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Serious Lady Business
Leslie Youngblood
41 episodes
1 week ago
Serious Lady Business is the podcast where we dive into the serious—and sometimes not-so-serious—realities of being a female business owner. Host Leslie Youngblood keeps it real about entrepreneurship as we dive into the hard lessons no one warns you about to the surprising wins that make it all worth it. Tune in for honest conversations, unfiltered insights, and stories that prove you’re not in this alone.
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Entrepreneurship
Business
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All content for Serious Lady Business is the property of Leslie Youngblood and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Serious Lady Business is the podcast where we dive into the serious—and sometimes not-so-serious—realities of being a female business owner. Host Leslie Youngblood keeps it real about entrepreneurship as we dive into the hard lessons no one warns you about to the surprising wins that make it all worth it. Tune in for honest conversations, unfiltered insights, and stories that prove you’re not in this alone.
Show more...
Entrepreneurship
Business
Episodes (20/41)
Serious Lady Business
Know Your Numbers, Know Your Power: Armine Alajian on Building a Business You Can Actually Afford to Love

In this engaging conversation, Leslie Youngblood interviews Armin Elajian, a CPA and fractional CFO, about the importance of financial literacy for women entrepreneurs. They discuss Armin's transition from corporate accounting to entrepreneurship, the significance of understanding financial numbers, and the challenges of navigating financial conversations. The discussion also covers practical advice on cash flow management, value-based pricing, and preparing for economic shifts, emphasizing the need for awareness and clarity in financial matters.

About Our Guest

  • Armine Alajian, Founder and CEO - The Alajian Group
  • Connect with Armine on LinkedIn
  • Follow The Alajian Group on LinkedIn
  • The Alajian Group website

Key Takeaways

  • Financial literacy is crucial for women entrepreneurs.
  • Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship can be daunting but rewarding.
  • Understanding your numbers gives you power in business.
  • Clarity in financial planning beats hustle.
  • Regularly reviewing your financials is essential for success.
  • Value-based pricing can enhance profitability.
  • Don't shy away from financial conversations; they are necessary.
  • Cash flow management is vital for business sustainability.
  • Having a financial advisor can alleviate stress.
  • Awareness of expenses can lead to better financial decisions.


women in business, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, accounting, small business, financial clarity, cash flow, value-based pricing, taxes, economic resilience

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1 week ago
42 minutes

Serious Lady Business
Selling the Unseen: Growing a Risque Brand and Empowering Women to Own Their Story

Host Leslie Youngblood interviews Liz Hansen, a boudoir photographer who empowers women through her art. Liz shares her journey from a wedding photographer to running a successful boudoir studio, discussing the challenges and triumphs of building a niche business. The conversation delves into the importance of self-love, overcoming societal norms, and the impact of mindset on entrepreneurship. Liz emphasizes the significance of community support and the transformative power of boudoir photography in helping women reclaim their bodies and stories.

About Out Guest

  • Liz Hansen, Owner and Photographer at Chicago Boudoir Photography
  • Chicago Boudoir Photography website
  • Connect with Liz on LinkedIn
  • Follow Chicago Boudoir Photography on LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

  • Boudoir photography can empower women to feel confident.
  • Starting a business requires overcoming limiting beliefs.
  • Family support can vary, and that's okay.
  • Finding a niche can lead to greater profitability.
  • Pricing should reflect the value of the experience offered.
  • Mindset shifts are crucial for business success.
  • Community support is essential for entrepreneurs.
  • Women should reclaim their bodies and stories.
  • Overcoming money blocks is a journey.
  • Self-love is foundational for personal and professional growth.


boudoir photography, women's empowerment, self-love, business growth, pricing strategies, mindset, community support, body positivity, entrepreneurship, personal development

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3 weeks ago
44 minutes

Serious Lady Business
Grief, Grace, and Changing Conversations with Samara Tricarico

In this episode of Serious Lady Business, host Leslie Youngblood engages in a heartfelt conversation with Samara Tricarico, co-founder of Endurant Movement. They discuss the profound impact of grief, particularly in the context of losing a child, and how it has fueled Samara's advocacy for mental health and suicide awareness. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community support, normalizing discussions around mental health, and practical ways to support those in grief. Samara shares insights on self-care, the role of death doulas, and the transformative power of turning pain into purpose. The episode concludes with a look at the future of the Endurant Movement and its mission to foster connection and healing.

About Our Guest

  • Samara Tricarico, Co-Founder of Endurant Movement and Co-Host of The Endurant Show Podcast
  • The Endurant Movement website
  • The Endurant Show Podcast website
  • Connect with Samara on LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

  • Grief is a unique experience for everyone.
  • Community support is vital during times of grief.
  • Normalizing conversations about mental health can save lives.
  • Language matters when supporting those in grief.
  • Self-care is essential for caregivers and grievers alike.
  • Offering specific help is more effective than open-ended offers.
  • Death doulas can provide valuable support during end-of-life transitions.
  • Transforming pain into purpose can lead to healing.
  • Creating safe spaces for teens is crucial for their mental health.
  • Empathy and connection are key in navigating grief and loss.

mental health, grief, suicide awareness, community support, self-care, Endurant Movement, advocacy, death literacy, emotional resilience, women empowerment

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4 weeks ago
47 minutes

Serious Lady Business
The Business Case for Doing Good: How B Corps Are Redefining Success

Leslie Youngblood interviews Maiya Holliday about the significance of B Corps and the journey of building a sustainable business. They discuss the challenges and rewards of obtaining B Corp certification, the importance of community among B Corps, and practical steps for aspiring business owners. Maiya shares her experiences with low-hanging fruit options for sustainability, the role of AI in business, and the evolving landscape of B Corps. The conversation emphasizes that making an impact is possible for all business owners, not just nonprofits.

About Our Guest

  • Maiya Holliday, Founder and CEO of Mangrove Web
  • Mangrove Web website
  • Connect with Maiya on LinkedIn
  • Follow Mangrove on LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

  • B Corps focus on people, planet, and profit.
  • Maiya's journey began with website development and a passion for impact.
  • B Corp certification is a rigorous but rewarding process.
  • Low-hanging fruit options can help businesses become more sustainable.
  • Community support is crucial for B Corps.
  • AI can streamline operations and reduce busy work.
  • B Corps are growing rapidly, increasing competition.
  • Being a B Corp is about aligning values with business practices.
  • Sustainability is an ongoing journey, not a one-time effort.
  • Women entrepreneurs can make a significant impact through their businesses.


B Corps, women in business, sustainable practices, business certification, community impact, AI in business, business growth, women entrepreneurs, social responsibility, business advice

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1 month ago
38 minutes

Serious Lady Business
Money Without the Panic: Building Financial Confidence for Women in Business

Host Leslie Youngblood and financial planner Melissa Joy discuss the complexities of money management for women in business. They explore the emotional aspects of finances, the importance of financial literacy, and the cultural influences that affect women's financial decisions. The conversation emphasizes the need for women to take control of their financial futures, whether through personal budgeting, business planning, or seeking mentorship. Melissa shares her insights on the significance of community support and the necessity of having a financial plan in place to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. The episode concludes with practical advice for women to build confidence in their financial decisions and the importance of continuous learning in the financial realm.

About Our Guest

  • Melissa Joy, Financial Planner and Founder of Pearl Planning 
  • Pearl Planning Website
  • Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn
  • Follow Pearl Planning on LinkedIn
  • Melissa's Podcast, Women's Money Wisdom, on YouTube

Key Takeaways

  • Money is often an emotional topic for many individuals.
  • Women often feel isolated in their financial struggles.
  • Learning small bits about finance can empower women.
  • Taking risks is essential for business success.
  • Cultural influences can lead women to prioritize others over themselves financially.
  • Being honest about financial situations is crucial for growth.
  • Progress over perfection is key in financial management.
  • Knowledge is power when it comes to managing money.
  • Not every woman should be an entrepreneur, and that's okay.
  • Community and mentorship play vital roles in financial confidence.


financial empowerment, women in business, money management, financial planning, budgeting, entrepreneurship, women entrepreneurs, financial literacy, personal finance, business finance

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1 month ago
43 minutes

Serious Lady Business
When Enough is Enough: Redefining Success in the Fast-Paced Marketing World

Leslie Youngblood and Catherine (Cat) Holt discuss the challenges and triumphs of women in leadership roles. Cat shares her journey from rising to VP at a young age to navigating the complexities of corporate culture, the importance of mentorship, and the need for women to take charge of their careers. They explore the significance of creating supportive work environments, the impact of societal expectations, and the courage it takes to pursue entrepreneurship. The conversation emphasizes the power of community, the necessity of self-advocacy, and the importance of listening to one's inner voice when making career decisions.

