Heart + Head Work

In this episode of Heart + Head Work, Rocky and Tessa sit down for a deeply personal and honest conversation about abortion, motherhood, and the complexity of choice.What begins as a reflection on a recent guest conversation opens into something much more intimate—Tessa shares her own experience with pregnancy loss and abortion, and the emotional, physical, and psychological realities that followed.Together, they explore what it means to make decisions in moments of uncertainty, the weight of grief, and the anger that can arise when choice is taken away. This conversation moves between the deeply personal and the collective, touching on systems, language, and the importance of compassion in moments that are anything but simple.At its core, this episode is about autonomy, healing, and the right to navigate our own lives and bodies with dignity.Together, we explore:- The lived experience of abortion and pregnancy loss- Grief, anger, and the emotional aftermath of difficult decisions- What it means to make a choice in moments of uncertainty- The impact of language and systems on personal experience- Why autonomy matters in both motherhood and identity- How we hold space for ourselves and others through complex experiencesResources mentioned in this episode:https://utabortionfund.orgDisclaimer:This conversation reflects personal experiences and perspectives. Topics discussed may be sensitive for some listeners. We encourage you to take care of yourself while listening and to seek support if needed.Connect with us!💬 Join the conversation in our private network on BFF https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131📲 Follow us on Instagraminstagram.com/maven.community✨ And if this episode moved you, sharing it with a friend helps more women find us.More at → mavenslc.com

In this episode of Heart + Head Work, we sit down with Ali, a journalist and community voice deeply embedded in the flow of information, culture, and change.Together, we explore what it means to stay engaged in a world that feels overwhelming—how to care deeply without burning out, and how to move from reactive outrage into something more grounded, sustained, and meaningful.Ali offers a powerful reframe: the difference between anger and outrage—and why one may be essential for long-term change, while the other keeps us stuck in cycles of reaction.This conversation moves from the personal to the collective, touching on media, responsibility, and the deeper systems shaping our lives. At the center of it all is a question many of us are quietly holding:How do we stay in the work—without losing ourselves?Together, we unpack:- The difference between anger and outrage—and why it matters- How outrage cycles can exhaust and distract us- What it means to cultivate sustainable emotional engagement- The idea that our “social contract” may be breaking down- Media consumption, information overload, and staying informed without burnout- Finding your role in the midst of complex societal issues- Why long-term change requires steadiness, not spikes- How community care and small actions still matterResources mentioned in this episodeUtah Abortion FundA community-based organization providing financial support and access to abortion care in Utah.Hotline + support access:https://utabortionfund.org/You can also support their work through monthly or one-time donations, helping ensure continued access to care for those who need it.Find Ali Vallarta at https://saltlake.citycast.fm/Connect with us!💬 Join the conversation in our private network on BFF https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131📲 Follow us on Instagraminstagram.com/maven.community✨ And if this episode moved you, sharing it with a friend helps more women find us.More at → mavenslc.com

In this episode of Heart + Head Work, we sit down with Blake Spalding and Jen Castle, executive chefs and founders of the iconic Hell’s Backbone Grill in Boulder, Utah.For more than 25 years, Blake and Jen have built far more than a restaurant—they’ve built a community rooted in hospitality, advocacy, and a deep commitment to the land and people around them. Their work has become a powerful example of how business can be used as a platform for values, courage, and collective care.What began as a shared love of food and partnership grew into a restaurant that feeds both the body and the spirit. Along the way, Blake and Jen have used their voices to advocate for environmental protection, community well-being, and the idea that success isn’t measured by profit alone.In this conversation, they share stories of building a values-driven business, navigating activism as business owners, and redefining what it means to lead with integrity in a complicated world.Together, we unpack:- The story behind Hell’s Backbone Grill and how Blake and Jen built their partnership- Using business as a platform for advocacy and environmental protection- The courage it takes to use your voice—even when it’s uncomfortable- Navigating criticism, community pressure, and standing by your values- How food and hospitality can become a space for connection and healing- Redefining success beyond money, status, or traditional metrics- Why small businesses can be powerful centers of culture and changeThis episode is thoughtful, bold, and deeply human—an exploration of what happens when people choose to lead with integrity, speak up for what matters, and build something that nourishes far beyond the plate.Where to find Hell’s Backbone Grill:Hell’s Backbone Grillhttps://www.hellsbackbonegrill.comFollow Blake & JenInstagram: @hellsbackbonegrillDisclaimerThis conversation reflects personal experiences and perspectives. Every business, community, and leadership journey is unique. We encourage listeners to reflect on what resonates and explore their own path toward meaningful work and impact.Connect with us!Continue the conversation with us inside the Maven Network, our private space on BFF:https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131Follow us on Instagram@mavenslcMore at → https://www.mavenslc.comConnect with us!💬 Join the conversation in our private network on BFF https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131📲 Follow us on Instagraminstagram.com/maven.community✨ And if this episode moved you, sharing it with a friend helps more women find us.More at → mavenslc.com

