Episode Summary:In this insightful episode of She Became CEO, I explore a topic many midlife career shifters wonder about but rarely understand in depth: franchising. To unpack the truth behind the franchise model — beyond the myths and sales pitches — I sit down with Stacey Gibson, a career ownership coach with The Entrepreneur’s Source and a seasoned marketing professional with over 30 years of experience working with global brands, franchise organizations, and small business owners. Stacey shares: What franchising actually is — and what it isn’t The real costs, risks, and opportunities behind franchise ownership What types of people succeed in franchises (it’s not what you think) How she transitioned from corporate life into entrepreneurship How becoming a business owner gave her the flexibility to support her husband through his final years while he battled an aggressive form of dementia The emotional side of career reinvention when your life circumstances shift How The Entrepreneur’s Source (her franchisor) empowers career changers to make educated, low-risk decisions about business ownership This episode is a warm, grounded, and eye-opening conversation about navigating change, building a business that fits your life, and reclaiming agency — especially in the second half of life.To learn more or contact Stacey Gibson: W: http://sgibson.esourcecoach.com/ E: mfrois@franchisesource.com    To learn more about this show or contact the host, please visit: SheBecameCEO.com  ilzebe.com 

If you’re a midlife entrepreneur — or you’re thinking about building a side gig, online business, or network marketing income stream — this episode will expand your perspective. Today’s guest, John Solleder, has spent over 42 years in network marketing, direct selling, leadership training, and entrepreneurship development. He has guided more than 5,000 entrepreneurs, built organizations across multiple countries, and developed a reputation for integrity, discipline, and a deep commitment to helping people grow. In this conversation, we explore: The real truth about MLM and network marketingWhat’s legitimate, what isn’t, how to tell the difference, and why the shady versions online give the entire industry a bad name. Why discipline matters more than motivationJohn explains the habits, routines, and mindset shifts that separate long-term business builders from those who quit. How midlife can be your strongest entrepreneurial seasonWe discuss confidence, lived experience, community, and the advantages midlife women and men bring to the table. Turning disadvantages into assetsWhether it’s immigration, language barriers, financial limitations, or late starts — John shares stories of people who built success anyway. What actually works in network marketingCommunity, trust, repetition, mentorship, and consistent action — not digital tricks or “get rich fast” promises. Side gigs, financial stability, and health-conscious entrepreneurshipWhy midlifers are rethinking work, money, and lifestyle — and where network marketing fits into the bigger picture. John is also the author of two highly regarded books: 📘 Leave Nothing to Chance: 15 Principles for Success and the Stories That Inspired Them📙 Moving Up: Real Life Secrets for Getting from Here to ThereYou can purchase his books and contact him directly through his website:👉 www.johnsolleder.com

Guest: Azgari Lipshi — entrepreneur, founder of Asgari.com, and serial business builder who has launched and sold companies across industries and continents. Episode Summary:What does it really take to start a successful business — and how do you recover when passion projects fail?In this candid conversation, Ilze talks with Azgari Lipshi, a serial entrepreneur who launched her first supplement line in Bangladesh at 15 and went on to build multiple ventures. Currently, she owns a construction and remodeling business, LIV180, and a consulting company, Azgari.com, in the United States. Azgari shares what she’s learned from early success, costly failures, and navigating a new business culture as an immigrant. She explains why she believes passion must meet market demand, why borrowing smartly can be better than self-funding, and why courage — not perfection — fuels entrepreneurship. The episode also features a role-play segment in which I present three audience avatars (Ellen, Marta, and Nicole) — women in midlife considering entrepreneurship — and Azgari offers tailored advice for each. Whether you’re an analyst trapped in a corporate job, an immigrant dreaming of cultural entrepreneurship, or someone starting over with no formal business education, Azgari’s insights will help you see that it’s never too late to start smart.Watch the full episode on YouTube. Key Takeaways Start with validation, not emotion. A great idea still needs market demand. Passion projects fail without profit planning — and that’s okay. Every loss teaches leverage. Loans aren’t the enemy. Using financing strategically can protect your savings. Entrepreneurship after 40+ is possible. Your transferable skills are your biggest asset. Failure is a PhD in disguise. Every setback prepares you for sustainable growth. Contact Azgari via:https://azgari.com/  To inquire about being a featured podcast guest, please email me at:https://ilzebe.com/   

What does growing wisdom have to do with growing your wisdom teeth? And why does Dr. D-Nice believe every woman should enter a beauty pageant at least once in her life? In this lively, laughter-filled conversation, we explore the intersection of confidence, purpose, and the kind of joy that doesn’t depend on likes or followers. Dr. Denise Hunter — known to audiences as Dr. D-Nice — is a medical doctor, motivational speaker, and the creative mind behind Wisdom Teethinger, a project devoted to helping youth grow into emotional and intellectual maturity while their “wisdom teeth” (and life experience) come in. She explains that our frontal lobe — the part of the brain tied to judgment and decision-making — develops at the same time as our wisdom teeth, which inspired her unforgettable name and mission. From there, we dive into her belief that every woman should participate in a beauty pageant at least once. For Dr. D-Nice, the runway isn’t about vanity — it’s a crash course in self-knowledge. Behind the gowns and glitter, contestants must articulate who they are, what they stand for, and how they handle pressure. As she puts it, pageants give women “the opportunity to get to know yourself and share yourself with other people.” Dr. D-Nice also opens up about a moment of inner conflict — teaching a teen weight-loss class while not feeling at her own goal weight. Her honesty about that incongruence adds a refreshing layer of humanity to the conversation. Rather than pretending perfection, she models what integrity and self-acceptance look like in real time. This passion business is her side-hustle, at least for now. And of course, she brings humor to everything — from confessing her love for Jamaican oxtail (“Even when I was vegetarian, I’d still have an occasional oxtail”) to explaining why she doesn’t take social media too seriously. As she says, “I’m not saying social media doesn’t count — it definitely does — but it’s not my world.” That line alone sums up her grounded approach to modern life. Throughout the episode, you’ll hear a woman who leads with laughter, faith, and fierce authenticity — reminding us that wisdom isn’t something we wait for; it’s something we grow into, one experience at a time. Key Themes Finding wisdom through humor and honesty Our youth and depression Pageantry as a path to self-discovery The importance of congruence and compassion in health coaching Living joyfully beyond social media validation You find Dr. D-Nice and get in touch with her through her website or social media channels. The links are below: https://www.wisdomteethinger.com/  https://www.instagram.com/dr.dnicebeaugelin https://www.facebook.com/denise.hunter  https://www.youtube.com/@drdnicebeaugelin If you found this conversation entertaining and/or valuable, please leave me a review, and if you'd like to be my podcast guest or you know someone who could be a good fit, please visit my website, SheBecameCEO.com, to find the form. 

What happens when a woman stands on stage and dares to speak about her body, her rights, and her pleasure? According to my observations, people take sides, but usually, nobody stays neutral. In this episode of She Became CEO, I sit down with public speaking and communication expert Natalie Jones for a conversation that is as bold as it is practical. Natalie doesn’t just teach speaking techniques—she lives what she teaches by delivering speeches that stir, challenge, and empower. We talk about: Why courage matters more than polish in public speaking The difference between performing and truly connecting with your audience Natalie’s journey as a professor and coach who helps students and professionals find their voice Her two most provocative prepared speeches: The Boys and Memories (about reproductive health and identity) and My Selfish Vagina (about women’s right to pleasure) How women can reclaim their stories and stand on stage with an unapologetic presence Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a professional, or simply someone who wants to speak with more confidence, this episode will inspire you to bring more boldness to your voice.If you’re ready to improve your public speaking, interpersonal, and intercultural communication skills in a supportive, trauma- and brain-health-aware space, check out my new program She Knows Now. 

If you’re a woman in your fifties or beyond and you’ve felt the pull to finally start that business, this episode is for you. Messages are floating online that sound comforting, hopeful, even empowering—but they’re only half the story. And half-truths can cost you precious time, money, and confidence. In this episode, I unpack three of the most common half-truths about midlife entrepreneurship—what’s real, what’s missing, and what you actually need to know to build something that lasts. With three decades of entrepreneurial experience, I’m not here to scare you. I’m here to respect you with the whole truth—so you can move forward with clarity, courage, and realistic expectations. Key Takeaways Half-Truth #1: “Online business is easy.”Starting is simple, sustaining isn’t. Community and trust—not just a platform—create longevity. Half-Truth #2: “You don’t need your own product.”Affiliate marketing can work, but it’s still labor and rarely a full business. Vision, assets, and authenticity matter more. Half-Truth #3: “Older entrepreneurs have cognitive advantages.”Experience is real leverage, but only if you also care for the midlife brain—nourishing it, protecting sleep, and managing energy. Why unhealed trauma and menopause shifts can quietly affect your business stamina—and how to approach both with compassion and strategy. Resources & Mentions Dr. Lisa Mosconi on menopause as a neurological transition. Dr. Daniel Amen on brain health and blood flow. Entrepreneurs mentioned: Amy Porterfield, Lewis Howes, Jenna Kutcher, and Steven Bartlett. Amen University for brain health insights. Let’s Connect This is why I’m building a trauma- and menopause-aware business coaching program for women—because pace, structure, and brain health aren’t side notes; they’re the infrastructure. If this episode resonated with you, please check the links and resources at SheBecameCEO.com.

Līga Brence is a Latvian entrepreneur and world traveler. She is the owner and CEO of the brand "Liga Nature SPA," which she created from scratch over the span of 30 years. Today, Liga joined me for an open and heartfelt conversation in which this courageous woman shared about her successes and hardships as she was building her beauty salons, SPA centers, and her organic product line. Her English isn't perfect, but her insights are profound. You don't want to miss this one.  For more information about Liga Nature SPA, please check out the following resources:https://salonsliga.lv/ https://www.instagram.com/liganaturespa/  https://www.instagram.com/spa_namins/ https://www.youtube.com/@liganaturespa9601    To be featured as a guest on this podcast, please apply through the webpage:https://shebecameceo.com/index.php/collaborate/  As always, if you want to support me in creating content like this, please give me a 5-star rating and leave a review. It helps a lot.  

In this episode, I weave together stories of caregiving, resilience, and the hard choices that come when love and responsibility collide. You’ll hear reflections on Danielle’s story of choosing her own health over continuing as her ex-husband Matt’s caregiver, Bruce Willis’ wife Emma Heming’s public sharing about boundaries, and my own experiences with stepping back when my care wasn’t being received. Together, these stories highlight what it really means to love ourselves—especially when caregiving responsibilities risk draining us beyond repair. And I close with a reminder that self-love isn’t indulgence in a glass of wine or beer—it’s protecting the very organ that carries our memories, our creativity, and our ability to love: the brain. Danielle's TikTok handle: @djoseywilliamsMy TikTok handle: @ilzebe1I also mentioned the interview of Emma Heming Willis by Dr. Daniel Amen on his podcast Change Your Brain Every Day. Key Takeaways Caregiving can be an act of love—but knowing when to step away can also be self-love. Boundaries are not selfish; they are what allow us (and those we love) to thrive. Stories like Danielle’s and Emma Heming Willis’ remind us that choosing ourselves is sometimes the most loving act. Self-love isn’t found in alcohol or numbing habits—it’s in honoring and protecting our brain health. Every act of stepping back from what drains us is also a step forward into clarity, resilience, and freedom.

What happens when the people we love most speak words that cut deep — not because they are true, but because they come from unhealed pain? In this episode, I share the stories of two mothers who faced that reality, and I reflect on the shadows of trauma, the echoes of narcissistic abuse, and the delicate balance between guilt and responsibility. Together, we explore fear as a dark angel, guilt as love in disguise, and the ways unhealed wounds ripple across generations. You’ll also be guided through a gentle meditation to release fear and false guilt, and to return to the one truth that remains: love endures, even when misunderstood. This conversation is for every mother — and every listener — who has ever carried grief, fear, or blame that was never truly theirs to hold.

In this episode, I sit down with Canadian life coach Paige Royal. Paige is a Master Coach & Trainer specializing in energetic frequency, emotional alchemy, NLP, Timeline Therapy, and Hypnosis. She helps leaders, coaches, and educators break through unconscious, mental, and emotional blocks and shift into the frequency of who they’re here to be and what they truly desire to have. Her work defies the myth that transformation has to be hard, showing that when you shift your energy, change can be instant. Paige’s clients often experience rapid results in wealth, confidence, clarity, and purpose. I first met Paige in Christina Berkley’s Soul Sommeliers cohort back in 2020, and we’ve kept in touch ever since.  Paige shares candidly about her early life, including powerful childhood memories that shaped her beliefs, the challenges of building and restructuring her coaching business, and how her experiences in Canada, Costa Rica, and Colombia have influenced her. Together, we explore the connections between intimacy, money, and mindset — and what it really takes to move beyond survival into freedom. What you’ll hear in this episode: Paige’s unique gift: helping people elevate their frequency and clear beliefs that hold them back How childhood experiences planted her first limiting beliefs — and how she now helps others untangle theirs Reflections from our shared time in Soul Sommeliers and how her coaching has evolved since then Her journey through different business chapters, including cycling coaching, and the pivots that shaped her current practice The surprising overlap between intimacy issues and money blocks Why faith, courage, and action are essential ingredients for transformation. To learn more about Paige Royal and what she offers, visit her website https://www.paigeroyalcoaching.com/To visit my website and get the Trauma & Readiness to Pivot Quiz, visit my website  https://shebecameceo.com 

Many of us have been significantly hurt in ways that cannot be seen from the outside, and although humans tend to be pretty resilient, many of us suffer from these traumatic changes in more ways and for longer than we understand. In this episode, I share my story and share information about three types of trauma and seven criteria that can help determine whether you are suffering from post trauma symptoms, citing fragments from Paul Conti, MD, book, "Trauma--The Invisible Epidemic. How Trauma Works and How We Can Heal From It."I also mentioned that I have developed a quiz to help you determine if you are blocked by trauma and how ready you potentially are to change your life around. To get the quiz, please enquire at support@SheBecameCEO.com 

In this Episode, I share my observations and conversations during a meeting in a local brewery and what thoughts about faith, beliefs, and revelations they sparked within me.  The main topic was "Faith." What's the difference between faith and belief? Can one have faith and doubts at the same time? Faith and religion. Faith in the brakes of your car... Please rate and follow. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

So far, I have always scripted all episodes, and then I read my scripts with little improvisations. This one is 100% unscripted. I know that there are people who speak their thoughts into a recorder and then write texts based on those audio recordings. I am a listener of one female podcaster who was born a talker, and I can tell she never scripts anything. I am not like that. I always think quietly and talk in my head, so talking out like this means that I need to rewire my brain. I did edit out longer pauses, and I'd be interested to know which style you prefer: unscripted or scripted, or a mix of both? In this episode, I continue talking about my observations regarding what keeps people stuck in toxic and painful situations, and what could be an effective solution for some if they could rewire their brains and start thinking and acting differently. I already have some information up on my new website, SheBecameCEO.com I also mentioned that you can contact me via support@SheBecameCEO.com

Many women in their fifties and beyond are carrying invisible weight—grief, unspoken dreams, financial pressure, and the deep conditioning to serve others before themselves. In this episode, I speak to that reality with compassion and clarity. You’ll meet (or revisit) three women:✨ Ellen, a corporate analyst who dreams of more freedom but fears self-promotion.✨ Marta, a first-generation immigrant longing to leave a legacy through stories and culture.✨ Nicole, a gifted potter healing from emotional trauma and brain fog, is trying to build something of her own. These women aren’t starting from zero—they’re starting from wisdom. What holds them back isn’t just circumstance. It’s also a shame about wanting more. Shame around money. Shame around not having figured it all out sooner. 💡 But here’s the truth: It’s not too late. This episode weaves together real-life reflections, business insights, and excerpts from thought leaders like Shamina Taylor, Chris Harder, and Jamie Villalovos. I also share pieces of my own story—why I stayed silent, and how I found the courage to build again. If you’ve been quietly asking, “Could I really build something now?”—this is your sign that yes, you can. 📬 Want to share your story or explore working with me?Email me at support@SheBecameCEO. You don’t need a fancy pitch—just sincerity. Let’s see what unfolds.My website for this program SheBecameCEO.com, is still under construction, but if you want to learn more about me, you are welcome to visit my brand website ilzebe.com  -------------- The YouTube video I referenced can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiMmpDFfcbs

Even though my podcast is new, people have pitched me to be on my podcast as guests. So far, I have said no, even though at this point, I have started thinking about having guests. This podcast is to help my listeners and prospective guests understand the direction in which this podcast is evolving, so that there is less confusion and disappointment.  In this episode, I will share with my listeners why I declined someone's collaboration offer on an episode. I changed the person's name, thinking it wouldn't be fair to speak about him without giving him the chance to respond. I will also share stories of three women: Ellen, Marta, and Nicole, who represent my ideal audience. They are women who want to transform their lives even though they currently feel stuck. Their names and some of the details have also been changed to respect their privacy.  Lastly, I extend an invitation to apply to be a guest on my podcast or to recommend someone who has experience that might help women like Ellen, Marta, and Nicole to feel better and move the needle. To express interest, please email me at support@SheBecameCEO.com 

She Became CEO. Of Her Voice. Of Her Money. Of Her Life. Launched it under a new podcast name; this is a transitional episode. I made this decision for a couple of reasons: first, I no longer wish to push the story of how to remember my name in the front of my message. I no longer want it to be about me, but how, using my experience and skills, I can help other women to pivot from victimhood and become the CEOs of their voice, their money, and their lives. For most of them, it would mean understanding and healing their trauma. Even though my target audience is women in their middle age and beyond, men are very welcome to listen too. 

Since it's a nice number (episode 20), I think it's a perfect time to announce that this is the last episode under the podcast title "Ill Zebra's Transformations." I will continue using this very same channel, but you will see a new podcast name and logo. In this celebratory episode, I am wrapping up my story, briefly revisiting the story that caused me to start this podcast, and what a profound transformation I have experienced. The main topic I am focusing on, however, is adult attachment theory. I am also giving you some tips on how to avoid mislabelling yourself and people in your life based on your past trauma, so that you can experience true happiness. The sources I referenced in this episode were: Narcissistic Abuse Educator Claire Auden https://claireauden.com/  Marriage and Family Therapist and Attachment Coach Jessica Da Silva https://www.jessicadasilvacoaching.com/  Best-Selling Author, Podcaster, Teacher, and Coach Meadow De Vor https://www.meadowdevor.com/  Book by Amir Levine, M.D., and Rachel S. F. Heller, M.A. "Attached. The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find and Keep Love"     

In this episode, I talk about us as sexual beings, both from a biological and psychological aspect. This is a transitional episode in the sense that from now, further on, for a while will talk less about the carnivore diet and more about psychological well-being. Moreover, the upcoming episode 20 will be the last one under this podcast name. I have decided to change it, but you’ll need to wait to see what the new name will be.

Do you feel comfortable in your body? Do you know people who don't? Until recent years, this wasn't a widely discussed topic. Then, it became popular, and we saw people who had decided to change their gender coming out of the closet. We learned to be inclusive and were encouraged to indicate the preferred pronouns in our signature line. I have had the privilege to always feel feminine, which matches the gender determined at my birth. I used to think this was the norm, but I am aware of this being a privilege now. This episode about hormones was created with that awareness in mind. 

What if the greens on your plate—or even your superfood smoothie—were silently stirring up inflammation in your body and mind? In this episode, I continue unpacking my reasons for turning to a strict carnivore diet. We dive into the lesser-known world of oxalates—tiny plant compounds that can do more than just irritate your joints or gut. They can trigger immune overreactions, contribute to prostate and uterine issues, and possibly even disrupt brain health. Yes, we’re talking about potential links to autoimmune conditions, fibroids, neurotoxicity, and maybe even Parkinson’s or dementia. The science is still unfolding, but the clues are strong—and personal. If you’ve ever struggled with unexplained fatigue, mood shifts, or mystery symptoms that no doctor can explain, this episode might connect some dots. Curious? Press play.   P.S. In this episode, I referenced Sally Norton and cited a fragment from her website located here: https://sallyknorton.com/ My website: https://ilzebe.com