About Our Guest

  • Catherine (Cat) Holt, Founder and Chief Brand Officer - Coologee
  • Coologee Website
  • Connect with Cat on LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

  • Women need to stop waiting for opportunities and take action.
  • Support from mentors and peers is crucial for success.
  • Corporate environments can be hostile, especially for women.
  • Bravery in entrepreneurship is essential for growth.
  • Creating a positive work culture is vital for team success.
  • Understanding the corporate game can help navigate challenges.
  • Women often over-attribute control to external factors.
  • It's important to find your own path and make changes when necessary.
  • Building a remote-first business can foster flexibility and inclusivity.
  • Community support is essential for personal and professional growth.


leadership, women in business, corporate culture, entrepreneurship, empowerment, mentorship, work-life balance, remote work, community support, personal growth

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1 month ago
45 minutes

Serious Lady Business
Make It or Break It: Rachel Honeyman on the Strategies That Saved Her Business—and Herself

Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Rachel Honeyman, founder of HoneyBeBold, about her entrepreneurial journey, the challenges she faced, and the strategies she implemented to turn her business around. Rachel shares her personal struggles with mental health and how they intertwined with her business journey. The conversation emphasizes the importance of support systems, finding the right coaching, and defining success on one's own terms. Rachel also discusses the significance of creating a sustainable content strategy and planning for the future.

About Our Guest

  • Rachel Honeyman, founder of HoneyBeBold
  • Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn
  • HoneyBeBold Coaching program waitlist
  • Bold Women in Business podcast
  • Peter Giordanno III (Rachel's business coach mentioned)
  • Diana Davis (Rachel's other business coach mentioned)

Key Takeaways

  • Entrepreneurship can lead to personal growth and self-improvement.
  • Setting clear financial goals can help guide business decisions.
  • Support systems are crucial for navigating tough times in business.
  • It's important to define success on your own terms.
  • Creating a sustainable content strategy is key to attracting clients.
  • Finding the right coach can provide valuable guidance and support.
  • Assessing your business regularly helps identify areas for improvement.
  • You can start small and build your business gradually.
  • Building a meaningful business can provide a sense of purpose.


entrepreneurship, mental health, branding, content marketing, women entrepreneurs, business challenges, coaching, self-improvement, support systems, success strategies

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1 month ago
44 minutes

Serious Lady Business
Check In, Don’t Check Out: Endora, Reflective Play, and the Science of Nostalgic Healing

Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with sisters Kitty and Coco, co-founders of Endora, a wellness gaming app designed to help millennial mothers combat anxiety and depression through nostalgic reflection. They share their personal journeys, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the importance of community support. The conversation delves into their unique moon mission, which aims to send memories into space, and emphasizes the need for ethical tech in today's world. Kitty and Coco offer valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the significance of reflection and genuine connections in the startup landscape.

About Our Guests

  • Kitty Bogle-Sherman and Coco Harmon, founders of Endora Technologies
  • Endora Technologies website
  • Endora app website 
  • About the Endora Moon Mission
  • Connect with Kitty on LinkedIn
  • Connect with Coco on LinkedIn
  • Follow Endora Technologies on LinkedIn 

Key Takeaways

  • Endora is designed to help mothers combat anxiety and depression.
  • Community support and pitch competitions are crucial for startups.
  • Motherhood can enhance motivation and productivity in careers.
  • Reflection is key to personal growth and innovation.
  • The moon mission aims to send memories into space as a legacy.
  • Ethical tech is essential for positive societal impact.
  • Entrepreneurs should focus on genuine connections rather than just fundraising.
  • It's important to release expectations and embrace the learning process.
  • Diverse backgrounds can lead to innovative solutions in business.
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2 months ago
47 minutes

Serious Lady Business
From Dismissed to Determined: How Maria Haugen Is Changing the Way Women Track and Advocate for Their Health

In this episode of Serious Lady Business, host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Maria Haugen, founder of FoXX Health, a health tech app designed to empower women in managing their health. Maria shares her personal health journey that led to the creation of FoXX Health, highlighting the systemic issues women face in healthcare, including the dismissal of their symptoms. The conversation explores the development of the app, its features, and how it aims to improve communication between women and healthcare providers. Maria discusses the challenges of securing funding, the importance of community support, and her vision for the future of women's health. The episode emphasizes the need for women to trust their instincts and be proactive in their health journeys, while also encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to validate their ideas beyond their immediate circles.

About Our Guest

  • Maria Haugen, CEO and Founder
  • Connect with Maria on LinkedIn
  • FoXX Health website
  • FoXX Health LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok

Key Takeaways

  • FoXX Health was created to empower women in their health journeys.
  • 93% of women experience dismissal of their symptoms in healthcare.
  • Maria's personal health crisis inspired the development of FoXX Health.
  • The app aims to improve communication between women and healthcare providers.
  • User feedback is crucial for any app's development and success.
  • Building a supportive community is essential for startups.
  • Funding challenges are common for mission-driven companies.
  • Positivity and resilience are key in entrepreneurship.
  • The future of health tech is collaborative and inclusive.
  • Women need to trust their instincts and advocate for their health.


FoXX Health, women's health, health tech, health app, healthcare disparities, self-advocacy, health tracking, women's empowerment, health journey, health data

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2 months ago
39 minutes

Serious Lady Business
Breaking Barriers, Building Better Models: From Immigrant to C-Suite with Minyang Jiang

In this episode of Serious Lady Business, host Leslie Youngblood engages in a heartfelt conversation with Minyang (MJ) Jiang, the Chief Strategy Officer at Credibly. MJ shares her inspiring journey from being an immigrant child to a successful executive, emphasizing the importance of resilience, self-inventory, and the power of asking questions in leadership. They discuss the challenges women face in male-dominated industries, the significance of mentorship, and the need for authenticity in storytelling. MJ also highlights her role in empowering small businesses through innovative financial solutions and her commitment to developing the next generation of leaders.

About Our Guest

  • Minyang (MJ) Jiang, Chief Strategy Officer at Credibly
  • Connect with MJ on LinkedIn
  • Credibly - main website
  • Credibly - AI website

Key Takeaways

  • MJ's journey from immigrant to executive showcases resilience.
  • Self-inventory is crucial for career growth and alignment.
  • Asking questions is a powerful tool in leadership.
  • Outsider perspectives can drive meaningful change.
  • Women should challenge traditional gender norms in leadership.
  • Creating a supportive environment is essential for female leaders.
  • Authenticity in storytelling is vital for connection.
  • Embracing flaws and failures is part of the hero's journey.
  • Building a community of helpers fosters growth and support.
  • Empowering small businesses is a mission-driven endeavor.


women in business, leadership, resilience, career growth, entrepreneurship, small business finance, generative AI, mentorship, female empowerment, personal development

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2 months ago
47 minutes

Serious Lady Business
Running a Household Like a Business: Why Moms Need a Team Too

In this Serious Lady Business conversation, Leslie talks with Kelly Hubbell, founder of Sage Haus, about why “moms need teams too” and how running a household like a business—complete with roles, systems, and support—can reclaim time, reduce burnout, and unlock growth at work and at home. Kelly shares how calculating her own “invisible labor” (about 22 hours/week) led her to hire a house manager/family assistant, then build Sage Haus to help other families do the same through tailored job descriptions, rigorous vetting, and a Home Systems Playbook that documents expectations so support can plug in seamlessly. They normalize household help across budgets, discuss practical first hires (meal prep, laundry, after-school coverage), and show the ripple effects on mental health, relationships, entrepreneurship, and community—framing this not as a luxury, but a high-ROI investment in family well-being.

About Our Guest

  • Kelly Hubbell, Founder and CEO of Sage Haus
  • Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn
  • Sage Haus Website
  • Sage Haus on Instagram
  • Sage Haus on LinkedIn


Key Takeaways

  • Invisible labor has a real cost: Kelly clocked ~22 extra hours/week managing home—unsustainable without added support. 
  • Normalize the role: House managers/family assistants should be as accepted as cleaners or nannies—help at home is smart leadership, not a luxury. 
  • Systems make support work: Sage Haus pairs vetted people with a Home Systems Playbook so expectations, routines, and standards are clear and repeatable.
  • Start small, think ROI: Common first offloads—meal prep, laundry, childcare blocks—buy back hours and energy; treat it like an investment in your family and career.
  • Entrepreneurship benefit is real: Offloading home ops creates capacity to start or scale a business, travel for clients, and be present with kids—without burning out.
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2 months ago
38 minutes