In this episode of Heart + Head Work, we explore what it means to advocate — not just in big public moments, but in the quieter, everyday ways we use our voice to influence change.Rocky Donati and Tessa Arneson sit down with business leader and advocate Natalie Caddis and communications strategist Jenna Smith for a conversation about leadership, storytelling, and the surprising ways small moments of courage can ripple outward.Through personal stories and lived experience, Natalie shares what it was like to step into leadership of her family’s manufacturing company during a time of uncertainty — navigating real financial pressure while learning how resilience, creativity, and persistence can reshape what’s possible. Jenna brings a communications lens to the conversation, offering insight into how stories, relationships, and follow-up can open unexpected doors — even leading to moments that feel almost impossible.Together, this episode explores the ways advocacy shows up in business, leadership, and daily life. From navigating crises to pitching ideas, connecting with media, and building relationships that matter, the conversation reveals how influence is often built through consistency, curiosity, and the willingness to keep showing up.Rather than presenting advocacy as something reserved for activists or public figures, this episode reframes it as a practice — something we can all cultivate in our work, communities, and relationships.Together, we unpack:- What advocacy really looks like in everyday leadership- How storytelling can shape influence and open unexpected opportunities- The role of persistence and follow-up in building meaningful connections- Why relationships often matter more than credentials or authority- How moments of pressure can reveal the leaders we’re becoming- The small actions that can create surprising ripple effectsThis episode is an invitation to reflect on the ways your own voice — and your willingness to use it — might shape the conversations, opportunities, and communities around you.Connect with usContinue the conversation with us inside the Maven Network, our private space on BFFFollow us on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/mavenslcMore at → https://www.mavenslc.com✨ And if this episode moved you, sharing it with a friend helps more women find us.Connect with us!💬 Join the conversation in our private network on BFF https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131📲 Follow us on Instagraminstagram.com/maven.community✨ And if this episode moved you, sharing it with a friend helps more women find us.More at → mavenslc.com

In this episode of Heart + Head Work, we explore what it means to listen — really listen — to the quiet intelligence within.Rocky Donati and Tessa Stuckey sit down with Jennifer Mulholland for a deeply embodied conversation about soul knowing, presence, and the moments in life when we’re called to leap before we have all the answers. Through story, reflection, and lived experience, Jennifer shares how learning to trust the body’s wisdom has shaped her path — from athletics and corporate leadership to healing work, entrepreneurship, and guiding others back to themselves.This conversation weaves together themes of integrity, intuition, and the courage it takes to slow down in a world that rewards speed and strategy. Jennifer opens up about listening through the body, navigating major life transitions, and learning to distinguish between the voice of fear and the quiet clarity of soul speak.Rather than offering formulas or fixes, this episode is an invitation — to soften, to notice, and to experiment with presence in small, accessible ways.Together, we unpack:- What it means to listen to the body as an inner compass- The difference between strategy-driven decisions and soul-led ones- How slowing down creates access to clarity, healing, and alignment- Why sensation, expansion, and contraction can be powerful guides- The role of space, silence, and attention in meaningful change- How trusting the next step — without knowing the whole path — can transform a lifeThis episode is an invitation to remember your wholeness and reconnect with the wisdom that’s already within you.Resources Mentioned:Jennifer MulhollandEmbodiment guide, speaker, and coachWebsite: https://jennifermulholland.com/Disclaimer:This conversation reflects personal experience and perspective, not medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. Everyone’s body, nervous system, and healing journey is unique. We encourage you to consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your physical or emotional health.Connect with us!💬 Join the conversation in our private network on BFF https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131📲 Follow us on Instagraminstagram.com/maven.community✨ And if this episode moved you, sharing it with a friend helps more women find us.More at → mavenslc.com

In this episode of Heart + Head Work, we explore the moment you realize something in your life isn’t aligned — and you can no longer pretend it is.Rocky Donati and Tessa Arneson share a candid, behind-the-scenes look at a season when momentum, opportunity, and growth began to pull them away from alignment. What looked exciting and expansive at first slowly became heavy, complicated, and unsustainable — not because the idea was wrong, but because it wasn’t right for them.Through the story of launching a boutique hotel alongside building Maven, Rocky opens up about the emotional and relational cost of saying yes to something that didn’t fit, the tension of recognizing it in real time, and the courage it took to finally admit the truth.This conversation moves through overwhelm, avoidance, grief, partnership, and ultimately relief — a return to integrity that reshaped how they make decisions today.Rather than offering productivity formulas or growth hacks, this episode asks a deeper question:How do you know when something is truly aligned?Together, we unpack:- The subtle ways misalignment can hide inside “good opportunities”- What happens to the body and relationships when we override inner knowing- Why external success doesn’t equal internal clarity- How honest conversations can restore connection and direction- The difference between what works and what’s right- A simple framework Rocky used to recognize where her energy truly belongedThis episode is an invitation to listen more carefully to yourself, even when the answer requires a hard change.DisclaimerThis conversation reflects personal experience and perspective, not financial, legal, or therapeutic advice. Every business, partnership, and life circumstance is unique. We encourage you to consult appropriate professionals before making major decisions.Connect with us!💬 Join the conversation in our private network on BFF https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131📲 Follow us on Instagraminstagram.com/maven.community✨ And if this episode moved you, sharing it with a friend helps more women find us.More at → mavenslc.com

In this episode of Heart + Head Work, we explore sex, fantasy, and desire through the lens of presence, safety, and self-trust.Rocky Donati and Tessa Arneson are joined by Dr. Stormy Hill, a mental health occupational therapist and intimacy coach, and Courtney Stookey, founder of Lovebound Library—Utah’s first romance-only bookstore—for an honest, playful, and deeply grounding conversation about what desire is really trying to tell us.Together, they explore why sex is one of the most talked about—and most repressed—topics in our culture, how shame and performance disconnect us from our bodies, and what becomes possible when curiosity replaces judgment. From romance novels and fantasy as tools for exploration, to nervous system safety and sexual sovereignty, this episode invites listeners to slow down and listen inward.Rather than offering answers or prescriptions, this conversation centers presence: learning to notice what’s alive in the body, what feels safe, and what we’re genuinely drawn toward—without pressure to act or perform.Together, we unpack:- Why sex is culturally obsessed over and simultaneously suppressed- What it means to ask, “What actually turns me on?” for the first time- How fantasy and romance can offer information—not instruction- The role of safety, the nervous system, and the body in desire- Reclaiming sexuality as something personal, not performative- Why curiosity and imagination can be powerful tools for self-connectionThis episode is thoughtful, warm, and unexpectedly fun—an invitation to approach desire with more honesty, softness, and trust.Resources Mentioned:Dr. Stormy HillIntimacy Coach & Mental Health Occupational Therapisthttps://lovedeeplab.com/ Courtney Stookey Owner of Lovebound LibraryUtah’s first romance-only bookstorehttps://www.loveboundlibrary.comRocky and Tessa's book picks from Lovebound Library:Heather's Pick: A Novel Love Story by Ashley PostonRocky's Pick: Black Rose and Blood Orange by Karina HalleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/loveboundlibraryDisclaimer:This conversation reflects personal experience and perspective, not medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. Everyone’s body, nervous system, and healing journey is different. We encourage you to consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your physical or emotional health.Connect with us!💬 Join the conversation in our private network on BFF https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131📲 Follow us on Instagraminstagram.com/maven.community✨ And if this episode moved you, sharing it with a friend helps more women find us.More at → mavenslc.com

