Imagine your significant other dies unexpectedly from a heart attack. In the midst of grief, you must find the resilience to go on while raising children and deciding how to move ahead professionally.   This week’s guest — Sejal Lakhani-Bhatt — shares her story of the unexpected and how she managed to balance her family, her health, and her profession. Lakhani-Bhatt speaks candidly about her global banking career and how mentorship helped her climb the ladder at Deutsche Bank. Her husband, a tech entrepreneur, supported Lakhani-Bhatt when she decided to leave her banking job. Though she envisioned time with her children and yoga classes as a stay-at-home mom, her husband suggested she use her certified (and much-needed) project management skills at his tech startup. Today, TechWerxe, a turnkey cybersecurity company in the Northeast, is thriving with Lakhani-Bhatt at the helm. As more cyberattacks affect us personally and in business, TechWerxe provides enterprise-level security needs for small and medium businesses. Lakhani-Bhatt encourages solopreneurs to prioritize cybersecurity essentials, offering practical and affordable insights on securing data and devices for smaller businesses that may not have a tech team.  Lakhani-Bhatt, opens up about her early childhood memories, why working in male-dominated careers has not been a stumbling block, what it was like to work with her spouse, and how she coped with sudden loss.  Listen to the episode as Lakhani-Bhatt shares authentically about her successes — and provides sensible tips.   Highlights:  Lakhani-Bhatt’s childhood and what it meant to be raised in an Indian family What it was like to work in global banking in the 2000’s How mentorship/sponsorship played a key role in Lakhani-Bhatt’s career Curious about Lakhani-Bhatt’s view on being a woman in two male-dominated industries? Tips for working on a startup with your spouse Insights on coping with grief and effectively managing the complexities of anger  How to protect your business and personal information with practical cybersecurity tips designed specifically for solopreneurs Why solopreneurs and small business owners should prioritize the practical importance of financial literacy to understand and manage your books and records effectively Learn essential cybersecurity tips to protect your business and build trust with your customers.

Named one of Inc. magazine’s top 100 female founders to watch, Maggie Adhami-Boynton is well-versed in the pivots required for an early-stage company to morph into a viable, scalable business.  A 15-year startup veteran, she understood earlier than most the rapid evolution of digital apps and e-commerce and hit the ground more than a decade ago. Adhami-Boynton helped grow Canada’s Plastic Mobile, an award-winning mobile app agency, to acquisition in 2015.  In 2019, she soft-launched ShopThing, one of North America’s first live video commerce apps, which quickly amassed hundreds of thousands of followers. She is also one of the 2.3 percent of women who have successfully raised venture capital, closing a $10 million round in 2022. Curious how Adhami-Boynton identified niche tech opportunities and how she leveraged her knowledge to start and grow a VC-funded business? Who doesn’t love to shop with an app?! Highlights: 
 Learn how Adhami-Boynton became an early adopter of digital marketing before it was mainstream. Why consider a soft launch before quitting your day job Why age matters when starting a company, plus resources for founders How ShopThing streams online shopping events, and how customers can participate and, well, shop!  Where Adhami-Boynton learned firsthand about early product adoption and marketing, and how this knowledge helped her when she started ShopThing How to avoid common content creation barriers  Explore how ShopThing empowers consumers to become content creators in the dynamic world of live video commerce. 

Kimberley Nixon tells it like it is. Yes, she is a Los Angeles–based venture capitalist and the founder and managing partner of Open Venture Capital. Yes, she is passionate about increasing access to investment for women of color, who we know raise less than 1 percent of all venture capital. Nixon is also keen to share the human side of her life. Health is a topic she knows intimately as she overcame cancer in her late 20s after a misdiagnosis. Today, she is balancing, like many of us, her passions with being a wife and mother to two tweens. If you are looking for a relatable, smart, hip role model, Nixon is it! Highlights Nixon, who grew up in a Caribbean neighborhood in Brooklyn before gentrification, reflects on how “New York is a living, breathing manifestation of resilience.” Nixon shares how a total stranger helped prep her for an interview at Deloitte while waiting for their own interview for a more senior position. Nixon discusses being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a curable form of cancer. Though the same lump was misdiagnosed more than a year before, Nixon considers herself fortunate that she was able to receive care at Johns Hopkins. How Nixon’s passions for access to health, education, and real estate investing sparked the idea of raising her own venture fund Testing a venture fund and building a startup both require a proof of concept stage. Nixon explains honing in on companies that increase access to healthcare.