Serious Lady Business
Creative Destiny: Trusting Your Path, Owning Your Story, and Building a Legacy

This episode tracks the fearless, nonlinear creative path of Trinette Faint—from teen model in Chicago and Paris to Hollywood sets, six years at Google, published novelist, and now award-recognized screenwriter and filmmaker. Trinette credits her mother’s early “exposure therapy” to big cities and courageous self-advocacy for giving her the confidence to navigate new rooms, reset when needed (hello, palate-cleansing summer waiting tables in Maine), and keep choosing her own story—especially after a difficult year of loss, layoff, and recovery. That “dark winter” became rocket fuel: acting classes, screenwriting at UCLA, and the premiere of her short film Party Pants, a resonant portrait of midlife reinvention. The throughline? Don’t wait for permission. Follow the nudge, do the work, and let your creative legacy be something you live into—at any age.

About Our Guest

  • Trinette Faint, Founder/Screenwriter/Actress
  • Learn more about Trinette
  • Connect with Trinette on LinkedIn
  • Party Pants Movie
  • Floor 51 Productions

Key Takeaways

  • Exposure builds courage. Early trips to Chicago and a mom who modeled self-advocacy taught Trinette to move confidently through the world. 
  • Your path isn’t linear. Strategic resets (Maine, Colorado) created space for clarity and unexpected opportunities in photography and modeling. 
  • Rejection is a rep. Modeling’s “no’s” trained resilience—essential for creative and career pivots. 
  • Make choices that only need to make sense to you. If the move feels right, it’s valid—even if others don’t see it yet. 
  • Community is part of the work. Mentoring young women and building in-person networks (Shea Faint) amplifies impact and opens doors. 
  • Dark seasons can be catalysts. Job loss and recovery became the opening for screenwriting, acting, and the Party Pants premiere. 
  • Legacy is daily. Keep learning, keep making, and keep telling the truth of where you are—because that’s the work that resonates.
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3 months ago
47 minutes

Serious Lady Business
How to Build a Business You Actually Enjoy with Andrea Liebross

Leslie Youngblood and Andrea Liebross explore the journey of women entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of coaching, community support, and the need for belief and structure in achieving business success. They discuss the challenges of the 'messy middle' in entrepreneurship, the significance of visualizing one's future self, and the necessity of taking massive action to overcome fear and achieve goals. Andrea shares insights from her own experiences, including the process of writing a book and the value of integrating work and life rather than striving for balance. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of community and the resources available for women looking to grow their businesses.

About Our Guest

  • Andrea Liebross, Founder, Speaker, Author, Business Coach and Life Balance Architect
  • www.andrealiebross.com
  • Learn more and purchase Andrea's book
  • Learn more about Andrea's Ascension Coaching Cohort 
  • Connect with Andrea on LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

  • Coaching helps women gain clarity and confidence.
  • The messy middle is a crucial phase for entrepreneurs.
  • Investing in a coach can provide strategic support.
  • Belief and structure are essential for business success.
  • Writing a book clarifies your ideas and serves as a marketing tool.
  • Visualizing your future self can guide your actions.
  • Women often fall into passive action instead of taking massive action.
  • Community support is vital for overcoming loneliness in entrepreneurship.
  • Work-life integration is more realistic than balance.
  • Taking action despite fear is key to progress.


coaching, women entrepreneurs, empowerment, business strategy, mindset, community support, work-life integration, belief, action, personal growth

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3 months ago
39 minutes

Serious Lady Business
Cause She's a Mastermind: Building a Business That Runs Toward the Fire

Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Alyssa Carrier, founder and CEO of AC Disaster Consulting. They discuss Alyssa's journey into disaster management, the importance of compassion in the industry, and the challenges of navigating a male-dominated field. Alyssa shares her insights on building a diverse team, aligning mission with profitability, and the unique strengths women bring to emergency management. The conversation also touches on the significance of trusting one's gut in business decisions, the day-to-day realities of disaster consulting, and the inspiration drawn from icons like Taylor Swift. Alyssa offers valuable advice for young women entrepreneurs and reflects on her legacy and future goals.

