The Social Impact Startup
Each week we talk with founders from various industries about how they’re making an impact through business while investing in their current and future selves. The era of profit first business and a lifestyle that promotes burnout is over. In this new era, we’re investing in ourselves, our community and the future. So tune in and get inspired by social impact! New episodes drop each Monday. Available wherever you get your podcasts. Connect with us: https://www.modernaltruneur.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@mod.altruneur https://www.instagram.com/mod.altruneur/ https://twitter.com/mod_altruneur/media
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Episode 65: A sustainable future requires circularity and an 'eco-attitude' with Phoebe Yu - Founder & CEO, ettitude
08/29/2023
Episode 65: A sustainable future requires circularity and an 'eco-attitude' with Phoebe Yu - Founder & CEO, ettitude
Phoebe Yu is the Founder and CEO of ettitude, a sustainable lifestyle brand made from the world’s first 100% organic bamboo lyocell fabric. Phoebe spent over 10 years helping international companies develop and source textiles and saw first hand the lack of sustainability within the industry. She knew there was room for change and decided to be an agent of it. She launched ettitude 9 years ago and is leading by example on how to build a truly circular business model. In our conversation we discuss: The responsibility of brands to help educate consumers How it’s easier to stay true to values when when there is integrity in the DNA of the brand Why offsetting is not a solution Her thoughts on AI and how she sees it as an opportunity for more creativity and overall why she believes in community and collaboration over competition Phoebe and her team at ettitude are paving the way for a more sustainable future while creating the framework to show why and how all businesses can - and should - embody an ‘eco attitude’. Connect with Phoebe LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebeyu2008/ Website Socials https://www.instagram.com/ettitudestore/
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Episode 64: Dynamic & data-driven social impact with Emily Kane Miller - Founder & CEO, Ethos Giving & Ethos Tracking
07/13/2022
Episode 64: Dynamic & data-driven social impact with Emily Kane Miller - Founder & CEO, Ethos Giving & Ethos Tracking
Emily Kane Miller is the Founder and CEO of , a philanthropic services firm, and , a related social impact data management tool that allows businesses, nonprofits and foundations to more effectively track their impact. The central theme for Emily’s life has always been “how can I be an agent of good for my community”, a question that has followed her throughout her career in public policy and law, corporate infrastructure and ultimately what led her to become a tech founder. In our conversation we discuss: The process of creating, iterating and launching a tech product Why she believes change is a collaborative process The importance of social impact as part of company culture The historical framework of social good vs. her thoughts on where we are headed Her top 3 tips for starting / building a career in the social impact space And ultimately why she created her company Emily and her team are utilizing metrics and data to help companies create meaningful and effective social impact in ways that make sense for their respective business models. Connect with Emily:
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Episode 63: Narcissists, infidelity, divorce and learning to love yourself with Gabrielle Stone - Author, Eat, Pray, #FML
05/16/2022
Episode 63: Narcissists, infidelity, divorce and learning to love yourself with Gabrielle Stone - Author, Eat, Pray, #FML
Gabrielle Stone is the author of Eat, Pray, #FML, a book that recounts her epic path towards healing that has resonated with countless women across the world. In our conversation we discuss: The events that led up to her journey towards healing Learning how to be by yourself - and how to love yourself The process of writing and self-publishing her book Navigating internet trolls and protecting your peace And her advice for people who want to make an impact There’s a reason why Gabrielle’s story has resonated with so many of us: at some point in our lives we will all venture down the path towards self love and more often than not it will be one of the best things that we ever do. Connect with Gabrielle: https://www.eatprayfml.com/ Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here:
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Episode 62: Rituals, reimagining growth, acknowledging change & letting go of perfection with Megan Sheldon - Co-Founder & CEO, Be Ceremonial
05/02/2022
Episode 62: Rituals, reimagining growth, acknowledging change & letting go of perfection with Megan Sheldon - Co-Founder & CEO, Be Ceremonial
Megan Sheldon is the Co-Founder & CEO of Be Ceremonial, a wellness app that draws on the power of ritual to help you create ceremonies to acknowledge times of change in your life. Megan has always had an entrepreneurial spirit and path towards creating a company. Her passion started with writing meta narratives for brands and has evolved into helping people create moments of meaning and significance. In our conversation we discuss: Creating social impact through secular rituals Building a brand’s narrative How to engage in ceremony without cultural appropriation Celebrating what is, what was and what will be Why you need to let go of perfection in order to launch something And reimagining what growth looks like There are so many moments in life that are worthy of being recognized and Megan is helping people to do so in ways that make sense for them. Connect with Megan: https://www.instagram.com/beceremonial/?hl=en https://www.beceremonial.com/ Download the app: https://apps.apple.com/app/be-ceremonial/id1582513679 Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here:
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Episode 61: The music discovery platform that supports smaller artists with Jackie Dalius - Founder & CEO, MuzicSwipe