If you’re feeling stuck in your pursuit of success in the music industry despite all the hard work and effort you’re putting in — you’re not alone! Karla Ortiz, founder of Monark Entertainment, delves into her struggles and victories as a woman of color in the entertainment industry.  Early in her career, Ortiz shaped digital marketing campaigns for megastars like Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, and Nelly Furtado. Decades later, she founded Monark Entertainment, an agency focused on streaming and digital marketing, with a particular emphasis on supporting women of color. Ortiz shares her experiences as a female executive, addresses challenges women face in the music industry, and advocates for strategic team-building and selective engagement.  Her journey took an exciting turn when she became a professor at the Los Angeles College of Music. Ortiz’s story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead for women in music and entertainment. Highlights  Ortiz gives tips to college students on how to mine LinkedIn and social media to find the type of internship you want. Fun fact: Ortiz remembers her first cassette. Remember those? The song was “La Isla Bonita.” Do you know the artist? 
 Witness Ortiz’s pivotal shift from major music labels to entrepreneurship, a decision that reshaped her career. Quiz: What are the four most essential platforms in the music industry? 

Gain valuable insights as Ortiz reflects on her journey as a female executive, sharing lessons learned on the challenging yet rewarding path of entrepreneurship. Ortiz explains why she believes incubators for musicians are important and why they end up with a bigger cut of their work.

 Ortiz shares her vision for the future of the music industry, predicting trends and possibilities.

Ever wondered how one woman can impact racial wealth and investment equity as well as advancements in women’s health? In two decades, Erika Seth Davies transitioned from a career in development and fundraising to becoming the CEO of Rhia Ventures, a groundbreaking fund that secured an impressive $44 million (in 2022) to revolutionize the U.S. women’s health market through impact investing.  But wait, there’s more! Davies isn’t stopping at women’s health. She’s also the mastermind behind the Racial Equity Asset Lab (the REAL), an impact investing venture tackling the persistent racial wealth gap. Tune in as we explore the significance of this groundbreaking initiative and its potential to reshape the narrative around capital allocation and wealth creation for minorities. Highlights 

 Lessons learned from Davies’ extensive experience in fundraising, providing valuable wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs

 Explore the investment strategy of Rhia Ventures and how it strategically shapes the landscape of women’s health funds

 Addressing the crisis in healthcare for Black women, Davies sheds light on the pressing issues and challenges that need urgent attention Insights of the decision-making and strategy in impact investing, unraveling the thought processes that drive transformative change  Davies shares valuable tips for women and minority entrepreneurs, offering guidance for navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.
 Davies delves into the harsh realities of racial inequity in venture capital — and shares the challenges and potential solutions for a more inclusive future

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

Becoming a parent is a seismic pivot in itself. Add the societal pressure to breastfeed — with virtually no support and sleepless nights — and you have a rocky six months. But it doesn’t need to be this way.   Andrea Ippolito, CEO of SimpliFed, created a community to help women navigate everything from finding an insurance-covered lactation consultant to exploring different formulas to scoring the best-quality breast pump. Ippolito offers free classes and directories of allies and providers and works with workplaces and insurers to help parents get the support they need.  As a mom herself, Ippolito knows firsthand the paucity of resources for parents who need support to do what’s best for their new baby and her nutrition. With her background working with the Department of Veteran Affairs and launching and selling her first product (an AI-driven health appointment scheduler), Ippolito has the track record to make a difference. Show highlights How Ippolito pivoted from biomedical engineering to creating her first product, an AI-driven scheduler, which she successfully sold to a healthcare company The arc of Ippolito’s entrepreneurial journey and how engineering and healthcare intersect Ipollito recalls her experience as a new mother and how it informed her decision to create SimpliFed. Ippolito’s crusade for workplace support for parents and breastfeeding working moms Why it’s essential to challenge gender biases that stand in the way of women providing nutrients to their babies. Yes, really! How her past experiences in healthcare and understanding systems helped Ippolito conceive SimpliFed Why support should start well before the baby is born What challenges breastfeeding working mothers continue to face Why access to networks and supportive infrastructures are essential for women entrepreneurs Ippolito on motherhood: “Moms are often discarded as the wrapper and moms deserve more help and care.” How the SimpliFed platform helps individuals, companies, and insurers work together. Why it matters to not only be a visionary but also a doer, one willing to execute tedious tasks integral to startup success. Why should every family educate themselves about their rights under the Affordable Healthcare Act? How to find out what your insurance covers in terms of postpartum care and baby-feeding assistance Telehealth can play a key role in supporting new parents and/or those seeking treatment for mental health. Ippolito suggests everyone stay informed about healthcare innovation and transformation efforts by following the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the General Services Administration. Why it is essential for healthcare to continue to innovate — and our role as consumers. How to find out more about Ippolito and SimpliFed

