Jess Sato on Why Bold Women Build Better Businesses

Welcome to Episode 310 of the Good Girls Get Rich Podcast and I’m your host, Karen Yankovich.

You know those conversations that leave your soul lit up and your mind spinning—in the best way? That’s what today’s episode is.

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About This Episode & Highlights:

I had the absolute joy of sitting down with my friend, fellow Entrepreneurs Unfiltered co-host, and powerhouse Social Impact + Big Idea Coach, Jess Sato, for a deep, juicy conversation about something I don’t think we talk about nearly enough:

What it really means to take a stand in your business—and why it matters now more than ever.

Because here’s the thing, friend… your business already is making an impact. The question is—is it the impact you want to be making?

In this conversation, Jess and I unpack the hidden (and not-so-hidden) power of social impact branding, what it looks like to weave your values into your message, and why this “new era” of entrepreneurship is less about perfection… and more about purpose.

 

“Your silence is not neutral."

Let’s be real: we were raised in a world that told us to keep things polite. Don’t talk about politics, religion, or money at the dinner table. Just do good work and stay in your lane.

But that’s not the world we live in anymore. And honestly? That old advice is keeping too many brilliant women invisible.

Jess breaks this down beautifully—reminding us that we can’t afford to stay quiet anymore. If we care about creating a better world (and I know you do), then our businesses need to reflect that. People want to buy from women who stand for something. Who say the bold thing. Who show up fully aligned.

And when you do that? You’re not just creating revenue. You’re creating ripples.

 

“If your message doesn’t make you squirm a little… it’s not bold enough.”

Yes, Jess said that. And I wanted to stand up and clap.

Whether you're updating your LinkedIn headline or pitching yourself to speak on a stage, your message should stretch you. Jess walks us through her signature BOLT methodology—Bold, Original, Loud, and Tenacious—and I swear, it’s like she was reading the minds of every woman who’s ever asked, “Is it okay for me to say this?”

Here's what BOLT really means:

Bold: It should make your heart race a little. Bold ideas challenge the status quo.

Original: Your story, your experience, your point of view—that’s your secret sauce.

Loud: Are you saying what everyone else is saying… or are you cutting through the noise

Tenacious: The magic doesn’t happen overnight. We need to stick with it, even when it’s uncomfortable.

This framework is a game changer for women who know they’re meant to be seen. Who are ready to go from "best-kept secret" to category of one.

 

Your values are your brand now. Period.

One of the most powerful parts of this conversation was Jess’s take on how younger generations (especially Gen Z and Millennials) are making buying decisions.

Did you know that over 85% of consumers from these generations choose brands based on shared values—and stick with them for the same reason?

Jess put it simply: "People want to know who they’re doing business with."

And let’s be clear—you don’t have to be divisive or controversial to take a stand. You just have to be honest. Say what matters to you. Share why you started your business. Talk about what breaks your heart and fires you up. That’s what builds trust. That’s what turns listeners into clients and followers into fans.

 

Why women staying quiet is the real risk

I opened up to Jess about the fear that comes up when we start sharing our message out loud—especially when the people hearing it are friends, family, or former coworkers. And I know I’m not alone.

For so many of us, it’s not the internet trolls or anonymous followers we’re worried about. It’s the people who know us. What will they think? Will they still support me?

Jess’s answer? “What in the world could change if you actually said what you want to say?”

Whew. Read that again.

Because the truth is, your message matters. There’s someone out there—probably right now—waiting to hear your story. And when you finally say it out loud, you give them permission to rise too.

This is what leadership looks like in 2025. Not just revenue goals or polished branding. But real voices, taking up real space, and making real change.

 

So… what’s your big idea?

If you're feeling inspired (and I hope you are), Jess has a free resource to help you start articulating your own bold, impact-driven message.

Her BOLT Assessment walks you through each pillar—bold, original, loud, and tenacious—so you can see exactly where you need to crank up the volume on your thought leadership.

And when you’re ready to take that voice to LinkedIn? You know I’ve got you. Download my free LinkedIn Visibility Checklist. Let’s get your message in front of the people who need to hear it.

 

This Episode is For You If…

• You know there’s more to your business than making money—you want to make a difference
• You’ve been hiding your voice because it feels “too much” or “too risky”
• You want to get on more stages, podcasts, or panels—but you’re not sure what your “big idea” is
• You’re tired of staying quiet and ready to be seen, heard, and paid for your brilliance

 

Magical Quotes from the Episode:

Jessica Sato:

1. “What in the world could change if you actually said what you want to say?”

2. “If your message doesn’t make you squirm a little, it’s not bold enough.”

3. “Your business already has a social impact. The question is: are you choosing what it is?”

Karen Yankovich:

1. “It’s not the strangers I’m worried about hearing my message—it’s the people who know me.”

2. “We can’t be silent. I don’t know what’s going to happen if we speak up—but I do know what happens if we don’t.”

3. “I believe women with money can change the world. And it’s never been more important than it is right now.”

 

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

Check out Jessica's website for her BOLT Assessment and connect with her on socials:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Don't forget to grab my free LinkedIn Visibility Checklist.

 

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