04/04/2022
Episode 61: The music discovery platform that supports smaller artists with Jackie Dalius - Founder & CEO, MuzicSwipe
Jackie Dalius is the Founder and CEO of MuzicSwipe, a platform that is disrupting the music industry by giving smaller artists the recognition they deserve. The app allows potential fans to discover new music by swiping and matching with upcoming artists that often get over looked on larger streaming platforms. Jackie started her journey in entrepreneurship when she launched her own PR firm and worked in talent management. Noticing how hard it was for smaller artists to be seen, she sought out to help solve the problem. In our conversation we discuss: Problems that exist in the music industry and how difficult it is for smaller artists to be seen How their platform is giving power back to artists & consumers The evolution of MuzicSwipe - from where it started to where it is now Why it’s important to have confidence in your vision And how your dreams can become a reality Having only launched their beta in January 2022, MuzicSwipe has already hit the top 100 in the App Store, showing that consumers and artists alike are ready to disrupt the music industry through swiping. Connect with Jackie: Download MuzicSwipe: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/muzicswipe/id1563012935 Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here:
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Episode 60: Building a community for social impact, sustainability and regeneration with Corinna Bellizzi - Podcast Host & Natural Products Executive
03/28/2022
Episode 60: Building a community for social impact, sustainability and regeneration with Corinna Bellizzi - Podcast Host & Natural Products Executive
is a natural products industry executive who pioneered the growth of the omega-3 giant, Nordic Naturals, from less than $1 million in annual revenue to over $100 million. As a mom of two young boys, podcaster, and executive, her mission is to leave the world a little better than she found it, while inspiring others to do the same. Her podcast Care More. Be Better., is focused on building a community of individuals who want to create positive change in the world at both the local and global level and The Mediacasters is a platform focused on supporting content creators to become their best selves. In our conversation we discuss: The power of podcasting and why meaningful conversations can lead to meaningful action Why you can reinvent yourself - or your brand - at any time The power of incrementalism and local level action Her advice for those looking to start a podcast And why entrepreneurship can be isolating - but you don’t have to go it alone Corinna is working to pave a realistic roadmap towards a better future by helping people take action in ways that actually fit into their lives. Connect with Corinna: https://caremorebebetter.com/about/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbellizzi/ Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here:
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Episode 59: Biotech for babies; the company innovating infant nutrition & supporting modern parenthood with Michelle Egger - Co-Founder & CEO, Biomilq
03/21/2022
Episode 59: Biotech for babies; the company innovating infant nutrition & supporting modern parenthood with Michelle Egger - Co-Founder & CEO, Biomilq
Michelle Egger is the Co-Founder and CEO of Biomilq, a woman-owned, science-led, and parent-centered biotech startup developing novel technology to make human milk outside the body. They’re on a mission to nourish healthier babies, empower parents through choice and contribute to a healthier planet. In our conversation we discuss: Her career path and why combining food science and entrepreneurship made sense The struggles modern parents face and why it should be a human right to access human milk and nutrients The importance of having mission-aligned investors and why partnership criteria is helpful in finding the right people to support your business Why staying intellectually humble is important when building a social impact business And why this isn’t just a women’s issue; it’s a family issue Michelle and her team are doing incredible work to not only support healthy infant development and modern parents, but are working to remove stigma in the business space by focusing on capability & vision instead of gender. Connect with Michelle and Biomilq: https://www.biomilq.com/ https://www.instagram.com/biomilq/?hl=en Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here:
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Episode 58: Ethical supply chains and how purchasing power influences change with Jane Mosbacher Morris - Author & Founder, To The Market
03/07/2022
Episode 58: Ethical supply chains and how purchasing power influences change with Jane Mosbacher Morris - Author & Founder, To The Market
Jane Mosbacher Morris founded TO THE MARKET (TTM) with a vision of democratizing access to the global supply chain and providing makers around the world with the economic empowerment that comes from safe, dignified, fairly paid work. TTM is a turnkey solution for ethical manufacturing, that connects people with their syndicated network of sustainable, story-rich suppliers. They are on a mission to empower people, protect the planet, and promote better business - and they do it without sacrificing speed, innovation, or digitization. Jane also wrote, Buy The Change, an insightful book on how the purchasing power of consumers can ultimately make the world a better place. In our conversation we discuss: Her career trajectory from working in public service and government to disrupting the retail manufacturing industry Why sustainable resources and job creation are better than temporary aid Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and how it relates to impact Why affordability has been the biggest challenge to date in relation to sustainable and ethical products And ultimately the power of market forces / purchasing power Jane is working to help both consumers and business owners alike recognize their responsibility in building a better future while also recognizing that it’s not about perfection - it’s about progress. Connect with Jane and To The Market: https://tothemarket.com/ https://www.instagram.com/letsgottm/ Buy the book: https://tothemarket.com/pages/buy-the-change-you-want-to-see Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here:
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Episode 57: Helping diverse entrepreneurs build successful businesses with Olivia Owens - Creator, IFundWomen of Color
02/28/2022
Episode 57: Helping diverse entrepreneurs build successful businesses with Olivia Owens - Creator, IFundWomen of Color
Olivia Owens is the creator of IFundWomen of Color, the go-to funding resource for diverse, early-stage entrepreneurs. IFundWomen of Color was created with their founding partner Caress to help diverse entrepreneurs bring their dreams into reality through raising capital via crowdfunding and providing grants, coaching, and the connections needed to launch and grow successful businesses. In our conversation we discuss: Why her purpose in life is to help people become a better version of themselves What sustainability, in terms of support, looks like for women of color entrepreneurs Her #1 piece of advice for women looking to invest and build wealth The questions to ask to figure out the need-movers for your business And why living in a way that is authentic to us is the best way to add value to the world Olivia is helping women re-write the story of what it means to build a successful business by helping them find not only alignment with their customers, but alignment within themselves and showing that “you never lose - you only learn”. Connect with Olivia & IFundWomen: https://ifundwomen.com/woc https://www.instagram.com/ifundwomen/?hl=en Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here:
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Episode 56: The marketplace for human-centric & value driven brands with Jaclyn Grauman and Michelle Silverstein - Co-Founders, The Verticale
02/07/2022
Episode 56: The marketplace for human-centric & value driven brands with Jaclyn Grauman and Michelle Silverstein - Co-Founders, The Verticale
Jaclyn and Michelle are Co-Founders of The Verticale, a human-centric marketplace where consumers can conveniently and consciously shop and support better businesses. What originally began as a media site has evolved into a commerce platform that focuses on building the emotional connection between digitally native brands and consumers by focusing on verification and transparency in lieu of greenwashing. In our conversation we discuss: The Verticale Values and their vetting process for potential vendors Why they prioritize giving 1% of all sales to rotating causes The most important traits to embody when building a business Their human centric tone about trying to make better choices everyday but understanding that the process isn’t going to be perfect And why they’re focused on eliminating the concept of greenwashing altogether Convenience at times can cause us to think in the short-term, but what Jaclyn and Michelle are building creates a convenient and conscious shopping experience, allowing people to buy according to their values and support the businesses that are doing the work to create long-term change. Connect with Jaclyn & Michelle: https://www.theverticale.com/ https://www.instagram.com/theverticale/?hl=en Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here:
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Episode 55: Re-writing success and becoming the main character of your story with K.E. Gregg - Author & Founder, Amant House
01/31/2022
Episode 55: Re-writing success and becoming the main character of your story with K.E. Gregg - Author & Founder, Amant House
Kathryn Elizabeth Gregg is an author and the founder of Born in Washington, D.C., politics were her original North Star. The quintessential overachiever, she is a graduate of Duke University and earned her J.D. from the UCLA School of Law. As she climbed the golden staircase towards success, however, there was a moment she describes as “the lights coming on” and suddenly she realized that the narrowly defined pathway of “success” wasn’t what she was meant to be doing. In our conversation we discuss: The courage it takes to carve an authentic path that is true to your story The art of story-telling and how it helps us get through trying times Why she decided to create her own publishing house The importance of personal responsibility and how choosing herself every day allows her to create larger impact in the world And why she made the main character of her novel a woman Kathryn is representative of the fact that society’s definition of success doesn’t necessarily create a happy and fulfilling life. It’s up to you to step into the life that is authentically you and she inspires us all to reject what doesn’t serve us, to embrace what does, even if that means going against the current - at least you’re riding your own wave. Connect with Kathryn: http://kegregg.com/bio https://www.instagram.com/k.e.gregg/?hl=en Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here:
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Episode 54: Black women deserve great sex with Kimberly Huggins & Brittany Brathwaite - Co-Founders, Kimbritive
01/24/2022
Episode 54: Black women deserve great sex with Kimberly Huggins & Brittany Brathwaite - Co-Founders, Kimbritive
Kimberly and Brittany are more than co-founders; they are friends building a digital platform for sexual wellness where Black women are seen, heard and celebrated. Coming from extensive educational backgrounds in public health, gender studies and psychology, they didn’t want to just advocate for this space - they decided to build Kimbritive not as an attempt to correct to the current system, but to create their own. In our conversation we discuss: The discrepancies Black women experience in sexual and reproductive healthcare How they’ve built rest into their company culture Their top 4 tips to start identifying and implementing boundaries into your life And the power of personal story-telling for confronting stigma and shame Kimberly and Brittany are doing the work to de-stigmatize sexual health and center Black women because not only do they deserve this space - they deserve great sex. Connect with Brittany & Kimberly: https://www.instagram.com/kimbritive/ Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here:
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Episode 53: Death, depression and domestic violence - why having tough conversations creates real change with Liz Eddy - Co-Founder & CEO, Lantern
01/17/2022
Episode 53: Death, depression and domestic violence - why having tough conversations creates real change with Liz Eddy - Co-Founder & CEO, Lantern
Liz Eddy has always been passionate about building products and businesses that can tangibly help others. At 15 she created her first company that was focused on educating others about dating abuse and domestic violence, she also led communications from inception for the nation's first free, 24/7 crisis support line, Crisis Text Line, and most recently is the co-founder and CEO of Lantern, a single source platform that provides step-by-step guidance for navigating life before and after death. Lantern was born from personal experience. Liz lost her dad at a young age and was the caretaker for her Grandmother who passed away more recently. In the midst of navigating grief, Liz had to handle the logistics of what you do when someone you love passes away, and found there was no singular place to find the answers she needed. In our conversation we discuss: Why being aware of our own mortality can actually make us happier people Her journey through entrepreneurship and how many different ideas she had before finally finding the right one The difficulty of raising venture capital as a woman and why women are judged on progress while men are judged on promise And why having healthy, happy, and cared for employees is of the utmost importance to Liz and her team Liz isn’t shy about having conversations with taboo topics that the rest of society hides away from and her ability to do so has produced tangible results for people when navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Connect with Liz: Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here:
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Episode 52: Solving climate change with seaweed with Alexia Akbay - Founder, Symbrosia
01/10/2022
Episode 52: Solving climate change with seaweed with Alexia Akbay - Founder, Symbrosia
Alexia Akbay is one of Forbes’ 30 under 30 in the social impact space for 2021 and the founder of Symbrosia, a climate tech company that is reducing livestock methane emissions with seaweed. Alexia comes from a family of entrepreneurs which allowed her to become familiar with taking risks. Receiving both her undergrad and graduate degrees in Chemistry, Alexia discovered a paper during grad school that brought her attention to this incredible seaweed. She believes in translating research and conversations into action, which is why she launched Symbrosia where they’ve been addressing climate change mindfully since 2018. In our conversation we discuss: How Symbrosia is providing a solution without exploiting the ocean environment The importance of respecting, perpetuating and uplifting Indigenous knowledge when it comes to sustainable practices Why she believes that it’s not a money issue in terms of solving climate change And why it’s important to promote yourself and your company in ways that feel authentic to you As a leader in the social impact space, Alexia believes that “change is inevitable but adaptation is optional” and in order to solve the most pressing problems in our rapidly changing world, you need to be willing to continuously learn and adapt. Connect with Alexia: Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here:
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Episode 51: Efficient, effective and empowering; setting a new standard for women’s health tech with Amy Divaraniya - PhD & Founder, Oova
11/22/2021
Episode 51: Efficient, effective and empowering; setting a new standard for women’s health tech with Amy Divaraniya - PhD & Founder, Oova
Amy Divaraniya is the founder of Oova, a women’s health tech company that is responsible for inventing the first fertility translator. With a PhD in the medical field, Amy never wanted to be an entrepreneur but ended up creating a company and product that is setting a new standard for women’s health. Oova is a test that monitors multiple hormones through urine and tracks the data over time. Clinician approved and completely personalized, Oova is giving women the power to be their own advocate. In our conversation we discuss: Amy’s journey and why we need to normalize conversations around fertility Why it took 3 years to develop a product that was not a bandaid solution, unlike other products available on the market today Her experiences raising VC money And why trusting your vision will get you far as a founder Amy and Oova are taking the women’s health tech space by storm. With plans for new products and growth in the near future, her definition of success isn’t about profit margins but rather how she can truly help women take control of their health at every stage of life. Connect with Amy: Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here:
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Episode 50: Celebrating Black women & diverse bodies through sustainable swim with Anastasia White - Founder, Crescent Bleu
10/18/2021
Episode 50: Celebrating Black women & diverse bodies through sustainable swim with Anastasia White - Founder, Crescent Bleu
Anastasia White is the founder of Crescent Bleu, a sustainable swimwear line that focuses on building timeless and eco-friendly products for women to celebrate themselves in. Born and raised in New Orleans, Anastasia discovered her love of fashion when her mother taught her how to sew at just 5 years old. She fell in love and knew that being a fashion designer was her calling. She moved to NYC after college and worked in corporate fashion for over 20 years. Throughout that time she saw the fashion industry transform and evolve but eventually left the corporate world to pursue her dream of starting her own swimwear line. In our conversation we discuss: Her experiences in the corporate fashion world and what she learned from it Launching her company in the midst of the pandemic and how she persevered Why it’s important to build safe spaces where Black women can be represented and celebrated The importance of building your community as a social entrepreneur And why no business has the capacity to do sustainability“perfectly” yet, but why it’s important for business owners to be committed to taking small steps and doing what they can through their own particular business model / product Anastasia is hopeful about the future of the fashion industry and is doing her part to set a higher standard, not just by creating a sustainable product, but by creating a safe space where Black women and diverse bodies can be celebrated. Connect with Anastasia: Support their crowdfunding campaign with iFundWomen Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here:
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Episode 49: Resigning to re-align with Madlyn McArn, Freelance Producer, Live & Digital Events
07/05/2021
Episode 49: Resigning to re-align with Madlyn McArn, Freelance Producer, Live & Digital Events
Madlyn McArn is a freelance producer who specializes in both live and digital events, a role that she created for herself in the midst of what is being referred to as the “Great Resignation”. Maddy has spent the majority of her career in NYC, navigating the publishing world in roles at Cosmopolitan, Redbook and Time Out New York. When an opportunity arose to lead the events department, she challenged herself to take on the role. This career move led to her transition into the events exclusively, an industry that took quite the hit in the midst of the global pandemic. In our conversation, we discuss: Why it’s important to have women in your corner who aren’t afraid to help you (9 min) Learning to recognize if there is opportunity to challenge yourself - or if it’s time to walk away from a specific role (16 min) The difference between having will vs. skill (18 min) How to start the process of detaching your identity from your work (25 min) And why it’s ok to ask for help (25min) At a time when the world of work is being redefined and people are reassessing what is important to them, Maddy is emblematic of how the future can be even better than you could’ve imagined if you’re willing to look beyond what has been conventionally labeled “success” and be willing to redefine your career on your own terms. Connect with Maddy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madlynmcarn/ Email: [email protected] Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here:
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Episode 48: Listening to women with Alexandra Cohl, Writer & Founder, POD.RALAND
06/21/2021
Episode 48: Listening to women with Alexandra Cohl, Writer & Founder, POD.RALAND
Alexandra Cohl is a writer, social media strategist and founder of POD.RALAND, a space dedicated to amplifying diverse women’s voices in podcasting. Alexandra has spent the majority of her career in education but has always been inspired by the women who have carved out non-linear career paths. As an advocate for women’s stories and diverse voices, her journey finding her own voice has given her the strength to help uplift and amplify others and ultimately created the foundation for her company. In our conversation, we discuss: Why every job we have is integral to our career path (6 min) Why stability and the ‘safe’ choice can be limiting (8 min) Why building a business can be like writing a thesis Her thoughts on podcasting vs. Clubhouse (27 min) And why you shouldn’t underestimate the power of smaller media outlets (46 min) As our society progresses and detaches from linear definitions and storylines, Alexandra is helping to diversify the landscape of storytelling by amplifying voices that need to be heard and helping to ensure that more women are being listened to in every industry. Connect with Alexandra https://www.instagram.com/pod.draland/?hl=en Listen to the Pod Broads Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here:
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Episode 47: Making an impact starts with your mental health with Kelly Travis, Health and Success Coach
05/31/2021
Episode 47: Making an impact starts with your mental health with Kelly Travis, Health and Success Coach
Kelly Travis is a certified health and success coach who helps ambitious people to recognize their individual value and worth as they reach big goals. Kelly was a competitive athlete, earning a scholarship to college but had to eventually drop out due to internal and external pressures to be perfect. After becoming hospitalized, Kelly realized that although she was applauded for seeming healthy on the outside, internally she was truly struggling. In our conversation, we discuss: Her journey with prioritizing her mental health How she built her own business after slowly being pushed out of a male dominated space The courage it took to leave her abusive marriage Why so many women struggle with self-trust - and why she’s made it her goal to help them build that trust And why perfection isn’t the goal - but healing is. As a woman who has first hand struggled with many issues that women face, Kelly aspires to be the support system she desperately needed for her 20-year old self. By promoting self-acceptance and detaching from the idea of perfectionism, Kelly believes that to in order to have an impact on the world, we have to first start with ourselves. Connect with Kelly: Listen to the She Doesn’t Settle Podcast Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here:
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Episode 46: Redefining business by building human-centered brands with Kirn Gill, Founder - Elume
04/19/2021
Episode 46: Redefining business by building human-centered brands with Kirn Gill, Founder - Elume
Kirn is a conscious brand mentor who is the founder of Elume. Breaking away from traditional ideas about business, Kirn is working to help entrepreneurs build human-centered brands that align with their personal values. Having spent 7 years climbing the corporate ladder, Kirn cultivated an impressive skillset helping corporations with business strategy and optimization. However, the traditional idea of success always felt out of alignment with who she was and what she wanted. As she began to unpack and unlearn the linear ideas of success that society has prescribed to us, she realized that she wanted to create a life that felt in alignment with her values - and help others do the same. In our conversation we discuss: Her journey into entrepreneurship The internal work / healing required to build an intentional and impactful business Why it’s important to challenge norms and systems to build a successful business in today’s landscape and why we need to normalize putting humanity back into business Kirn is doing the work to redefine what business looks like by helping others build conscious brands that fit their lifestyles. Connect with Kirn & Elume Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here:
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Episode 45: A New Era for Investing with Melissa Loh and Joy Souligny, Co-Founders - Investera
04/05/2021
Episode 45: A New Era for Investing with Melissa Loh and Joy Souligny, Co-Founders - Investera
Melissa Loh and Joy Souligny are on a mission to get more women investing. With a similar passion of helping women become economically empowered, they became the cofounders of Investera, an educational platform and community designed to help women build their financial intelligence. Although money is a relevant topic for everyone, for so long women have been left out of the conversation. Joy and Mel are working to rebrand what financial education looks like by making it relatable and accessible so that women know how to invest in themselves and their futures. In our conversation we discuss: Their incredible, serendipitous cofounder story Why learning about finance isn’t just about money - it’s about participating in the global economy Why it’s important to reset your money mindset and to know your net worth Why building wealth doesn’t have to conflict with your values And why it’s never to late to start investing in your future As advocates for empowerment and sustainability, Mel and Joy are leading the way for a new era of investing, one that is inclusive, impactful and accessible. LEARN MORE: LinkedIn Instagram: Website: WORKSHOP: Bitcoin for Beginners April 13, 2021 Promo code “TMAbitcoin” Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here:
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Episode 44: Back to basics: building a circular & sustainable brand with Stacy Anderson, Founder - KENT
03/08/2021
Episode 44: Back to basics: building a circular & sustainable brand with Stacy Anderson, Founder - KENT
Stacy Anderson is the founder of KENT, a sustainable super natural basics company that is elevating the standard of slow fashion. Not only are the products made with organic, plant-based materials, but their supply chain is ethical and transparent. A product that makes an impact everyday, because they are 100% Pima cotton, they are compostable and breakdown in 3-4 months, compared to other intimates that include synthetic materials and plastics that can take 100’s of years to breakdown. Stacy is Canadian born but has worked globally in fashion, architecture and sustainability, eventually settling in Los Angeles to bring KENT to life. In our conversation we discuss: The shift we are seeing in the fashion industry in regards to sustainability How to authentically market progress without misleading consumers (i.e. bye greenwashing) Why sustainability can always be in alignment with your brand identity Her process building a slow-growth startup and why it’s important to embrace the process, not just the end product And why you should think of your business as a piece of clay Stacy has worked hard to build a business that is not only sustainable, but circular in nature. In social impact, the problems we face are often complex but Stacy has found a way to address each issue related to her business with innovation and intentionality. She has created the ultimate business model for ethical consumption and is truly paving the way for a new standard in slow fashion. Connect with Stacy & KENT Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here:
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Episode 43: Activism in the digital age with Alexa Bussmann, Founder - Novel Hand
03/01/2021
Episode 43: Activism in the digital age with Alexa Bussmann, Founder - Novel Hand
Alexa Bussmann is the Founder of Novel Hand, the place where activism meets impact. They are a community bringing awareness to global humanitarian issues through writing & content creation. Alexa built Novel Hand when she noticed a disconnect in her generation. While there exists concern for current humanitarian issues, it can be difficult to find ways to actually make an impact, especially when taking into consideration how complex many of these problems actually are. She wants to bridge the gap between the passion people have for social issues and turn that into actionable steps for innovative solutions. In our conversation we discuss: Her journey into entrepreneurship The difficulty of impact measurement How to make an impact through technology The importance of humility vs. ego when leading a team in the social impact space The importance of adopting a growth mindset. Alexa aspires to encourage meaningful impact and believes that education and awareness is the first step towards that. Connect with Alexa & Novel Hand: Facebook: Instagram: @novel.hand Twitter: @novelhand Podcast: Subscribe to newsletter: LinkedIn:
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Episode 42: Making clean water more accessible with Nikita Chatterjee, Co-Founder - Paani Solutions
02/01/2021
Episode 42: Making clean water more accessible with Nikita Chatterjee, Co-Founder - Paani Solutions
Nikita Chatterjee is the Co-Founder of Paani Solutions, a company dedicated to promoting the accessibility of clean water for low-income communities in rural India. Nikita grew up in a family that prioritized giving back. Formerly on the pre-med track, she changed her field of interest to entrepreneurship in the realm of public health after a trip to India. Although the concept of providing clean drinking water is not new, the product they are developing at Paani Solutions bridges the gap between new technology and everyday cultural behaviors because they hope to refine, not change, the methods of water filtration that already exist. Ultimately they want to decrease the prevalence of water-borne illnesses. In our conversation we discuss: Her journey into entrepreneurship Her inspiration to start Paani Solutions The process of product development The importance of respecting tradition and culture Their strategic method for distribution so that the consumer doesn’t have to pay for it And why alignment with mission is integral to building a strong team Water should be a basic human right and Nikita alongside her team at Paani Solutions are doing the work to ensure that people have access to the resources they deserve. Connect with Nikita: Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here:
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Episode 41: Data Rights are Human Rights with Tazin Khan Norelius - Data Rights Activist & Founder, Cyber Collective
01/25/2021
Episode 41: Data Rights are Human Rights with Tazin Khan Norelius - Data Rights Activist & Founder, Cyber Collective
Tazin Khan Norelius, also known as Taz, is a data rights activist, cybersecurity specialist and the Founder of Cyber Collective, a Cyber Security, Privacy, & Data Ethics Research Company. They are a community-centered research organization that hosts events to teach and understand the ways data and privacy impact consumers. An interesting fact about Taz’s career in Cybersecurity - she didn’t choose cyber security - it chose her. As she worked within the industry, she noticed that there was a serious disconnect between the industry and what consumers actually understood about their rights. She launched “Tech with Taz”, a video series to educate the public about their rights when it comes to data, a project that ultimately laid the foundation for Cyber Collective. In our conversation we discuss: How a chance encounter led to her career in Cybersecurity Why corporate culture stifles growth and why she needed a break from it in order to find her voice again Why cybersecurity should not be an afterthought, especially for small businesses. Her advice to consumers on how to “consciously click’ How why her Self-care routine includes a digital detox - every week A multifaceted and brilliant woman trailblazing through a predominantly white - and arguably dull - space, Taz is successfully blending two worlds - creativity & policy - in a way that will undoubtedly transform the landscape of her industry. Connect with Taz: Support Cyber Collective’s iFundWomen Campaign! Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here:
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Episode 40: Creating a global community for women’s health with Tara Shirazian, MD & Founder - Saving Mothers & Mommy Matters
12/21/2020
Episode 40: Creating a global community for women’s health with Tara Shirazian, MD & Founder - Saving Mothers & Mommy Matters
Dr. Tara Shirazian is working to build a global community for women’s health. She is an OB/GYN and founder of both a non-profit, Saving Mothers, and for-profit company, Mommy Matters. While in medical school she had the opportunity to travel and participate in mission programs, giving temporary resources to communities with great need. Uncomfortable with this model, she decided to develop and implement sustainable programs through her non-profit Saving Mothers that would serve the communities long-term. The success of her programs has empowered women, both in terms of their health and their livelihoods. Because of the limitations of the non-profit model, she launched Mommy Matters to not only create better health products for women, but to have a more sustainable and reliable source for funds in order to grow Saving Mothers. In our conversation we discuss: Her journey into medicine & becoming a global women’s health advocate Building up resiliency The why and how behind her organizations Why she believes change can come if businesses implement social impact at the inception And why her legacy is training next generation of women’s health providers As a true advocate for women’s health, Tara is creating a community to support, uplift and empower women. Connect with Tara https://www.instagram.com/savingmothers/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/becausemommymatters/?hl=en Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here:
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Episode 39: Building a mindset of success and being the main character of your story with Lauren Malone, Founder & Writer - Lemon Tree Coaching & The Expecting Entrepreneur
12/07/2020
Episode 39: Building a mindset of success and being the main character of your story with Lauren Malone, Founder & Writer - Lemon Tree Coaching & The Expecting Entrepreneur
Lauren Malone is passionate about helping female entrepreneurs succeed. Growing up with her mother as a role model, she witnessed firsthand that women can be successful at anything they choose to do - despite what society may say. With a strong work ethic and a history of coaching people, Lauren decided she wanted to launch her own business to help others. While planning her launch & timeline, Lauren found out that she was expecting her first child. Like any of us would do, she hopped on Google, typed in “starting a business while pregnant” and the results were “don’t do it”. So, despite the resounding no’s, she ignored the noise and did it anyway. She proceeded to build a successful coaching business and write her own book about being an expecting entrepreneur. She wanted to be a pioneer in changing the narrative that when you become a mother, suddenly you are the side character in your own story. Lauren aspires to remind women that they are multifaceted, they are the main characters in their stories, and that all it takes is a change of mindset. In our conversation we discuss: Finding the right career path for you personally vs. what others tell you Why traditional education isn’t right for everybody How to rid yourself of limiting beliefs Learning how to be the main character in your own story The power of affirmations Why being “busy” can be destructive to your progress Lauren is empowering women to confidently step into who they are meant to be as they build a business. Connect with Lauren: Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here:
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Episode 38: Ethical consumerism, but make it fashion - with Sunny Wu, Founder - ourCommonplace
11/23/2020
Episode 38: Ethical consumerism, but make it fashion - with Sunny Wu, Founder - ourCommonplace
Sunny Wu is the founder of ourCommonplace, an ethical marketplace for the conscious, fashion-forward consumer. As a first generation Taiwanese-American, Sunny grew up seeing her community, and specifically her own mother, excel at entrepreneurship by tapping into the needs of the community. With a background in fashion & luxury, Sunny decided to tap into the needs of the fashion community by curating a one-stop marketplace for all things ethical. At ourCommonplace they believe that it is their responsibility to create a space where consumers can feel confident about how they allocate their purchasing power. By supporting socially eco-conscious companies, they are accelerating the movement towards a more conscious society in an effort to be in alignment with the . In our conversation, we discuss: Her journey from luxury and fashion into ethical consumerism The negative impacts of the fast fashion industry Holding brands accountable to higher standards Creating affordable impact for people at different price points The responsibility of the private sector to work towards the UN’s Sustainable Development goals Why ultimately she hopes in the future their company won’t exist Sunny envisions a world where the values and standards that they are upholding at ourCommonplace become the norm industry-wide - and she is doing the work to make that happen. Connect with Sunny & ourCommonplace Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here:
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Episode 37: Bootstrapping a clean beauty company with Valerie Smith, Founder - Klei Beauty
11/16/2020
Episode 37: Bootstrapping a clean beauty company with Valerie Smith, Founder - Klei Beauty
Valerie Smith is the Founder of Klei Beauty, a sustainable self-care brand based in Brooklyn, NY. They believe that taking care of self should never be at the expense of others. For that reason they are 100% 1. Cruelty-free, 2. Water-free, 3. Natural, 4. Recyclable and 5. Charitable. They are on a mission to provide affordable self care while operating with a social impact business model giving 10% of their profits back into the Brooklyn community at three different non-profits. Valerie started her career in the fashion industry in buying and planning. Although her roles in fashion gave her insight into how manage data & strategically plan, the industry wasn’t right for her. She started Klei as a side project without the expectation of it becoming its own company. Unhappy at her corporate job, the growth of her company allowed her to plan her exit from fashion. She set a date and financial goal, working & saving for an entire year before making the leap from a 9-5er to being a full-time entrepreneur. In this episode we discuss: Why taking a leap of faith can be the best thing to do for your mental health How she bootstrapped her business & the moment that changed everything How she creates her sustainable, water-free formulations The tools she uses to help grow & scale her business And why she believes that there’s never a “good time” to start a business & if you want it, you can never start soon enough Valerie’s story shows that it’s important to give yourself the green light to take risks - even if you are incredibly risk-averse - and proves that you can give back to your self while giving back to your community. Connect with Valerie & Klei Beauty Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here:
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Episode 36: Impact first, product second: the business model of the future with Amrita Thadani, Founder - NEOCOCO
11/02/2020
Episode 36: Impact first, product second: the business model of the future with Amrita Thadani, Founder - NEOCOCO
Amrita Thadani is the Founder of NEOCOCO, a mission-driven apparel company that creates jobs for women refugees and displaced women. Amrita was born in India but moved to the United States to study fashion at Parsons in NYC. Working in both NYC and LA in the fashion industry, Amrita always knew she wanted to create something herself and that she wanted to work directly with small groups and artisans. Her involvement with a non-profit allowed her to connect with women refugees but as the attendance of group meetings slowed down, the reality became clear: what the women truly needed were jobs. Utilizing the women’s skillset of hand embroidery, they collaborated to create the designs you’ll see on NEOCOCO’s products today. What started as a community building event evolved into NEOCOCO, a company that has expanded to employ eight women and exists as one of the few slow fashion businesses that gives women economic opportunity and freedom while being profitable themselves. You’ll learn: How to lead an impact-first business What constitutes a slow fashion company Why collaboration is one of the biggest ways to grow How economic empowerment can completely change a woman’s life and her confidence Why it’s important for small brands to build impact into their models at the start What it would take for big fashion brands to switch gears and expand their impact And why conversations of growth should be rooted in circulatory and sustainable practices With impact and economic empowerment at the forefront, Amrita & NEOCOCO are taking the fashion industry by storm. Connect with & support NEOCOCO Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here:
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