In this episode of Heart + Head Work, we explore what happens when everything goes quiet.Rocky Donati shares her experience attending a 10-day Vipassana silent retreat—a meditation practice centered on awareness, equanimity, and learning to see reality exactly as it is. With no phone, no speaking, no reading, and more than 11 hours of meditation per day, the retreat created an environment designed to strip away distraction and invite a direct encounter with the self.What unfolded wasn’t bliss—it was pain. Intense, sustained physical pain that became the gateway to something far more transformative: a deep reconnection to the body, an understanding of sensation versus reaction, and the realization that presence isn’t about feeling good—it’s about being fully with what is.Rocky opens up about what it means to sit with discomfort instead of trying to escape it, how chronic pain and dissociation can disconnect us from ourselves, and why learning to observe without reacting can change how we move through every part of life.Together, we unpackWhat a 10-day Vipassana silent retreat actually looks like (schedule, structure, and expectations)Why Rocky experienced intense physical pain while others did notThe difference between sensation, reaction, and equanimityHow chronic pain, dissociation, and healing are deeply connectedWhat it means to witness yourself without trying to fix or change anythingWhy presence creates now benefits—not just future onesHow this practice continues beyond meditation and into daily lifeThis episode is honest, embodied, and deeply human—an invitation to explore presence in whatever way meets you where you are.Resources MentionedVipassana Meditation (as taught by S.N. Goenka): https://www.dhamma.orghttps://www.pasava.dhamma.org/DisclaimerThis conversation reflects personal experience and perspective, not medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. Everyone’s body, nervous system, and healing journey is different. We encourage you to consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your physical or emotional health.Connect with us!💬 Join the conversation in our private network on BFF https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131📲 Follow us on Instagraminstagram.com/maven.community✨ And if this episode moved you, sharing it with a friend helps more women find us.More at → mavenslc.com

In this episode of Heart + Head Work, we sit down with Sarah Duke and Britney Beardmore—the powerhouse sister-in-law duo behind Acrely Farms, a Bloom to Bottle Hemp farm redefining what it means to build a mission-driven business from the ground up.With backgrounds in agriculture and medical research, Sarah and Brit left corporate careers to create a farm rooted in humane, sustainable practices—and have since self-funded their hemp and botanical skincare line to over $2 million in lifetime sales.They open up about the unfiltered realities of entrepreneurship: what it’s like to borrow from a spouse, live on savings, and keep believing when the numbers don’t make sense. From money mindset shifts to redefining success, this conversation is real, funny, and surprisingly healing.Together, we unpackHow Acrely grew from one acre to a $2M self-funded brandThe emotional dynamics of borrowing from a spouseWhy “success” isn’t profit—it’s partnership, perseverance, and purposeHow identity and self-worth can’t be tied to revenuePractical tools for managing cash flow and creative funding (yes, even 0% APR credit cards)This episode is honest, reflective, and deeply human—an inside look at what it really takes to bet on yourself, stay in partnership, and keep building when the easy road isn’t an option.Resources MentionedGoldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program: 10ksbapply.comMBC Program (University of Utah) — Masters of Business CreationWhere to find Acrely:Acrely Farms: acrelyfarms.comFollow: @acrelyfarmsDisclaimer: This conversation reflects personal experiences and perspectives, not financial advice. Every business is unique, and financial decisions carry risk. We strongly encourage you to consult a qualified financial advisor, accountant, or legal professional before making decisions about funding, debt, or investment for your business.Connect with us!💬 Join the conversation in our private network on BFF https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131📲 Follow us on Instagraminstagram.com/maven.community✨ And if this episode moved you, sharing it with a friend helps more women find us.More at → mavenslc.com

In this episode of Heart + Head Work, we sit down with Rae Wright—Fortune 100 executive turned mentor and advisor—whose passion lies in guiding leaders back to themselves. With decades of experience leading major organizations through transformation, Rae now supports entrepreneurs and professionals in living and leading from deep alignment.From spreadsheets and structure to intuition and trust, Rae shares her journey of shifting from chasing goals to honoring alignment—and how a strong sense of self is an entrepreneur’s greatest asset.Together, we unpack:The trap of comparison and how it blocks creativityWhy alignment is more sustainable than achievementThe power of self-permission and inner authorityHow reframing challenges as invitations leads to growthWhat it means to lead and live in authentic alignmentThis episode is soul-centered, expansive, and deeply grounding—an invitation to return to yourself and lead with clarity.Resources MentionedRae’s podcast: The Observatory Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-observatory-discovery-of-consciousness-awareness/id1644040572Rae’s retreat company: You Are the Medicine Retreats https://www.instagram.com/youarethemedicineretreat/Follow Rae on Instagram: @larae_wrightVipassana Meditation Retreat — dhamma.orgGoldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program — 10ksbapply.comConnect with us!💬 Join the conversation in our private network on BFF https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131📲 Follow us on Instagraminstagram.com/maven.community✨ And if this episode moved you, sharing it with a friend helps more women find us.More at → mavenslc.com

We’re told self care is selfish—but what if it’s actually the foundation for showing up fully in your business, your relationships, and your life? In this episode, Tessa and Rocky explore how taking care of yourself creates the capacity to care for everyone around you.In this conversation, they unpack:Why guilt often keeps women from putting themselves firstThe “oxygen mask” and “cup” analogies that reframe self care as essentialHow to use non-negotiables and even a “no-do list” to protect your energyThe ripple effect of small daily rituals on leadership, creativity, and resiliencePractical self care practices—from morning routines to sensory anchors—that fuel sustainable growth📚 Resources Mentioned:The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin (Five Senses of Happiness)The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks (Einstein Time)Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy (do the hardest thing first)The Enneagram (esp. insights from Enneagram 5)Phrases: “No is a full sentence” + the “Tickets” energy analogyIf you’ve ever struggled to slow down, or felt guilty for putting yourself first, this episode is your reminder: self care ≠ selfish.Connect with us!💬 Join the conversation in our private network on BFF https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131📲 Follow us on Instagraminstagram.com/maven.community✨ And if this episode moved you, sharing it with a friend helps more women find us.More at → mavenslc.com

In Part 1, we shared the messy, behind-the-scenes story of how Maven defined its core values. Now in Part 2, we explore what happens next—how those values come to life inside a team and shape the culture we’re building every day.In this conversation, Tessa, Rocky, and Jen unpack:How to weave values into hiring, leadership, and daily workThe difference between supporting people and enabling themWhy culture isn’t declared—it’s practiced, reinforced, and livedThe rituals that keep values at the center of collective strengthPractical takeaways for building a values-led business from the inside outIf you’ve ever wondered how to move from naming your values to actually living them, this episode offers a real, unpolished look at what it takes.👉 Download the free PDF with our 5 key takeawaysConnect with us!💬 Join the conversation in our private network on BFF https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131📲 Follow us on Instagraminstagram.com/maven.community✨ And if this episode moved you, sharing it with a friend helps more women find us.More at → mavenslc.com

You can’t build a values-led business without naming your values first.In this episode, we sit down with our heart-forward operations Chief Experience Officer, Jen, to unpack how Maven’s core values—love and curiosity—were defined, debated, and eventually embraced as the compass guiding our team, community, and culture.We talk about:— Why defining values required radical candor (and a few tears in a cabin)— How our values shape how we lead, hire, and show up— What “love” and “curiosity” really mean to each of us—and why they were hard to claim— The difference between performing values and living themThis isn’t a how-to. It’s a look behind the curtain at how one messy, meaningful conversation helped bring clarity, cohesion, and momentum to our growing team. If you’ve ever struggled to articulate what matters most to you—or if you’ve avoided the word “love” in business—this one’s for you.💬 Join the conversation in our private network on BFF 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @maven.community✨ If this episode moved you, a 5-star rating helps more women find us.Next up: Part 2—how we bring these values to life through culture and daily decisions.Connect with us!💬 Join the conversation in our private network on BFF https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131📲 Follow us on Instagraminstagram.com/maven.community✨ And if this episode moved you, sharing it with a friend helps more women find us.More at → mavenslc.com

What does it really mean to be resilient in business—not just as a catchphrase, but as a daily practice?In this episode, Tessa and Rocky get honest about what resilience looks like behind the scenes. From personal stories of failure and fear to the small rituals that keep them grounded, they unpack how they've built tenacity in life and leadership. Whether you’re facing burnout, decision fatigue, or just trying to keep going—this one’s for you.💡 Key Takeaways1. Resilience isn’t a destination—it’s a lifelong practice.2. Growth is active, ongoing, and often uncomfortable.3. You build resilience by practicing small, daily tools like RAIN, journaling, reframing, and Byron Katie’s 4 questions.4. Make space to feel your emotions without letting them drive your actions.5. Go small, go steady—over time, you’ll grow stronger and more grounded.✨ Grab our free Resilience Toolkit for 5 simple tools you can start using today → https://stan.store/mavencommunity/p/resilience-toolkitToday’s discomfort is tomorrow’s growth story. Stay present, and keep going.🔖 Resources & References"The Hard Thing About Hard Things" by Ben Horowitz → https://a.co/d/iMejGfr"Radical Acceptance" & the RAIN Meditation by Tara Brach → https://a.co/d/iZJC5xD"Let Them" by Mel Robbins → https://a.co/d/6Tq6ZH8Letters From Love Substack by Elizabeth Gilbert → https://elizabethgilbert.substack.com/"The Work" by Byron Katie → https://a.co/d/9GZXA5A💬 Join the ConversationHow do you build resilience in your life and business? Drop your story in our Geneva community and connect with other women entrepreneurs doing the hard things too.https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131Connect with us!💬 Join the conversation in our private network on BFF https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131📲 Follow us on Instagraminstagram.com/maven.community✨ And if this episode moved you, sharing it with a friend helps more women find us.More at → mavenslc.com

