Doubles Partners to Business Partners: Meet The Columbia Duo Behind LaunchBreak's Success

Welcome back to our interview series! In this episode of the Mixed Doubles Podcast, hosts Maggie Robinson and Josh Smythe Macaulay sat down with Teresa Saputo-Crerend and Philippa Portnoy, the founders of LaunchBreak, an innovative networking platform for women athletes. Teresa and Philippa, former doubles partners and Columbia University alumni, discuss transitioning from corporate careers to launching their platform. They share insights on the impact of their athletic background on their professional success, the importance of mentorship, and the drive to support female athletes. The conversation covers their collegiate experiences, the significance of community, and practical advice for young women pursuing careers. The episode offers a deep dive into the vision behind LaunchBreak and its growing community. 00:31 Meet the Guests: Teresa and Philippa 01:26 Columbia University and Tennis Background 03:44 Corporate Careers and LaunchBreak 07:06 The Birth of LaunchBreak 12:13 Columbia University Experience 18:41 Running a Business Together 23:41 Advice for Young Athletes and Professionals 26:22 Conclusion and Shoutouts Connect with LaunchBreak on LinkedIn: Teresa Saputo-Crerend & Philippa Portnoy LaunchBreak website: https://launchbreak.com/ Columbia & Barnard Background: Teresa Saputo-Crerend Chair of the Columbia Alumni Association's Mentoring and Networking Committee Member of Columbia Alumni Association Board &Columbia University Women's Alumnae Engagement Group Key leader for the first-ever three-day Women’s Conference across eighteen Columbia University schools. Keynote speakers featured Ruth Bader Ginsburg Served on the Board of the Columbia College Alumni Association, the Dean’s Alumni Task Force, the Board of Columbia College Women, and the CAA’s Strategic Planning Committee Served as CoChair of She Opened the Door, the first-ever Columbia University Women’s Conference Member of the Columbia Alumnae Legacy Circle, the Women's Leadership Council, and the Columbia College Board of Visitors Recipient of Columbia Alumni Association Medal for Distinguished Service Philippa Portnoy Founding member of Barnard’s Athena Center for Leadership Studies On the board of Barnard College Board of Trustees & Columbia University Board of Directors Co-founder of Columbia’s Women’s Leadership Council for Athletics Member of the University Alumnae Engagement Committee and Strategic Planning Committee Member of Columbia Alumni Association (CAA) Board and Women Creating Change Leadership Council Serves on Columbia University Club of NY Board, and co-chair of CAA Arts Access Named one of the 50 most influential female athletes in Columbia’s 50th Anniversary of Title IX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices