Lifting as We Climb with Lisa Allen: Mentorship, Leadership, and Paying It Forward
Release Date: 05/26/2025
Fearless Females
In this episode, host Lorie Jones welcomes Stacie Selise, executive leadership strategist and CEO of the Stacie Selise Group, a powerhouse who recounts her journey from in-store customer service rep at a retail counter to leading thousands as one of the youngest vice presidents at that same Fortune 20 company, to then owning and being her own brand. Stacie shares candid insights on what it takes to break barriers in corporate America as a woman of color, the necessity of making your voice heard, and why you should never shrink to fit someone else’s expectations. Discover why Stacie believes...
info_outlineFearless Females
In this episode, host Lorie Jones welcomes Jennifer Rayner, founder of Moniwell and a visionary in the financial world. Jennifer shares how she turned an unexpected start in finance into a mission to change how people feel about their money. Jennifer opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, betting on bold ideas, and building success on her own terms. Hear her distinctive take on breaking barriers in a field traditionally exclusive to men and redefining what financial empowerment truly means. She discusses the importance of diversity in how we approach and solve problems in finance....
info_outlineFearless Females
This week, host Lorie Jones sits down with Melissa Wallace, founder and CEO of the Fierce Foundry, for an authentic and empowering conversation about navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Melissa opens up about her unconventional journey from dreaming of attending law school to building a career at the intersection of marketing, tech, and women’s health. She shares how hitting rock bottom financially during the pandemic became a pivotal moment that led her to create organizations dedicated to bridging the gender gap in business funding and supporting female tech founders....
info_outlineFearless Females
In this episode, host Lorie Jones spotlights Brooke Cozort, an ERISA attorney whose career path defies expectations. Brooke shares how she built a successful footing in finance—then bravely charted a new course back to law school in her mid-30s, all while balancing motherhood. Brooke’s story is a refreshing testament to the power of reinvention, resilience, and trusting your instincts over the typical timeline. She candidly shares her reflections on imposter syndrome, leadership missteps, and what it looks like to start over when you’re already professionally established, bringing you...
info_outlineFearless Females
This week, host Lorie Jones sits down with Deborah Takahara, the extraordinary former broadcast journalist and current public information director for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Deborah candidly shares her journey from overcoming childhood shyness to building a high-profile media career, and ultimately making a bold pivot to prioritize her family and align with her values. Deborah’s story shines a spotlight on the courage required to redefine success in the face of societal expectations and what it means to lead a values-driven life. She shares how she leveraged her unique skill...
info_outlineFearless Females
In today’s episode, host Lorie Jones sits down with the remarkable Libby Greiwe, owner of the Efficient Advisor and an inspiring force in the world of financial planning. Libby’s journey is anything but ordinary: she went from engineering physics to sports marketing, eventually to start a seven-figure financial planning firm while working just three days a week to be a super-present mom. More than just a process-driven, organized powerhouse, Libby is refreshingly honest about her struggles—from moments of overwhelm and burnout to learning the strength of imperfection. Lorie and Libby...
info_outlineFearless Females
In this episode, host Lorie Jones welcomes Tracey Windsor, CEO of Windsor Edge and former New York City dancer, for a conversation that’s equal parts energizing and insightful. Tracey shares her bold leap from the arts into nonprofit leadership and eventually the high-stakes world of private equity, showing that success favors those who embrace change and pursue what excites them. Tracey discusses making tough career pivots, overcoming doubt, and staying true to your passions while navigating male-dominated or established professional spaces, with practical advice on building strong...
info_outlineFearless Females
In this episode, host Lorie Jones welcomes Kate Seybold, an inspiring lieutenant with the Clear Creek Fire Authority, whose unconventional journey is a testament to following your passion. Kate candidly shares her experience of walking away from a stable career in architecture, despite family expectations and a master’s degree, to pursue a calling in emergency services. You will hear about the courage it takes to make bold career moves, the importance of trusting your instincts, and how embracing risk can lead to a truly fulfilling life. Kate also opens up about building confidence, breaking...
info_outlineFearless Females
In this episode, host Lorie Jones sits down with Kateri O’Grady, a fractional COO and the founder behind her own consulting powerhouse, Kateri O'Grady Consulting. Kateri shares the riveting story of how surviving five strokes forced her to recalibrate her life and career, ultimately propelling her toward entrepreneurship. She gets candid about the grit required to build a business, the importance of advocating for yourself, and what it really means to honor your own value in the workplace. Kateri’s insights on setting boundaries, embracing your wins, and carving a space where impact truly...
info_outlineFearless Females
Today, host Lorie Jones welcomes Polly Breit, executive vice president at CCS Fundraising, for a dynamic conversation packed with wisdom and authenticity. Polly’s unconventional journey from teaching third grade in Los Angeles to leading ambitious fundraising campaigns proves that career pivots can lead to extraordinary success, in particular, when fueled by purpose and staying true to oneself. With refreshing honesty, Polly challenges the idea of “faking it till you make it” and champions the power of authenticity and trusting your unique strengths. She opens up about the...
info_outlineIn this episode, host Lorie Jones welcomes Lisa Allen, CEO of the Financial Transitionist Institute, for an inspiring and deeply honest conversation about mentorship, leadership, and the winding paths we take in our careers. Lisa shares her journey from aspiring magazine editor to accidental finance executive, revealing the pivotal moments, setbacks, and triumphs that have shaped her along the way.
You will hear candid insights about overcoming burnout, building supportive professional cultures, and the power of paying it forward to the next generation of women leaders. Lisa and Lorie get real about the unique challenges women face in male-dominated industries, reflect on the critical role of mentorship, and offer practical advice to young women at the start of their careers.
Whether you’re forging your path in finance, business, or any industry where breaking barriers matters, this episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and strategies to help you stay fearless and true to yourself. Get ready to be inspired by Lisa’s authenticity, resilience, and commitment to lifting others as she climbs.
Show Highlights:
- The power of adapting to nonlinear paths to work and entrepreneurship. [03:44]
- Learn about the Financial Transitionist Institute’s mission to humanize finance. [09:42]
- How to recognize burnout, notably high among women. [14:55]
- The importance of servant leadership and positive work culture. [19:05]
- How our words boost the growth, individuality and self-advocacy of younger women at work. [24:00]
- Can you find peace with “enough” at 80% over perfectionism? [28:44]
- Tips to beat industry anxiety, including mentoring and WIPN. [32:11]
- Do you advocate for yourself against sexism in your industry? [37:04]
- A tribute to indomitable resilience leading to all round success. [41:17]
- What you will gain by evaluating impactful experiences. [45:04]
To get in touch with Lisa Allen, email her at [email protected]. Find her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaallen4722/.
If you enjoyed this episode, please go to Apple Podcasts and leave a review!
For more information about Lorie Jones, go to https://fearlessfinancialadvisors.com/fearless-females.