From Grit to Growth with Nelly Mubashi: A CEO Playbook for Women in Finance
Release Date: 07/07/2025
Designing a Second Act with Shannon Russell: Reinventing Success on Your Terms
Fearless Females
Today, host Lorie Jones sits down with the multi-talented Shannon Russell—a woman who has reinvented herself not once, not twice, but three times. Shannon, owner of Second Act Success, started her journey behind the scenes as a television producer in Hollywood and New York, transitioned into entrepreneurship as a successful STEM education franchise owner, and has now carved out a thriving career as a certified business coach, guiding women through their own “second acts.” In this episode, we’ll dig into Shannon’s transformative moments, the challenges she faced, and how she keeps...
info_outline
Rising Strong with Janete Parente: A Story of Grit and Gratitude
Fearless Females
This week, host Lorie Jones sits down with Janete Parente, owner of HB Medical Billing and author, for an inspiring conversation spanning Janete's humble beginnings growing up in poverty in southern Brazil to her courageous leap into the unknown and entrepreneurial success as an immigrant in the United States. Janete shares the trials of starting over in a new country before building a successful company and reflects on the difference in credibility that introducing women with their highest titles can make. The conversation explores lessons about reciprocating support on the road to financial...
info_outline
Rethinking Representation with Amber McReynolds: The Real Work of Democracy
Fearless Females
This week, Lorie Jones sits down with Amber F. McReynolds, a leader who has redefined what it means to serve, from steering election reform to her pivotal role as the board chair of the U.S. Postal Service. Amber’s journey began in a small Illinois town, shaped by strong family values, a tireless work ethic, and her grandmothers who advocated for civic engagement and the right to vote. Amber shares how dedication, resilience, and a spirit of service can lead to extraordinary impact. She opens up about facing career challenges, redefining success as a woman in leadership, using her voice for...
info_outline
Choosing What Matters with Jacqueline Connelly: Letting Go of the “Shoulds”
Fearless Females
Today, host Lorie Jones welcomes Jacquelin (Jackie) Connelly, founder of Coaching That Belongs, whose journey spans creative entrepreneurship and corporate leadership, marked by hard-won wisdom and courage in the face of adversity. You will find profound value in Jackie’s story and the wake-up call that prompted her to break free from others’ expectations—or “the shoulds”—and realign her life with her values. Jackie warmly shares actionable strategies for professional women seeking fulfillment beyond surface-level success, emphasizing the importance of radical candor, authentic...
info_outline
Healing from the Inside Out with Natalya Borakowski: Redefining Confidence Beyond Perfection
Fearless Females
In today’s episode, Lorie Jones sits down with Dr. Natalya Borakowski, a naturopathic physician and founder of UnveilYou, to explore the real meaning of self-healing, resilience, and empowerment for women. Natalya shares her journey from concert pianist to healer, opening up about overcoming a personal struggle with body dysmorphia, launching a clinic from scratch, and navigating skepticism as a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated medical world. She discusses topics that matter to every ambitious woman: learning self-compassion, building confidence, handling setbacks, and why listening...
info_outline
Women of Influence: Women who mean Business with Dawn Gabriel, Brie Dilley and Toby Cates
Fearless Females
In this inspiring installment, host Lorie Jones brings together a powerhouse panel of women leaders for a candid conversation originally designed for a Women of Influence event. Join Lorie Jones, Brie Dilley, Dawn Gabriel, and Toby Cates as they share the unique perspectives, superpowers, and pivotal journeys that have shaped their approach to leadership in fields where women are often underrepresented. This episode takes a closer look—beyond job titles and résumés—exploring the “why” and “how” behind these remarkable women’s careers. From navigating criticism and setting...
info_outline
More Than Money with Colleen Bowler: Why Connection Comes Before the Plan
Fearless Females
In this episode, host Lorie Jones sits down with Colleen Bowler, co-founder of C&J Innovations and a trailblazer in the world of financial planning, to talk about the often-overlooked human side of finance and how financial plans should accurately reflect your unique life, dreams, and values, not just numbers on a spreadsheet. Colleen opens up about her personal journey from a challenging childhood to building her career as a single mom, growing a thriving business focused on empowering clients and advisors. She discusses her habits for success, the importance of mentorship and...
info_outline
Confidence, Coaching, and Champagne Moments with Neen James: How to Show Up Like You Belong
Fearless Females
In this empowering episode, host Lorie Jones welcomes the magnetic Neen James, a celebrated client experience expert and author with an unbreakable spirit. You will be captivated as Neen recounts her remarkable leap from the boardrooms of Australia’s toughest industries to building her own thriving business. Neen reveals the strategic mindset that propelled her rapid career growth and shares why being your own publicist is a must for women determined to make their mark. She challenges the traditional wisdom on whose advice to value and highlights the power of both authenticity and...
info_outline
Redefining Beauty with Liz Hansen: The Confidence Behind the Camera
Fearless Females
Today’s episode features an electrifying conversation between host Lorie Jones and trailblazing entrepreneur Liz Hansen, founder of Chicago Boudoir Photography Studio. With candor, Liz recounts her journey from art history and education to building a thriving studio that champions women’s confidence and individuality. Liz shares how stepping outside her comfort zone, despite skepticism and societal taboos, became the catalyst for both her personal and professional growth. Hear about the real-life challenges women face in business, from silencing inner critics to tackling the money stories...
info_outline
From Mission to Movement with Stacey Ray: How Sisterhood Became Her Superpower
Fearless Females
Today, host Lorie Jones welcomes the inspiring Stacey Ray, founder and CEO of Sisterhood Travels, a vibrant community dedicated to creating meaningful travel experiences for women. Stacey looks back on how she reconstructed her life after personal loss, building a business—and a movement—centered on connection, sisterhood, and empowering women to find joy and adventure at any age. From overcoming naysayers and industry obstacles to prioritizing kindness, compassion, and authentic connection, Stacey shares her journey from a 30-year career in healthcare to launching a thriving travel...
info_outlineIn this episode, host Lorie Jones sits down with Nelly Mubashi—CEO and co-owner of NWAM, LLC (Northwest Asset Management and RIA Innovations). From a childhood in war-torn Nicaragua to climbing the corporate ladder and eventually building a $9.2 billion company from the ground up, Nelly's story is all about defying expectations.
Nelly was denied company support to take her Series 7 exam but took matters into her own hands, fueling a career that would become a beacon of inspiration for women everywhere. In this conversation, you will hear about her unconventional entry into finance, the importance of knowing your "why," and the unique challenges she faced as a first-generation immigrant woman in leadership.
Lorie and Nelly also discuss learning from bad advice, the power of authentic self-expression in the workplace, and the essential lesson of self-advocacy and being your own cheerleader. Let this conversation be the spark that fuels your ambition and confidence.
Show Highlights:
- The power of your “why” for a purpose-driven life and career. [04:36]
- How Nelly Mubashi entered finance in the face of gatekeeping. [08:27]
- Lessons from the rise of a recession-born RIA firm to phenomenal growth. [12:32]
- Simple yet profound advice for the fear of lacking expertise. [16:37]
- Why blending a warm management style with clear-cut processes in HR policy matters. [20:57]
- A story about language, culture, self-consciousness, and fitting in. [25:50]
- Girls really should sometimes just have fun—and network. [29:58]
- Find confidence in the universality of insecurity in achievers. [34:02]
- An insider’s view of the dual challenge faced by women co-owner CEOs. [37:40]
- Should a CEO in a hybrid staff role transition to a CEO-only focus? [41:10]
- Reminding young professionals to be their own cheerleaders. [44:24]
Connect with Nelly Mubashi at https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelly-mubashi-6097664/. Do make sure to mention “Fearless Females podcast with Lorie Jones” in your message to her!
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.