What does resilience look like before you have the tools?In this first part of our two-part conversation, Rocky and Tessa open up about the personal and professional moments that tested them most—before they had a framework for building resilience. From early challenges in business to deeply personal turning points, they share the real, unfiltered stories that shaped who they are today.If you’ve ever felt like you were figuring it out as you went—or wondered how to keep going when things get messy—this episode will feel like a conversation with friends who’ve been there.💡 Key TakeawaysResilience is often built in the middle of the mess, not after it’s over.Vulnerability can be a bridge to stronger relationships and opportunities.Sometimes the most defining lessons come from your hardest seasons.You don’t have to have it all figured out to keep moving forward.Sharing your story can be a tool for healing—for you and others.✨ Here’s your sneak peek for the next episode: In Part 2, we’ll share the exact tools and daily practices you can use to build resilience in business and life. In the meantime, grab our free Resilience Toolkit so you can start practicing today: https://stan.store/mavencommunity/p/resilience-toolkit 💬 Join the Conversation What’s one hard moment that shaped your resilience? Drop your story in our Geneva community and connect with other women entrepreneurs doing the hard things too. https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131Connect with us!💬 Join the conversation in our private network on BFF https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131📲 Follow us on Instagraminstagram.com/maven.community✨ And if this episode moved you, sharing it with a friend helps more women find us.More at → mavenslc.com

What does it really mean to ask for help, learn from others, and pay it forward as women in business?In this episode, Tessa and Rocky dive deep into mentorship—how it’s shaped them, the fears that hold us back from asking for support, and the importance of building networks that nurture real growth. From finding the right people to embracing imperfection and giving back, they share candid stories and practical insights on creating a culture of collaboration over competition.If you’re a woman entrepreneur looking to lead with both heart and strategy, this episode is your invitation to lean in, ask boldly, and grow together.💡 Key Takeaways:- Mentorship accelerates learning and confidence- Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness- Great mentors ask questions, not just give answers- Pay it forward by supporting those coming up behind you🔖 Resources & References:📚 The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer📚 Radical Candor by Kim Scott💬 Join the Conversation:Who’s mentored you? Who are you mentoring? Share your story in our Geneva community and connect with other women entrepreneurs.Connect with us!💬 Join the conversation in our private network on BFF https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131📲 Follow us on Instagraminstagram.com/maven.community✨ And if this episode moved you, sharing it with a friend helps more women find us.More at → mavenslc.com

What does it really take to build habits that support your business, your team, and your well-being—not just your to-do list?In this episode, Tessa and Rocky are joined by Maven’s COO, Jen Ungvichian, to dive into the art (and challenge) of habit-building for women entrepreneurs. They share candid stories about what motivates their habits, how they stay accountable, and why failure isn’t the end—it’s part of the process. From managing overwhelm to creating team-wide rituals, this conversation is your roadmap to turning your priorities into sustainable practices.If you’re a woman building something real and want habits that actually serve your life and leadership, this one’s for you.💡 Key Takeaways:Define what truly matters and turn it into habitsFind accountability methods that work for you and your teamBreak big goals into bite-sized stepsEmbrace failure as part of the habit-building journeyBuild a culture of consistency in your business💬 Join the Conversation: What habits are you working on right now? Drop into our community on Geneva and share your journey.Connect with us!💬 Join the conversation in our private network on BFF https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131📲 Follow us on Instagraminstagram.com/maven.community✨ And if this episode moved you, sharing it with a friend helps more women find us.More at → mavenslc.com

What does it really take to design a brand that doesn’t just look good—but feels like you and connects with your community?In this episode, Tessa and Rocky reflect on how Maven’s brand came to life—organically, imperfectly, and through plenty of trial and error. From creating mood boards with gut instincts to learning the difference between a logo and a real identity, they share what it looked like to build something that felt true before it looked polished.If you’re a woman entrepreneur navigating the branding process—especially without a big budget or clear blueprint—this episode offers reassurance, real talk, and a reminder that your brand starts with what you believe, not just what you build.💡 Key Takeaways:Click the link for our FREE Guide: Design a Brand That Builds Real Connection https://stan.store/mavencommunity/p/design-a-brand-that-builds-real-connection🔖 Resources & References:📚 Start With Why by Simon Sinek 📚 Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller💬 Join the Conversation:What story does your brand tell? Drop into our community on Geneva and share your visual identity journey.Connect with us!💬 Join the conversation in our private network on BFF https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131📲 Follow us on Instagraminstagram.com/maven.community✨ And if this episode moved you, sharing it with a friend helps more women find us.More at → mavenslc.com

What does it really take to move from burnout to breakthrough—and lead with clear, confident strategy?In this episode, Tessa and Rocky explore the role of “scope” in entrepreneurship: the ability to zoom out, define your vision, and lead with both clarity and intention. Rocky shares how discovering her head-work superpower helped her move beyond survival mode, set boundaries, and scale impact without losing herself. This is a conversation about moving from overwhelm to ownership, and why scope might just be the skill you didn’t know you needed.If you’re building something real and feeling stretched thin, this episode is your invitation to step back, reframe, and lead smarter.💡 Key Takeaways:Scope helps you move from burnout to strategyBoundaries and clarity are leadership essentialsYour strengths are the blueprint for how you buildVision means nothing without focus🔖 Resources & References:📚 Essentialism by Greg McKeown 📚 The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks💬 Join the Conversation:Where in your business do you need more clarity and scope? Share your thoughts with us in the Maven Community on Geneva.Connect with us!💬 Join the conversation in our private network on BFF https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131📲 Follow us on Instagraminstagram.com/maven.community✨ And if this episode moved you, sharing it with a friend helps more women find us.More at → mavenslc.com

What does it really mean to lead with your whole self—even the messy, vulnerable parts you’re used to hiding?In this episode, Tessa and Rocky dig deep into the power of vulnerability, tracing Tessa’s personal journey from early trauma to courageous leadership. They explore how being real—not just polished—can create stronger connections, more impactful businesses, and a life that actually feels aligned. From emotional breakthroughs to quiet inner work, this episode is a love letter to anyone trying to lead with both strength and softness.If you’ve ever felt like you had to choose between being professional and being human, this conversation will remind you that your truth is your superpower.💡 Key Takeaways:Vulnerability invites connection and builds trustYou don’t need to share everything to be real—just the right things at the right timeSafe spaces in business start with self-awarenessYour story can be your most powerful asset in leadership🔖 Resources & References:📚 The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown 📚 The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk💬 Join the Conversation:How does vulnerability show up in your leadership? Drop into our community on Geneva and share your journey.Connect with us!💬 Join the conversation in our private network on BFF https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131📲 Follow us on Instagraminstagram.com/maven.community✨ And if this episode moved you, sharing it with a friend helps more women find us.More at → mavenslc.com

What does it really take to turn a dream into a movement—when you’re unsure, unqualified, and still figuring it out?In this episode, we’re sharing the untold origin story of Maven: from a spontaneous hallway moment to building the largest community of women-owned small businesses in the world. You’ll hear about the fear, the flailing, the boldness—and how it all started with a gut feeling and a whole lot of heart.If you’re sitting on a big idea and waiting to feel “ready,” this is your permission to begin anyway.💡 Key Takeaways:– The scrappy, emotional, and hilarious beginnings of Maven – Why community and courage go hand in hand – How to move forward even when you're scared or unsureConnect with us!💬 Join the conversation in our private network on BFF https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131📲 Follow us on Instagraminstagram.com/maven.community✨ And if this episode moved you, sharing it with a friend helps more women find us.More at → mavenslc.com

Heart + Head Work dives into the balance of strategy and soul in business. Co-hosted by Tessa & Rocky, dynamic counterparts who discovered magic in their differences, this podcast explores what it takes to align passion with practicality, mission with method, and intuition with insight. Join us for candid conversations on success, failure, and purpose-driven work—designed to help you lead with heart, think with strategy, and build a business that truly aligns with you. Connect with us!💬 Join the conversation in our private network on BFF https://links.geneva.com/invite/af6ecd07-9070-43b7-9629-7aaa166aa131📲 Follow us on Instagraminstagram.com/maven.community✨ And if this episode moved you, sharing it with a friend helps more women find us.More at → mavenslc.com