health, humanitarian recognition, conservation, and cultural diplomacy. She’s also the Vice Chairman of the Humpty Dumpty Institute (HDI), working closely with the U.S. Congress, United Nations, and international embassies to drive impactful dialogue and humanitarian initiatives worldwide. From leading Congressional delegations in Rwanda to spearheading mobile healthcare efforts in Africa, Morgan’s passion for service knows no bounds. In this conversation, we explore the power of recognizing those who give back, the importance of cultural diplomacy, and how one person’s vision can create a ripple effect across the globe. 💫 Tune in now to be inspired by Morgan’s journey and discover how we can all play a role in making the world a better place! #PrettyPowerfulPodcast #MorganDeNicola #GlobalImpact #HumanitarianWork #Leadership #CulturalDiplomacy

In this episode of Pretty Powerful, we sit down with Aquila Mendez-Valdez, the visionary Founder and CEO of Haute in Texas, an award-winning PR and Marketing agency based in San Antonio. Aquila brings her wealth of expertise to our discussion, sharing insights from her impressive career that has taken her to speaking engagements across the US, Europe, and Asia. Her thought leadership has earned recognition in Forbes, Newsweek, The Telegraph UK, Digiday, and PR on the Go, alongside numerous TV appearances and podcast features. Join us for a masterclass in modern PR as we explore: Developing effective PR strategies for today's media landscape Integrating AI tools into your marketing plan Crafting compelling brand narratives that resonate with audiences Building a robust messaging framework for consistent communication And much more! Whether you're a seasoned PR professional or an entrepreneur looking to elevate your brand's visibility, Aquila's practical wisdom and innovative approach will equip you with actionable insights to transform your marketing and public relations efforts. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the industry's most dynamic voices!

What does it take to be an emotionally intelligent leader? Rhonda Parker Taylor—bestselling author, entrepreneur, and academic researcher—joins us to dive deep into the power of emotional intelligence in leadership and how it shapes success. As the author of Crossroads, a suspenseful fiction novel woven with real-life lessons on emotional intelligence, endorsed by J.J. Hebert and Mariel Hemingway, Rhonda masterfully blends storytelling with powerful leadership insights. As the founder of Intelligence Solutions, she provides research-backed training and business strategies to help leaders thrive. Currently pursuing her doctoral degree in business, Rhonda shares groundbreaking insights on: 🔹 How emotional intelligence impacts leadership and decision-making 🔹 The connection between storytelling and effective leadership 🔹 Lessons from Crossroads that translate to real-world success 🔹 Strategies for navigating business challenges with confidence This episode is packed with wisdom for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone striving to lead with purpose and clarity!  #PrettyPowerfulPodcast #EmotionalIntelligence #Leadership #WomenInBusiness #SuccessMindset #Podcast #RhondaParkerTaylor #FictionWithImpact #prettypowerfulpodcast #podcast #femalepodcast #womanowned #femaleentrepreneur #entrepreneur #empowerment #inspirational #lifecoach #femaleboss #workingmom #fyp #femaleceo #femalefounder 

How can businesses and communities come together to create real change? Abby McKiernan, founder of Spark in the Dark and co-founder of HelpLink, is on a mission to revolutionize philanthropy and community support. With a track record of empowering over 30,000 members and solving 100,000+ needs since 2017, Abby’s work is a testament to the power of connection and purpose-driven leadership. Named one of Northern Michigan’s "40 Under 40" and recognized as one of the region’s most influential women, Abby brings 12+ years of experience in marketing, PR, and nonprofit leadership to the table. In this episode, we dive into: ✨ How technology is transforming social impact ✨ The power of corporate philanthropy and employee-driven giving ✨ Lessons from building an award-winning nonprofit ✨ Strategies for creating lasting change in your community Join us for an inspiring conversation that will challenge the way you think about giving back and leading with purpose. #socialissues #marketing #communitysupport #PrettyPowerfulPodcast #WomenInBusiness #SocialImpact #Philanthropy #Leadership #Marketing #Nonprofit #Podcast #prettypowerfulpodcast #podcast #femalepodcast #womanowned #femaleentrepreneur #entrepreneur #empowerment #inspirational #lifecoach #femaleboss #workingmom #fyp #femaleceo #femalefounder

Join me as I sit down with Diane Helbig, an internationally recognized business and leadership advisor, award-winning author, and host of the Accelerate Your Business Growth podcast. 🎙️ Diane is a powerhouse when it comes to helping businesses grow constructively and profitably. She’s the author of Succeed Without Selling, Lemonade Stand Selling, and Expert Insights—books that challenge the traditional approach to business growth. As a certified coach and the president of Seize This Day, she helps professionals develop strategies tailored to their strengths for lasting success. Tune in as we dive into her unique approach to leadership, sales, and growth. You don’t want to miss this one! 🔥 #PrettyPowerfulPodcast #DianeHelbig #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #Entrepreneurship

Today, we’re thrilled to welcome Kelsey Wagner to the Pretty Powerful Podcast! 💪✨ Kelsey is a powerhouse entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and community leader making waves in Ponca City, Oklahoma. As the owner of MyMediaMatters Creative Agency, she’s been transforming businesses with cutting-edge marketing, branding, and digital strategies for over a decade. But Kelsey’s impact goes far beyond the business world—she’s a City Commissioner and is has just been elected Mayor of Ponca City, taking her leadership skills to a whole new level. In this episode, Kelsey shares: 🌟 Her journey as a bold entrepreneur and community leader 📈 Strategies for helping businesses grow and stand out 🗳️ What it’s really like to run for public office and how she’s navigating the challenges of campaigning 🤝 How politics and business can align to drive meaningful change ⏳ Tips for juggling entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and personal balance Kelsey’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, vision, and the impact of combining business savvy with civic responsibility. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a leader looking to make a difference, or just curious about the intersection of business and politics, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights. 🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform and discover why Kelsey Wagner is a name to watch. #PrettyPowerfulPodcast #KelseyWagner #WomenInLeadership #Entrepreneurship #PoliticsAndBusiness #Trailblazer #KelseyForMayor

Are you a business owner feeling stagnant, uninspired, or unsure about what’s next? You’re not alone! Stephanie Hayes, founder of Assets to Exits, is on a mission to help established business owners move beyond revenue and start building real wealth—while planning for a successful exit. But here’s the secret: even if you’re not planning to sell, building your business as if you were can make it stronger, more efficient, and more profitable. In this Pretty Powerful Podcast episode, Stephanie and I dive into the strategies behind creating a roadmap for growth, so you can scale smarter, increase value, and set yourself up for long-term success—whether you exit or not. There are different types of exit strategy... including operational and financial... and Stephanie brilliantly walks through the benefits of each of them. Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation! 🎙️✨ #PrettyPowerfulPodcast #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #ExitStrategy #BuildWealth #ScaleSmarter

This week on the Pretty Powerful Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Kerry Damiano—aka Ms. World Traveler! ✨🌍 With a passport full of stamps from 130+ countries and all 50 states, Kerry’s passion for travel, style, and shopping shines through in her web series and blog. A powerhouse in the pageant industry since 1981, she’s earned prestigious accolades, including the Legacy Award and titles like Best Pageant Coach, Best Pageant Judge, and Best Forever Titleholder at the Global Beauty Awards. Beyond pageantry, Kerry is a fashion and jewelry designer, a public speaking and runway coach, and the founder of "The Amazing Word"—a Scripture memorization ministry. Her journey is a true testament to passion, perseverance, and living life to the fullest. 🎙️ Don’t miss this inspiring episode! Tune in and let Kerry’s story ignite your wanderlust and confidence! ✈️💃✨ #PrettyPowerfulPodcast #KerryDamiano #MsWorldTraveler #PageantCoach #Fashion #Travel #Confidence #WomenWhoInspire

From MS Diagnosis to Weightlifting Champion: Kim’s Inspiring Journey to Vitality and Strength In this episode of the Pretty Powerful Podcast, we’re joined by Kim, a 61-year-old mother of three, European Champion in Masters Weightlifting, and health coach for middle-aged women. After being diagnosed with MS in 2013, Kim defied her doctor’s advice and chose to rebuild her life on her own terms. Her journey led her to leave a career in journalism—where she witnessed the industry’s shift toward clickbait and agenda-driven content—to pursue her passion for empowering women. Kim shares her inspiring story of resilience, the transformative power of reactivating muscle mass, and how building strength can unlock vitality at any age. Whether you’re facing health challenges or looking to reignite your energy, Kim’s insights are sure to motivate and inspire you to take charge of your well-being. Tune in to hear how Kim turned adversity into triumph and now helps women rediscover their power through strength and health. Don’t miss this compelling conversation!

On this episode of the Pretty Powerful Podcast, we sit down with the incredible Morgan Taylor—board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner, Chief Nursing Officer at Archer Review, and a true advocate for nursing education. Morgan shares her journey from working in pediatric ICUs at Duke University Hospital to leading innovative curriculum development for over half a million nursing and NP students. We discuss her mission to bridge critical gaps in nursing education, her passion for fostering a supportive community, and how to empower new nurses to stay in the profession during a time of unprecedented shortages. 💡 Get inspired by Morgan’s insights on leading with compassion, building resilience, and creating a brighter future for the nursing community. Tune in now! #PrettyPowerfulPodcast #NursingEducation #Leadership #MorganTaylor #EmpoweredWomen #NursingCommunity

This week on the Pretty Powerful Podcast, I sit down with the amazing Sheley Brien—entrepreneur, competitive equestrian, wife, mother, and host of the More Action Podcast. With over two decades of experience spanning finance, medicine, media, and now commercial construction, Sheley’s journey proves that thoughtful, intentional action can lead to incredible success. We dive into building confidence as a female leader in a male-dominated industry, maintaining a strong marriage while working with your spouse, and the truth behind the “grass is greener on the other side” misconception. 💡 Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about perseverance, partnership, and progress. #PrettyPowerfulPodcast #SheleyBrien #WomenInLeadership #Entrepreneurship #Inspiration #PodcastEpisode #womeninconstruction #constructionindustry #prettypowerfulpodcast #podcast #femalepodcast #womanowned #femaleentrepreneur #entrepreneur #empowerment #inspirational #lifecoach #femaleboss #workingmom #fyp #femaleceo #femalefounder

So excited to introduce this week's Pretty Powerful Podcast guest, Darlene Greene, a trailblazer with over 26 years of executive leadership and senior management experience spanning multiple industries. Her impressive career includes roles such as Vice President of Strategic Technology Partnerships at McAfee (Intel), Dean of Culver Girls Academy, Director of Client Services for HyeTech Networks and Security, and Senior Director at LifeWave, focusing on foundational cell activation technology. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Darlene dedicated 20 years to military service, earning her MBA while holding three Commanding Officer positions, including serving as a base commander responsible for 1,200 personnel. In 2006, she founded the Returning Warrior Weekend Workshop, a transformative program designed to help military members and their spouses successfully reintegrate—a program that continues to impact lives across the country today. Darlene’s passion lies in empowering people to elevate their health and vitality. She specializes in activating the GHK-CU peptide to repair DNA, reverse aging, and alleviate pain using groundbreaking photobiomodulation technology. Join us as we delve into Darlene’s extraordinary journey, her groundbreaking innovations, and her unwavering commitment to helping others live their best lives.

In this Pretty Powerful Podcast episode, Kyra Valdez-Shipp and I discuss a very timely topic... healthcare and insurance. We dissect the good, the bad and the utterly confusing.  Kyra Valdez-Shipp spent her early career working in healthcare before taking the leap into entrepreneurialism as the founder of Peak Performance Solutions Group, where she helps executives with strategy development, business optimization and coaching. 

Breaking into the retail world is no easy feat, but former athlete Gillian McIver knows how to rise to a challenge. As the founder of Reign Wellness, Gillian is revolutionizing the menstrual product industry with sustainable, high-quality solutions that serve a meaningful purpose. From competing on the international stage as a freestyle skier to launching a thriving brand now found on shelves across Canada, Gillian shares how lessons in commitment, determination, and resilience shaped her entrepreneurial journey. Tune in to the Pretty Powerful Podcast as we dive into her inspiring story, talk retail strategy, and explore the keys to success in niche markets and global business. 🎧 #PrettyPowerful #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship

With the prevalence of all of these great filters, photo editing and even AI generated images that make us look like supermodels, there truly is no substitute for great skincare. Let's be honest, some of us barely resemble our social media profile photos :-) In this episode, Dawn Pfingston and I discuss how to look and feel our best. Dawn Pfingsten is a social media influencer who helps women over 40 and over 50 look and feel their best as simply and affordably as possible.  Dawn recommends affordable makeup and skincare for mature skin that works.

Katrina Purcell is used to getting out of her comfort zone... From competing in an Iron Man to deciding to launch a business after a successful career in operations, she is not afraid of a challenge. In this podcast we dive into everything from work-life balance to streamlining operations, and we discuss advice for those thinking about taking the leap into entrepreneurship. Katrina Purcell is an accomplished operations professional who launched her own firm last year focused on enabling small businesses and nonprofits with the tools needed to efficiently scale and grow. Listen to her great advice for entrepreneurs and small business owners when it comes to growth and resilience.

Is gender equity still a conversation that we need to have? Yes it is! Women's leadership advocate and CEO Belinda Clemmensen wasn't long into her career when she realized that the business world is built by and for men. She knew something was wrong when she saw the strong female performers that surrounded her constantly feeling thwarted, belittled, and exhausted. Now the successful CEO of a female-led organization, Women's Leadership Intensive, she decided to write her upcoming book "Women, Leadership, and Saving the World" as a bold call to gender equality in leadership and decision-making. As an author, founder, coach, visionary and leadership development expert, Belinda Clemmensen supports organizations to develop more equitable, inclusive and just cultures so that they can thrive today and be proactive about being ready for the future.

Few things matter more to me than supporting women-owned businesses, especially given the barriers they face. Despite receiving less than 3% of VC funding, research consistently shows that women-led companies deliver a higher ROI and embody conscientious, responsible leadership. Carrie Colbert, founder of Curate Capital, is transforming this landscape by investing in women-led ventures. Since launching Curate Capital in 2021, she raised $15 million—surpassing her original goal by 50%—with a majority of her investors being women. Carrie’s insights have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, and PaperCity Magazine, and she's a sought-after speaker. This is a compelling conversation you won’t want to miss.

Like me, Chelsea Chatts was drawn to the south, and quickly fell in love with the beauty, charm and culture (and the weather's not bad either!). Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Chelsea earned her degree in English Literature from UC Berkeley and in 2022 decided to make the life-changing decision to take a chance on herself. With her family in tow, she packed their bags for Chattanooga, Tennessee and founded her own company, Chelsea Chatts. Now, Chelsea stays busy creating the lifestyle she has always dreamed of—a life of creativity, flexibility, and adventure. As an Author & Content Creator, Chelsea is inspired to share her love for Southern culture and use her voice to advocate for environment preservation, women’s rights, and child safety & education across the South.

Being a military spouse comes with a unique set of challenges... and opportunities if you are willing to be creative. Dylan Jahraus went from being a super career-driven woman working with some of the top names in fashion, to looking for a job and doing side hustles to make ends meet when her military husband was moved to another city. She ended up posting one of the craft items she made for their wedding on Etsy... and not only did it sell, she started getting multiple requests to purchase similar items. Fast forward... she has created a profitable Etsy shop with over $1 million profit within 6.5 years and now teaches others how to do the same. The grit and tenacity that I love so much is evident in her story, and she offers great insight in this podcast for anyone wanting to create their own e-commerce venture.

Imagine sitting outside an abortion clinic as a confused and terrified teenage girl, and the transformative experience to watch that child walk across the stage during graduation at the same age when you contemplated their very existence. As the world celebrates the cherished bond between mothers and daughters, author Doris Jackson Shazier promotes her inspiring new book, ""Raising Justice: Lessons learned from Motherhood”. Through heartfelt storytelling, biblical wisdom, and practical advice, this non-fiction masterpiece weaves together personal anecdotes, poignant reflections, and timeless truths to illuminate the path toward healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Doris Jackson Shazier is a distinguished Leadership  Coach, People Management Consultant, Author and accomplished leader with over two decades of dedicated experience in fostering organizational growth, transformation, and excellence. Renowned for her strategic acumen and collaborative leadership approach, Doris has consistently delivered tangible results for clients across diverse industries.  Her coaching is specialized in parenting, life, executive and neuro-linguistic programming.

Imagine thinking you were on your destined path, and dutifully following in the footsteps of your family, and then suddenly realizing that nothing felt right... it almost felt totally wrong. This was the experience of Susannah Stokes. After graduating from the prestigious Naval Academy and then serving in two combat tours in Afghanistan as a Marine Corps Officer, Susannah experienced a spiritual awakening that changed her life forever. Since then, she’s dedicated her life as an Energy Priestess and Embodied Consciousness Guide. Now she serves dozens of people in 1:1 and group ceremonies, guiding them in their own spiritual awakening process. 

If there is one topic I can relate to it is BURNOUT! For example, yesterday with only two hours of sleep (trying to prep for new client), I drove 2 hours each way and worked 14 hours onsite. Clearly that kind of insanity is not sustainable, but when do we finally say ENOUGH! My podcast guest, Teresa Vozza, wasn't given that choice as she was wheeled out of a meeting on a stretcher in front of her CEO and co-workers. She HAD to slow down. Teresa is an award-winning leadership expert, a keynote speaker, writer, and the former CHRO at Allianz Partners. She is on a mission to help executive professionals eradicate burnout and transform their leadership.

Tabatha Thorell spends her life devoted to teaching and inspiring others....as a mother of 5, devoted wife, real estate investor, co-author, speaker and mentor, she finds fulfillment in helping others to achieve their dreams. With a career spanning 16 years, she began as a fitness coach, earning a reputation for motivation and persistence. Alongside her high school sweetheart, Tabatha has built a successful real estate investment company over nearly two decades. Learn from her journey and what she recommends to others who want to build legacy wealth.

When I say tenacity, grit and trailblazer, who do you think of? For me it is Lindsey Chrisman! Lindsey Crismon is a 2014 West Point graduate, the first female in US Army history to pilot the AH-6 Little Bird in Special Operations, a student at Harvard Business School and is the co-founder and CEO of MyHome, an AI-driven marketplace that coordinates and predicts home maintenance tasks for homeowners. Before her senior year at the United States Military Academy at West Point she was named Brigade Commander and First Captain of the United States Corps of Cadets for the 2013-2014 academic year; only the fourth female to hold this position in the history of the academy. In addition to being First Captain, she was the captain of the Women’s Track and Field team where she completed in the heptathlon, pentathlon and the 400m intermediate hurdles. Overachiever much???!!! I seriously am such a fan of Lindsey's, and while she has already proven herself to be a powerhouse in so many ways, I believe that she is just getting started. I am so excited to share this episode with you!

I am excited to share an episode about one of my favorite topics... branding!!! And my guest, Anika Jackson, is absolutely brilliant in sharing her advice and insight to help you build not only your professional brand, but your personal one as well. Anika Jackson is a senior communications and marketing professional with over 25 years of experience working with diverse brands and clients to build local and global interest and create meaningful, synergistic relationships between brands and consumers.  Anika produces and hosts the Your Brand Amplified® podcast, a Listen Notes top 0.5% podcast. In addition, she is a graduate level professor at USC Annenberg and co-producer and co-host of the USC MediaSCape speaker series and podcast.  Separately, she is VP of PR at Full Capacity Marketing and president of the ISF women’s expo and a board member for the International Soccer Festival. Ms. Jackson is a bestselling Amazon author in the women’s anthology, Business on Purpose Vol. 2. Join us for this incredible podcast that will surely impact your perspective about branding.

Our careers are an enormous part of our lives.... and the right career doesn't just provide a paycheck and benefits. In many cases, it can give us a sense of purpose, financial stability, an extensive network of colleagues, and personal fulfillment. So ensuring you are on the right path and getting the job that aligns with your goals is essential. My podcast guest, Michelle Merritt, who draws on her 20-year corporate career as a Fortune 500 recruiter, corporate culture executive, and Chamber of Commerce leader to provide a wealth of experience for her clients. Today, she guides executive leaders through the end-to-end job search process, from resume writing to negotiating offers. As a sought-after speaker and trainer, Michelle is a trusted source for leading-edge trends affecting senior-level job seekers and board candidates. Adding to her expertise, she recently completed the Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) program, the industry gold standard certification. Join us for an insightful discussion that can help you or someone you know to develop a career strategy.

I have learned over the years that the best entrepreneurs are the ones who seek to solve a problem, and have the passion and tenacity to see it through. Georgia Lininger combined her passion for writing with her passion for sustainability to solve a major had she had in her industry. Georgia is the founder and editor-in-chief of Salus Publishing LLC, a book publishing house focused on publishing high quality books by diverse authors and illustrators in a variety of genres as sustainably as possible. Salus' books, shipping and promotional materials are printed on 100% recycled or tree-free papers. 

As we quickly approach the Summer Olympic Games in Paris, who better to interview than gymnastics guru, Nicole Langevin. Nicole was able to parlay her lifelong passion for gymnastics into a dynamic and renowned business. Nicole Langevin has pioneered the gymnastics industry by developing businesses that employ former Olympians, World Team Members to help train the next generation. She is also a podcast host, highly rated gymnastics judge, Olympic Choreographer, and international clinician and speaker. Join us as we dive into the world of competitive gymnastics to better understand the athletes and the dedication it takes to reach the top.

I absolutely LOVE talking with brilliant women who are on the leading edge of technology, not just because I learn so much from them, but because these women are truly shattering glass ceilings in male-dominated industries, and their tenacity is truly inspiring. Brittany Greenfield, the Founder & CEO of Wabbi, has been recognized as a Top Woman in Cyber by both Cybersecurity Excellence awards (peer-voted) and Cyber Defense Magazine’s annual Global Infosec Awards, as well as being recognized as one of Boston Business Journal's 40 under 40. In this podcast, she breaks down some really complex cybersecurity processes in a way that even I can understand (I sadly admitted to her that I didn't think "cloud technology" was a real thing when I first heard about it). We dive into market trends, cyber, AI and so many other impactful and relevant topics in this fun episode. 

Core values are an important part of a company's identity, but have you identified your personal core values? As an individual, it is important to understand your true authentic self, and to ensure your values are in alignment with your choices. My podcast guest, Andrea Johnson, empowers executives and founders to lead with authenticity, conviction and confidence so they can make a positive impact on their lives, organizations and communities. As an adoptive parent, who grew up internationally, navigating mental and physical wellness, she learned that emotional resilience must be earned. The process of uncovering and understanding the significance of her Core Values became the key to the process that allows her clients to do the same.

Keeping up with rapidly changing technology innovation is tough, so is juggling multiple responsibilities as a COO, not to mention balancing all of that as a mom... but Mariam Chtchyan has a great project management background to help her stay organized and focused. With over six years of experience in project and delivery management, Mariam Chtchyan is currently the Chief Operations Officer at HackTech LLC. She has successfully managed and delivered multiple projects for clients across various industries, using agile methodologies and virtual management tools. She is passionate about creating value and impact through technology and digital solutions. Join us for a conversation about juggling multiple responsibilities as a mom, where we think technology is heading and the impact of AI in our careers.

In the second part of the Pretty Powerful Podcast with my dear friend Tashia Stafford, co-founder of Icon Studios Atl and CEO of CharmedVisions.com, Tashia and I discuss her experience in the music industry, and we address the taboo topic of inappropriate behavior that has been in the news lately with a few key players being called out. We also talk about what it means to let go of things, habits and thoughts that no longer serve you. Tashia 2.0 is front and center ready to be a positive influence on everyone she meets (spoiler alert... she already is). I have so thoroughly enjoyed this conversation and am blessed to discuss life with Tashia, as she shares such incredible insight about her inner growth.

When you have the opportunity to interview a dear friend who you admire immensely, and then find out this person has gone though incredible challenges that you knew little about because of how well they carried it, it makes you want to deep dive into the discussion. That was my conversation with Tashia Stafford, co-founder of Icon Studios Atl and CEO of CharmedVisions.com... she is one of the strongest, most resilient and self-aware women I have ever known. This podcast is longer than our normal episode, but a worthy investment of time... and there is a part two that you will not want to miss! Tashia admits that she was a very career-driven Tashia 1.0 for most of her life until she experienced several intense medical challenges that gave her the opportunity to reevaluate her life and her purpose. Tashia brings to light so much that we all deal with as we are going through our journey, but she does it in the most relatable and vulnerable way. This one might actually change the way you think about life. I know that I do.

So you set your career goal and are excited for the journey... until you're not. It happens. We think we know exactly what we want, and then when we get it, it becomes very apparent that it isn't satisfying for one reason or another. That is what happened for Jen Joe... not once but twice! Jen is courageous enough to take a leap and follow her passion, and has done so in everything from pursuing a career in education to living abroad. However, education was not going to provide her with the life she envisioned. So, while she loved providing guidance for others, she knew education in a traditional sense was not for her. Her own life coach suggested she try coaching... but as an introvert, how would she go about this? She tried following the strategies promoted by other coaches and it simply wasn't working. Listen to Jen Joe talk about how she crafted her own strategy for success and how you can do the same.

Heartbreak affects productivity. There is not doubt that what is happening in our personal lives inevitably impacts what is happening in our professional lives. So, how do we deal with grief, trauma and stress so that we can regain our strength and confidence? Sara Webb is a Resilience Coach, empowering women revive their innate power with meditation, breathwork, and body awareness.  Having been engaged three times, divorced twice, and coming out of the closet at 40, she understands the pain that’s possible through big life changes. She believes that a “life of thrive” is possible for everyone regardless of circumstances.  Sara teaches pocket-sized techniques her clients can use anywhere to process stress and improve daily happiness, so they can bring the best versions of themselves to their own lives.  Join us for a vulnerable conversation that reminds us to go within for healing.

Fear can drive innovation, and for Bethany Corbin, it also helped her find her purpose. As a healthcare innovation and femtech attorney, Bethany Corbin is on a mission to help thought-leading companies revolutionize the global women’s health sector. She is the founder of FemInnovation, which helps founders, clinicians, politicians, and advocates transform and disrupt “standard” care delivery for women’s health through specially tailored legal and educational programs, thought leadership, and advocacy. Bethany is a recognized leader at the intersection of women’s health, law, and technology, and was named a Top 200 Trailblazing Leader in Women’s Health and Femtech by Women of Wearables. Her strategic insights have been featured in top new outlets, including Forbes, Fortune, BBC, NPR, Buzzfeed, The Atlantic, VICE, Cosmopolitan, Teen Vogue, and more. 

Resilience and tenacity are my two favorite words in the English language. I cheer for the underdog and love stories of triumph over trauma. It is even better when that story of triumph becomes a catalyst for empowering others. Sofie Lindberg has done just that.  As an American-Swedish catalyst for change, Sofie brings a unique perspective to the table, drawing from her background in human services and organizational sciences, in addition to personally overcoming abusive and toxic relationships. Sofie's journey from founding Claim Your Potential, a women's empowerment organization, to her current role as the CEO of Sofie Lindberg International, showcases her passion for empowering individuals to transform setbacks into opportunities for growth and positive change. Whether it's building organizational culture, setting boundaries, recovering from burnout, or eliminating toxicity, Sofie's expertise shines through as she provides actionable insights and strategies for personal and professional development.

Vulnerability is scary. Like the Wizard of Oz, we want to hide behind the curtain and project an image of perfection and strength... but that is not how we connect with others. Our personal journeys are complicated, and they make us human. Cathlene Miner has overcome so much in her personal life, and her career journey has taken several turns from being an executive to a stay a home mom to an entrepreneur to running a non-profit. As the Founder and CEO of Hopefull Handbags Global, Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit, Cathlene is on a mission to raise hope for survivors of domestic abuse and their children, offering support and empowerment on a global scale. Her dedication to helping survivors regain their footing and rebuild their lives is nothing short of inspiring.

To be successful at anything, you need a strategy... and social media is no different. I love seeing friends and colleagues embrace content creation and effective engagement on social media, but not all of us feel confident enough to do that. Tamay Shannon believes that Social Media doesn't have to be hard, ineffective, or time-consuming. Tamay's company, Where 2 Start Marketing, was created especially to help take the overwhelm out of social media for small businesses. She's been in business for over 10 years helping small businesses get the brand exposure they deserve without the hassle. Join us for an insightful conversation about social media strategy and content creation.

As someone who struggles to draw a stick figure, it seems far-fetched that I would leave my corporate comfort zone to dive head-first into a career as an artist... but that is exactly what Nancy Marks did. Nancy convinced herself that she had no artistic skills whatsoever, until she signed up for a fused glass class to spend quality time with her mother, and discovered a passion and talent while "embracing the imperfections" of art. She then merged her corporate and creative skills to start her own studio. Brilliant! Love this conversation and the lessons learned from it. 

Having a great financial strategy is so important to creating stability, yet many of us lack confidence or expertise to manage our money and make investments. So what do we do? Money should not be a taboo topic, yet we struggle to talk to our friends about it and are afraid to admit what we don't know. After spending a combined 20 years as a Financial Advisor and Mortgage Advisor, and having countless conversations with women, Patti Handy decided to pursue her dream of Financial Coaching for Women. A teacher at heart, she loves to educate and empower women with money smarts! Patti is a Certified Executive Coach, Certified Life Coach, holds a Real Estate Brokers license and is a published author of four books. Join us for a great talk about the importance of money management. 

