Building Better Dating Through Human Connection | Brittnee Barnes | CEO & Co-Founder of Vybes

What if the biggest problem with modern dating isn't finding people—it's finding genuine connection? Brittnee Barnes, CEO and Co-Founder of Vybes, joins Kara Duffy to discuss why today's dating apps leave so many people feeling exhausted and disconnected, and how she's building a platform that prioritizes chemistry, authenticity, and real human interaction over endless swiping. They explore Brittnee's leap from a successful career in consumer brands into tech entrepreneurship, why trusting your intuition is one of the greatest leadership skills you can develop, and how building a company has transformed the way she approaches dating, success, and fulfillment. The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. WEBSITE: https://vybes.co INSTA: @brittnee.barnes 00:00 Introduction to Brittnee Barnes & Vybes 01:00 Leaving Brand Building to Reinvent Dating 04:00 Why Modern Dating Apps Create Burnout 05:50 The Vibe Check Feature & Faster Chemistry 09:15 Building a Startup Without a Technical Background 12:00 Why Vybes Isn't Just for Gen Z 14:00 Curating a Better Dating Community 17:00 The Membership & Approval Process 19:00 How Building Vybes Changed Brittnee's Dating Life 20:30 Entrepreneurship, Fulfillment & Founder Reality 24:00 Trusting Your Intuition as a Founder 27:00 Advice to Her Younger Self 29:00 What Powerful Ladies Means to Brittnee 31:00 Daily Rituals & Avoiding Burnout 32:30 Growing Vybes & What's Next 35:00 Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices