The High Achieving Female Podcast

Are you new to business and looking for the secret sauce? Do you want to take your career to the next level and are in search of women that can help you get there? Are you ready to get the tips, tricks, and hacks that you can implement right now to gain BIG impact for your business? Do you want to hear from women that have been there and done that…and get their honest advice for what to do and not do? Then, The High Achieving Female Podcast is for you. HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW… too many successful female leaders are left undiscovered. You’re a high-achieving woman. Now it’s time to get the business building, media and PR tips you need to attract the recognition you deserve. This podcast will help you stand out as a leader in your business or career because we believe you are a woman that deserves to be KNOWN.

Special Series: If Not Us, Then Who? Meet Child Help Founders, Sara O'Meara and Yvonne Fedderson 04/22/2025

Special Series: From Toxic Beauty to Clean Care, Meet Alani Organics Founder, Georgina Menzalji 04/15/2025

Special Series: From Corporate Dropout to Multi-Million Dollar Investor, Meet co-founder of Mom Juice Macey Mincey 04/08/2025

Special Series: The Rise, Fall, and Reinvention of a Graphic Tee Empire, Meet co-founder of Girl Tribe Co Sarah Baucom 04/01/2025

Special Series: The Bootstrapped Hair Brand Breaking Industry Norms, Meet Cruz Textures Founder, Ashtyn Montgomery 03/25/2025

Special Series: Leading with Impact—How Jeanne Lehman is Empowering Black Canadian Women Through Business and Community 03/18/2025

Special Series: Leading with Impact—How Jeanne Lehman is Empowering Black Canadian Women Through Business and Community High Achieving Female Podcast Powered by KNOW Special Series: Up Close with Jeanne Lehman of Black Canadian Women in Action. Starting a business as an immigrant woman in Canada comes with unique challenges—navigating unfamiliar financial systems, overcoming cultural barriers, and accessing the right mentorship. But Jeanne Lehman is on a mission to change that. In this special episode, we sit down with Jeanne, the visionary behind Black Canadian Women in Action, to uncover how she’s leading the charge in creating an inclusive business ecosystem for Black women entrepreneurs. With a background in African studies and business law, Jeanne has dedicated her career to breaking down barriers, advocating for resources, and ensuring immigrant women transition from surviving to thriving. Beyond her impact on entrepreneurship, Jeanne is a fierce advocate for community-building and generational mentorship. She shares how supporting Black Canadian women isn’t just about business—it’s about economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and equipping future generations with the tools to lead. The key moments in this episode are: 01:47 - Jeanne's Background 04:36 - Community Impact 11:54 - Providing Solutions for Women Entrepreneurs 14:52 - Facilitating Business Opportunities 16:19 - Understanding Credit and Financial Literacy in Canada 17:39 - Navigating Cultural Differences in Business 18:22 - How to Connect with Jeanne and BCW in Action Links: Stay connected and become a KNOW Insider. Go behind the scenes, access Insider-Only content, masterclasses, and more: Connect with Jeanne on LinkedIn: Learn about The BCW In Action: Sponsors: KNOW is proud to be the media partner for the Smart Growth International Expo by BCW in Action. Podcast Production: Produced by our friends at /episode/index/show/theknowwomen/id/35621895

Special Series: Mastering AI and Motherhood—How Denise Smith is Leading with Innovation and Balance 03/11/2025

Special Series: Mastering AI and Motherhood—How Denise Smith is Leading with Innovation and Balance High Achieving Female Podcast Powered by KNOW Special Series: Up Close with Certified AI Strategist Interim CEO; CIO; COO Denise Smith AI isn’t just for tech giants—it’s for you. But how can business owners truly harness AI to enhance productivity, fuel creativity, and stay ahead of the curve? In this special episode, we sit down with Denise Smith, a seasoned tech consultant, AI strategist, and mother, to uncover the real impact of AI on businesses of all sizes. Denise debunks common AI myths, explores how AI can streamline operations and boost efficiency, and shares practical strategies for integrating AI into your business—no coding required. With a career that started in medical studies and pivoted to database analysis during the Y2K era, Denise has spent decades at the forefront of tech-driven business strategies. But beyond her success in AI, she’s also mastered the art of blending technology with motherhood—proving that innovation and family life can go hand in hand. She shares how AI not only empowers businesses but also creates space for what matters most—spending time with loved ones, prioritizing balance, and building a future that supports both ambition and personal fulfillment. The key moments in this episode are: 02:37 - Incorporating Family into Work 07:59 - Transition to Technology and AI 12:25 - Exploring AI and Its Impact 14:27 - Empowering Business Owners with AI Tools 16:29 - Leveraging AI for Data Research 21:03 - Addressing Concerns About AI Links: Stay connected and become a KNOW Insider. Go behind the scenes, access Insider-Only content, masterclasses, and more: Connect with Denise on LinkedIn: Learn about The BCW In Action: Sponsors: KNOW is proud to be the media partner for the Smart Growth International Expo by BCW in Action. Podcast Production: Produced by our friends at /episode/index/show/theknowwomen/id/35621610

Special Series: Redefining Resilience and Scaling a $61M Business, Meet Oak Rocket Founder, Dao Jensen 03/04/2025

Special Series: She Shattered Barriers in Private Equity and Built an $800M Fund, Meet Equiton Co-Founder, Helen Hurlbut 02/25/2025

Special Series: She Shattered Barriers in Private Equity and Built an $800M Fund, Meet Equiton Co-Founder, Helen Hurlbut High Achieving Female Podcast Powered by KNOW Special Series: Up Close with Helen Hurlbut of Equiton In this special episode, we sit down with Helen Hurlbut, co-founder and CFO of Equiton Partners, and a trailblazer in the finance and real estate investment space. Helen’s journey is nothing short of inspiring—she went from managing just three employees to leading an $800 million private equity fund, revolutionizing accessibility to real estate investments for Canadians. She shares candid insights on breaking into the male-dominated world of finance, the challenges of scaling an investment firm, and how fostering a collaborative company culture has been key to Equiton’s growth. If you're curious about leadership in high-stakes industries, breaking barriers in finance, or making private equity more inclusive, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical strategies for ambitious women looking to make an impact. The key moments in this episode are: 02:57 - Making Private Equity Accessible to All Canadians 06:55 - The Journey to an $800M Fund 08:18 - The Importance of Collaboration in Leadership 12:49 - Challenges of Scaling in the Investment Industry 13:48 - Overcoming Barriers in a Male-Dominated Field 15:31 - Creating a Strong, Inclusive Company Culture 17:45 - The Role of Grit and Determination in Success 18:49 - Seeking Mentorship and Navigating Tough Advice 23:32 - The Continuous Challenges of Growth and Leadership Links: Stay connected and become a KNOW Insider. Go behind the scenes, access Insider-Only content, masterclasses, and more: Learn more about Equiton: More on JPMorgan Chase: Learn about Women Presidents Organization: Sponsors: KNOW is proud to be the media partner for the Women Presidents Organization and the 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Businesses. Podcast Production: Produced by our friends at /episode/index/show/theknowwomen/id/35384135

Special Series: She Left School at 16 - Now She's CEO of a $15 Million Company, Meet Coverflex Manufacturing CEO, Mellanie Askew 02/18/2025