Divorce is a life pivot that touches many, and it can be civil or act as a wrecking ball. You may know Kenya Duke from her BET+ show The Gary Owen Show, with her now ex-husband and their three children. Duke, an entrepreneur, real estate investor, and host of the podcast Truly Kenya, shares her experience of divorce, as well as its emotional and financial impacts. The pain of financial instability and the struggle to make ends meet can be overwhelming. But there is a way to regain control and find empowerment. Duke tells her story from childhood to what it means to be a Black woman in the entertainment industry. Duke shows how to rise above a nasty, acrimonious public divorce, take care of yourself, and build a secure financial future, in this episode of SheVentures. Highlights Duke describes her humble upbringing, and how growing up in a lower-middle-class neighborhood instilled values of community, hard work, and resilience.  Duke’s foray into the entertainment industry might not have been planned, but her pulse on various unconventional topics quickly catapulted her into the limelight. What it was like to work with her then-husband and children as the producer of The Gary Owen Show Why Duke prefers to be “behind the camera” instead of seeking stardom What it was like to have her marriage fall apart and the media scrutiny of her family and their personal lives Duke’s tips on how to rebuild your financial independence after a divorce If you are single or getting married, Duke suggests taking control of your finances and opening a separate bank account for personal economic independence. Learn about how Duke invests in the real estate market. Duke’s humorous take on the transition to dating with kids Tips for balancing a robust career, nurturing motherhood, and ensuring self-care How the transformative power of community — specifically women of color — helped Duke Duke candidly discusses how young hopefuls can explore the possibility of a career in the entertainment industry, whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes. By openly sharing her experience, Duke emphasizes that financial stability and success are attainable goals for any woman given the right mindset, education, and perseverance. Find Duke on her social media for behind-the-scenes content, and listen to her podcast, Truly Kenya.  

Have you ever considered opening a spa, but the number of unknowns stopped you? Not Crystal Bethea, founder and CEO of C3 Wellness Spa, who pivoted from Army veteran to  licensed massage therapist, cosmetologist, and entrepreneur. Bethea is passionate about massage, acupuncture, and other wellness modalities. Coming from a family of veterans, she’s passionate about helping vets maintain their health and to help them pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and find fulfillment in their post-military lives. That’s why C3 Wellness Spa is a franchise and ready to expand! Bethea works with her husband, Marus Bethea, also a veteranwho is a medical billing expert. The spa is committed to working with its clients and their health insurance benefits, to see if the spa’s services are covered. Show Highlights  Explore Bethea’s transition from military life to creating her own thriving spa franchise. Understand the potential power of word-of-mouth marketing and mechanisms to build a loyal client base. How Bethea incrementally grew her clientele starting with a mobile business through referrals. Bethea, who does not use paid marketing, demonstrates the value of reputation and client satisfaction in scaling a business. Get insights into the process and benefits of insurance company credentialing. If you are a veteran, check to see if you qualify for government benefits and inquire about receiving 100 percent coverage for services at C3 Wellness Spa through the Department of Veterans Affairs. The key steps and strategies Bethea uses to run a solid business Uncover the opportunities for exponential business growth through franchising in the wellness industry. As a woman of color, Bethea speaks about the importance of generational wealth.

Imagine rising through the ranks of the Federal government for three decades until one day a sudden heart attack forced you to reevaluate your life priorities. Debra Owens, Ph.D., is an Army veteran, former U.S. Postal Service employee, and a U.S. Department of the Treasury human resources manager. By all accounts, she built a stable career while raising two children, going through a divorce, and taking every opportunity possible to educate/upskill herself, tireless in her pursuit of knowledge. While building her career, Owens was often asked by friends or family about how to navigate the Federal government. Initially, Owens helped because that’s her nature. Then it kept happening, and Owens recognized a gap in the market: helping people navigate the complexities of working with the Federal government, in addition to working with women on how to define and take action on their passions.  Owens’ heart attack — which happened while she was working her then side hustle and full-time job — was a pivotal moment where she decided to follow, well, her heart and retire from the government. Today Owens is the founder and CEO of her own development consulting firm, Encore Empowerment International, an author, motivational speaker, executive coach, and consultant who holds multiple degrees and licenses, including one as an ordained minister! This is a story about resilience and determination. Key Highlights
 Owens reflects on her upbringing, her education, and what it was like to be a woman in the military Where Owens met her first husband, and her experience transitioning to civilian life Why resilience and adaptability are essential in your personal and professional life What led Owens to constantly seek change and pursue education until she obtained her Ph.D. What it was like to fire employees in the Federal government How entrepreneurship manifested in Owens as a side hustle more than 15 years ago Owens speaks about her heart attack, her recovery, and her quick realization she needed to take action The roles faith and support have played in Owens’ life  Owens speaks candidly about how she overcame life’s emotional challenges The significance of community involvement and support in fostering inner strength and endurance How did Owens transition to entrepreneurship full-time? Delve into the dynamics of personal relationships and uncover pearls of wisdom from real-life marriage experiences Real talk about Owens’ lessons from divorce Owens discusses regret and balancing work and family Where to find out more about Dr. Owens, her company Encore Empowerment International, and how you can work with her as an executive coach to enhance your leadership skills or develop conflict resolution techniques, or how you can hire her as a motivational speaker

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