About Our Guest

  • Alyssa Carrier, Founder + Chief Executive Officer, AC Disaster Consulting
  • AC Disaster Consulting Website
  • Connect with Alyssa on LinkedIn
  • Follow ACDC on LinkedIn
  • Follow ACDC on Instagram

Key Takeaways

  • Alyssa was inspired to enter disaster management after 9/11.
  • Compassion is essential in emergency management.
  • The industry has historically been male-dominated.
  • Alyssa aims to create a diverse and inclusive team.
  • Aligning mission with profitability is crucial for success.
  • Women bring unique strengths to emergency management roles.
  • Trusting your gut is important in business decisions.
  • Disaster consulting involves unpredictable challenges.
  • Leadership requires authenticity and vulnerability.
  • Alyssa emphasizes the importance of cash reserves for entrepreneurs.
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3 months ago
43 minutes

Serious Lady Business
Pattern Recognition: How Observing, Listening & Adapting Can Make You a More Powerful Leader

Host Leslie Youngblood engages in a deep conversation with Margaret Brower, a renowned coach in the catering and venue sales industry. They explore Margaret's journey from being uncertain about her career path to becoming a successful consultant. The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing patterns in sales, the unique pressures faced by middle management, and the power of observation in leadership. They also delve into the significance of adaptability versus performance, the necessity of embracing change, and the importance of naming one's wins to foster growth and confidence in business.

About Our Guest

  • Margaret Brower, Founder and CEO, Rainmaker Sales and Marketing Group
  • Rainmaker Sales and Marketing Group website
  • Rainmaker Sales and Marketing Group on Instagram

Key Takeaways

  • One conversation can truly change a life.
  • Leap and the net will find you.
  • Observation sharpens your intuition.
  • You can have many different eras in your life.
  • The way you speak to yourself is really important.
  • You don't need permission to choose a new path.
  • The more you recognize your repeatable brilliance, the easier it becomes to build on.
  • You can be many things, and life is not linear.


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3 months ago
41 minutes

Serious Lady Business
Stop Shrinking. Start Showing Up: How Women Founders Can Get the Media Spotlight They Deserve

Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Jenny Beres, co-founder of Pink Shark PR, about the importance of visibility for women founders. They discuss the challenges women face in promoting themselves and their businesses, the power of storytelling, and the necessity of taking control of one's public narrative. Jenny shares success stories of women who have transitioned from being hidden to highly visible, emphasizing the need for women to own their expertise and embrace their unique stories. The conversation also touches on the myths surrounding media and PR, the long-term commitment required for success, and practical steps women can take to increase their visibility. Ultimately, they highlight that being seen is crucial for fulfillment in business and life.

About Our Guest

  • Jenny Beres, Co-Founder and President of Pink Shark PR
  • Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn
  • Follow Pink Shark PR on LinkedIn
  • Pink Shark PR Website

Key Takeaways

  • Women founders often struggle with visibility due to societal conditioning.
  • Visibility is essential for business success and attracting opportunities.
  • Women are better storytellers, which can be leveraged in PR.
  • Building relationships with media is crucial for visibility.
  • PR is a long-term commitment, not a short-term strategy.
  • Confidence and humility can coexist; they are not the same.
  • Women should embrace their expertise and own their narratives.
  • Networking should be about making genuine connections, not just transactional.
  • The media landscape is increasingly supportive of women.
  • Being seen leads to fulfillment in business and personal life.
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3 months ago
49 minutes

Serious Lady Business
Start Anyway: Building Impact Without Permission or Profit

Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Mackenzie Siren, co-founder of Chicago Climate Connect, a nonprofit dedicated to building a community around climate change in Chicago. Mackenzie shares her journey from software product management to climate tech, emphasizing the importance of local action and community building. They discuss the challenges of starting a nonprofit without a traditional background in climate or business, the significance of inclusivity, and the myths surrounding climate work and entrepreneurship. Mackenzie highlights the need for accessibility in climate initiatives and the importance of starting small to test ideas without significant risk.

About Our Guest

  • Mackenzie Siren, co-founder of Chicago Climate Connect
  • Connect with Mackenzie on LinkedIn
  • Chicago Climate Connect Website
  • Follow Chicago Climate Connect on LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

  • Chicago Climate Connect started from a desire for local climate community.
  • Inclusivity and accessibility are key to community building.
  • You don't need to be an expert to drive change.
  • Starting small allows for flexibility and learning.
  • Community events can be organized without a budget.
  • Imposter syndrome is common but can be overcome.
  • Every job can contribute to climate action.
  • Monetization should not compromise community values.
  • The journey of entrepreneurship can be unplanned and organic.


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4 months ago
43 minutes

Serious Lady Business
Fundraising While Female: What They Don’t Ask the Men

Episode Summary
Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Natalise Kalea Robinson, co-founder and CEO of Parallel Health. They discuss the unique challenges female founders face in fundraising, the importance of community support, and the evolving landscape of investment in female-led startups. Natalise shares her experiences navigating investor biases, the significance of building a strong co-founder relationship, and the need for more female investors in the industry. The conversation emphasizes the power of vision, preparation, and the importance of finding the right investor fit for success in the startup world.

About Our Guest

  • Natalise Kalea Robinson, Co-Founder and CEO of Parallel Health
  • Connect with Natalise on LinkedIn
  • Follow Parallel Health on LinkedIn
  • Parallel Health website

Key Takeaways

  • Fundraising is about sharing your vision, not just asking for money.
  • Women founders often face different questions than their male counterparts.
  • Investor bias can lead to more de-risking questions for women.
  • Building a strong co-founder relationship is crucial for startup success.
  • Community support among female founders is essential.
  • Investors need to see successful patterns to build trust.
  • Silicon Valley remains a hub for tech innovation and investment.
  • Female investors are needed to change the investment landscape.
  • Preparation and mindset are key for successful pitches.
  • The future of health tech includes expanding applications and partnerships.

Keywords
female founders, fundraising, Silicon Valley, entrepreneurship, investor bias, community support, women in business, startup advice, Parallel Health, gender dynamics

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4 months ago
44 minutes

Serious Lady Business
Rewrite the Rules: Building Metrics That Actually Reflect Your Power

Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Delia Grenville, a tech executive and founder of Slyn Consulting. They discuss the importance of rewriting the rules in the workplace, particularly for women, and how to create metrics that reflect personal values rather than corporate expectations. Delia shares her journey from corporate success to consulting, emphasizing the need for human-centric work environments and the importance of recognizing one's own achievements. They also explore the challenges women face in leadership roles, the biases in performance reviews, and the significance of trusting one's intuition in navigating career paths.

About Our Guest

  • Delia Grenville, Founder & CEO, Slyn Consulting
  • Delia's Website
  • Connect with Delia on LinkedIn
  • Follow Slyn Consulting on LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

  • Women need to create personal benchmarks that reflect their values.
  • Ruffling feathers is a necessary part of leadership.
  • Recognition in the workplace is often overlooked.
  • Performance reviews should be constructive, not punitive.
  • The talk show test can transform how we evaluate others.
  • Scarcity mindset limits our potential and growth.
  • Trusting your intuition is crucial for personal fulfillment.
  • ADHD coping strategies can be mistaken for discipline in the workplace.
  • It's important to address biases in performance reviews.
  • Self-care is essential for balancing professional demands.
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4 months ago
48 minutes

Serious Lady Business
When You Lose Your Voice, You Lose Yourself

Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Alaina Shearer about the journey of finding one's voice, particularly for women in the workplace. They discuss the challenges women face, the importance of building supportive networks, and the power of authenticity in personal branding. Alaina shares her experiences in entrepreneurship, politics, and the significance of storytelling in empowerment. The conversation emphasizes the need for women to take action, stand for their beliefs, and create a community that fosters growth and support.

About Our Guest

  • Alaina Shearer - Founder & Head of Strategy, Good Now
  • Good Now website
  • Connect with Alaina on LinkedIn
  • Follow Good Now on LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

  • Finding your voice is a journey that requires courage.
  • Women often face unique challenges in the workplace.
  • Building a supportive network can empower women to succeed.
  • Stepping into leadership roles can be daunting but rewarding.
  • Authenticity is key to personal branding and success.
  • Sharing personal stories can foster connection and understanding.
  • Creating a community can help individuals rediscover their voice.
  • It's important to take action and stand for something meaningful.
  • Branding yourself is essential in today's professional landscape.
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4 months ago
43 minutes

Serious Lady Business
Serious Lady Business is the podcast where we dive into the serious—and sometimes not-so-serious—realities of being a female business owner. Host Leslie Youngblood keeps it real about entrepreneurship as we dive into the hard lessons no one warns you about to the surprising wins that make it all worth it. Tune in for honest conversations, unfiltered insights, and stories that prove you’re not in this alone.