Special Series: She Left School at 16 - Now She's CEO of a $15 Million Company, Meet Coverflex Manufacturing CEO, Mellanie Askew High Achieving Female Podcast Powered by KNOW Special Series: Up Close with Mellanie Askew of Coverflex Manufacturing From leaving school in 10th grade to now leading a sustainable manufacturing business, Mellanie's story is a testament to resilience and taking unconventional paths to success. But how did she transition from construction to entrepreneurship? What unexpected obstacles did she face as a woman in a male-dominated field? And how did she scale her business from scratch? In this episode, we explore the remarkable journey of Mellanie Askew, founder, president, and CEO of Coverflex Manufacturing. Starting as a high school dropout and transitioning from construction to the boardroom, Mellanie now leads a sustainable manufacturing company that ranks 31st on the list of the 50 fastest-growing women-owned and led businesses in the U.S. Her story is not just about overcoming challenges in a male-dominated industry; it also highlights the importance of sustainability and the power of unconventional career paths. The key moments in this episode are: 01:27 - Introducing Melanie and Coverflex Manufacturing 04:31 - From Construction to Entrepreneurship 07:37 - Environmental Impact and Sustainability 10:12 - Thriving in a Male-Dominated Industry 13:41 - Family and Business 14:34 - Giving Back 15:49 - Business Scaling 17:08 - Advice for Women Entrepreneurs Links: Stay connected and become a KNOW Insider. Go behind the scenes, access Insider-Only content, masterclasses, and more: Learn more about Coverflex Manufacturing: More on JPMorgan Chase: Learn about Women Presidents Organization: Sponsors: KNOW is proud to be the media partner for the Women Presidents Organization and the 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Businesses. Podcast Production: Produced by our friends at /episode/index/show/theknowwomen/id/35321935

Special Series: How the Queen of Organic Treats Disrupted the Snack Industry, Meet Deebee’s Organics Founder, Dionne Laszlo-Baker 02/11/2025

Special Series: She Gambled Her Life Savings on Edible Glitter, Now Runs a $30M Business, Meet Bakery Bling Founder, Lauren Brooks 02/04/2025

Special Series: She Gambled Her Life Savings on Edible Glitter, Now Runs a $30M Business, Meet Bakery Bling Founder, Lauren Brooks High Achieving Female Podcast Powered by KNOW Special Series: Up Close with Lauren Brooks of Bakery Bling In this special episode, we sit down with Lauren Brooks, founder and CEO of Bakery Bling, and one of the winners of the 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Businesses of 2024. Lauren’s entrepreneurial journey is nothing short of inspiring, having gambled her life savings on edible glitter and transformed her brand from packaging orders in her kitchen to operating a 100,000-square-foot manufacturing facility generating over $30 million in revenue. She shares candid insights on building her business without a formal plan, the hurdles she faced with manufacturing, and how she continues to scale in the competitive baking industry. If you're curious about turning a passion project into a multimillion-dollar enterprise, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical strategies for aspiring women entrepreneurs. The key moments in this episode are: 02:57 - From "Little Wasted" to Bakery Bling 06:55 - Pivoting and Business Growth 08:18 - Importance of Adaptability in Business 12:49 - Challenges of Manufacturing and Production 13:48 - The Challenges of Being Fully Owned and Operated 15:31 - Building Relationships with Major Retailers 17:45 - The Hustle Mentality and Grit 18:49 - Overcoming Challenges and Seeking Better Advice 23:32 - The Continuous Challenges of Entrepreneurship Links: Stay connected and become a KNOW Insider. Go behind the scenes, access Insider-Only content, masterclasses, and more: Learn more about Bakery Bling: More on JPMorgan Chase: Learn about Women Presidents Organization: Sponsors: KNOW is proud to be the media partner for the Women Presidents Organization and the 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Businesses. Podcast Production: Produced by our friends at /episode/index/show/theknowwomen/id/35153270

Special Series: From a $100,000 Goal to $1.4 Billion Valuation, Meet BuzzBallz Founder, Merrilee Kick 01/28/2025

Special Series: From a $100,000 Goal to $1.4 Billion Valuation, Meet BuzzBallz Founder, Merrilee Kick High Achieving Female Podcast Powered by KNOW Special Series: Up Close with Merrilee Kick of BuzzBallz So what's it like to grow a business from scratch and sell it for a cool billion? Today's special guest is Merrilee Kick, founder of BuzzBallz and one of the winners of the 50 Fastest Woman Owned/Led Companies in 2024, presented by Women Presidents Organization & JPMorgan Chase In this special episode, we catch up with Merrilee Kick, founder and CEO of BuzzBallz Southern Champion, and one of the winners of the 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Businesses. At the age of 48, Merrilee Kick transformed a side project into a billion-dollar business. BuzzBallz Southern Champion is now the only women-owned distillery, winery, and brewery combination in the U.S., with products sold in all 51 states and 21 countries. Merrilee comes back on the podcast to share her journey through a whirlwind 28-day acquisition deal, how she continues to drive growth as CEO post-sale, and her vision to scale the business to $5 billion. Tune in to learn how she built generational wealth, expanded internationally, and redefined what’s possible for women entrepreneurs starting later in life. The key moments in this episode are: 04:39 - Starting a Business at 48 08:33 - Selling the Business 10:11 - Choosing the Right Buyer 13:44 - Successful Acquisition 14:51 - The Decision to Sell the Company 16:17 - Catapulting the Company's Growth 17:42 - Life as a CEO Post-Acquisition 21:46 - Sharing Buzz Balls Everywhere Links: Listen back to our first episode with Merrilee Kick: Stay connected and become a KNOW Insider. Go behind the scenes, access Insider-Only content, masterclasses, and more: Learn more about BuzzBallz: More on JPMorgan Chase: Learn about Women Presidents Organization: Sponsors: KNOW is proud to be the media partner for the Women Presidents Organization and the 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Businesses. Podcast Production: Produced by our friends at /episode/index/show/theknowwomen/id/35031800

Special Series: Scaling a Tech Company Without Investors 01/21/2025

Special Series: From Healthcare to Top Dog: How this Founder Disrupted the Pet Food Industry 01/14/2025

Special Series: From Healthcare to Top Dog: How this Founder Disrupted the Pet Food Industry High Achieving Female Podcast Powered by KNOW Special Series: Up Close with Kathleen McCarron of Portland Pet Food Company Have you ever heard these myths about starting a successful retail business? Myth 1: It's too late to start a new career after retirement. Myth 2: Retail is too competitive for new products. Myth 3: You need a background in the industry to succeed. On today's episode, we will discuss the truth about these myths. Today's special guest is Kathleen McCarron, founder of Portland Pet Food Company and one of the winners of the 50 Fastest Woman Owned/Led Companies in 2024, presented by Women Presidents Organization & JPMorgan Chase Kathleen McCarron, the top dog and founder of Portland Pet Food Company, has an inspiring journey from healthcare administration to leading entrepreneur in the pet food industry. Her company has grown from serving clients in the US to expanding into Canada and Japan. Motivated by her own dog, Kathleen started making meals at home, which led to the creation of her company in 2014. Her dedication to using only human-grade ingredients sourced and made in the United States has set her company apart. Kathleen's passion for providing wholesome, high-quality pet food has led to the success of her business, making her a valuable source of insights for aspiring female entrepreneurs seeking business growth in the pet food industry. The key moments in this episode are: 00:01 - Introduction to Kathleen McCarron and Portland Pet Food Company 02:29 - How Kathleen Started in the Pet Food Industry 06:24 - Life Before Portland Pet Food Company 09:32 - Launching into Retail and the First Hire 13:47 - It's Never Too Late to Start 14:10 - Importance of Support and Community 15:29 - The Subscription Model 16:31 - Business Growth and Revenue 17:24 - Learning from Mistakes 19:24 - Celebrating Success and Advice for Business Growth Links: Stay connected and become a KNOW Insider. Go behind the scenes, access Insider-Only content, masterclasses, and more: Visit Portland Pet Food Company: More on JPMorgan Chase: Learn about Women Presidents Organization: Sponsors: KNOW Media is proud to be the media partner for the Women Presidents Organization and the 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Businesses. Podcast Production: Produced by our friends at /episode/index/show/theknowwomen/id/34844880