For many of us, our pets are family, and few things are as crushing as learning that a family member has been diagnosed with cancer, knowing the battle they have ahead of them. Thankfully we have people like Ashley Kalinauskas, who launched a cancer-battling biotech start‑up that resulted from her graduate thesis project at the University of Notre Dame. Ashley Kalinauskas is the founder and CEO of Torigen, a biotechnology company helping our furry best friends live longer, healthier lives. Their initial product, VetiVax, is a personalized cancer vaccine that was originally developed to move forward for human clinical studies, but was repositioned to help the millions of dogs, cats and horses after a cancer diagnosis. Ashley has grown the company from an idea on the scientific benchtop, to a company of over 30 employees poised to help grow the animal health industry. Not only is Ashley a brilliant researcher, she is also a keen businesswoman who has successfully raised $16 million in investment funds so that they can continue to develop innovative immunotherapies.  Ashley has been recognized with numerous awards, such as Forbes 30 Under 30 2020, Animal Health Innovation USA Award 2021, Notre Dame Domer Dozen 2021,  and Hartford Business Journal's 2023 Power 50.  The first Pretty Powerful Podcast of 2024 kicks off in a big way with this inspiring and engaging conversation!

Building a successful business is naturally the primary focus of every entrepreneur... but how do you then protect what you have worked so hard to build? Scherrie L. Prince is an attorney and asset protection coach who teaches entrepreneurs how to merge their business plan with their estate plan to create a moat around their assets. For over a decade she has taught, led, and counseled entrepreneurs at every phase of their business. Join us for an insightful discussion about asset protection, estate planning, and business planning.

Words matter... and the things you tell yourself can determine your future. In the same way, the things that have been told to you by others have probably made the biggest impact on how you see yourself... and if those things were negative, you may have had a difficult time achieving success, or feeling like you deserve it, or you may struggle with low self esteem. I had a fascinating conversation with Annie Delre about Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP) and how to reduce stress in our lives.  Annie Delre is a nationally board certified Health and Wellness Coach who has worked with hundreds of clients to help them achieve a life of confidence, wellness, and success. Along with multiple certifications, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Integrative Wellness Coaching. Her master's capstone project was titled "Health Coaching as an Effective Tool for Managing Stress & Anxiety". Annie is certified in multiple modalities: Integrative Wellness Coaching, Life & Success Coaching, Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP), Clinical Hypnotherapy and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). Annie and I had a deep dive discussion about stress, overwhelm, NLP, goal-setting and so much more! 

Sometimes we reach a point in life where we are so passionate about something that it causes a complete pivot to a more mission-driven career. Shani Bocian, the Founder and CEO of Allermi, was a teacher prior to pivoting to the medical industry.  Allermi is the first one-bottle allergy medication tailored to your symptoms. Patients fill out a symptom survey on their website that is reviewed by a physician at Allermi. Then, their customized nasal spray is sent to their door once or on a subscription basis. Why does this matter? Because 70% of traditional treatment users in the US report dissatisfaction, there’s a record number of allergy sufferers, and we have a shortage of allergists. Shani is passionate about bringing clinically backed treatment that is more affordable, more effective, and easily accessible to allergy sufferers. Join us as we discuss her journey through the healthcare industry, the obstacles Shani faced along the way and her passion for improving the lives of allergy sufferers. 

We all wish we could be more efficient with various projects, but Laura Bowers has actually created a formula for it. Laura Bowers is the CEO of The PMO Boss. After 20 years of leading projects and teams she has witnessed some of the best and worst practices out there. She then took that knowledge and developed a streamlined approach for implementing and managing a project management office (PMO), using the B.O.S.S. Method, and bet on herself as an entrepreneur.  As she states, "entrepreneurs are great visionaries, but not so great at sticking to a plan", and truer words have never been spoken! Join us for an insightful conversation about how to make life and work a little more manageable. 

There's no doubt that automation of tasks has saved a ton of time and effort... some of us remember the days when we would need to write and mail checks to pay bills and then balance our checkbook manually... yeah, those days are thankfully behind us! But Natalie Guzman has figured out how to automate almost everything as a family manager, virtual assistant, entrepreneur and busy mom. Natalie's story is truly inspiring. She is a former foster kid turned CEO and has a passion for helping entrepreneurs create their dream businesses online. Natalie Guzman became a virtual assistant in 2015 after her job told her she had two days to give birth, and then she would have to return to work. She immediately started her virtual assistant business to make money from home, on her terms. When she decided to turn her side hustle into an agency, it hit 6 figures in 3 months.  Now Natalie owns Nadora, an all-in-one system for entrepreneurs to build the back end of their business with the support of a virtual assistant team while raising her family in southwest Florida. Not only is she using her talent for finding efficiencies to make money, she is effectively saving her clients money as well.