Be S.H.E.

In this inspiring episode of the Be She Podcast, Heidi Schack sits down with Araceli Esparza…. author, speaker, and executive director of Midwest Mujeres. We talk about the power of storytelling, community, healing, and advocacy. As a first-generation Chicana leader and former single mom, Araceli shares how her own experiences and years working in community nonprofits led her to create spaces where Latina and Black women can feel seen, heard, and supported. From overcoming isolation in the Midwest to empowering women through entrepreneurship and storytelling, this conversation is full of heart, resilience, and purpose.Araceli Esparza is a first-generation Chicana leader, author, and the Executive Director of Midwest Mujeres, a Madison-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering Latina and Black women through storytelling, entrepreneurship, and community connection. What began as a grassroots effort to break the isolation of Latinas in the Midwest has grown into a transformative organization serving over 80 women annually.Founded through a vision of creating space for women to be seen, heard, and supported, Midwest Mujeres offers culturally grounded programming such as the Voices and Dreams Academy, Curandera Writing sessions, and the annual Yo Quiero Dinero storytelling event. These initiatives combine storytelling, financial wellness, and personal development to help women build confidence, launch businesses, and increase their earning potential. Program data shows that over 88% of participants report improved career or business outcomes, with many experiencing increased income and expanded professional opportunities.Under Araceli’s leadership, Midwest Mujeres has built a powerful ecosystem of coaches, community partners, and alumni, while operating with a lean, community-driven model. Her work is rooted in the belief that storytelling is a tool for liberation and economic mobility.As a speaker, coach, and published author of Healing from Racial Discrimination: ¿Ahora Qué?, Araceli continues to advocate for equity, visibility, and healing. Her mission is clear: if women can tell the story that sets them free, they can transform their lives—and their communities.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: https://www.araceliesparza.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MidwestMujeres Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com

Sheree' Behrndt’s story didn’t start with a business plan……it started with pain, resilience, and a calling she couldn’t ignore. From a life-altering accident as a teen to building a thriving pediatric therapy company, Cherie shares how her hardest seasons shaped her purpose. This episode dives into growth, grit, and the unexpected path to becoming the woman, and leader, she never saw coming.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: http://www.sensorysolutions.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/me Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Dr. Debbie Qaqish to explore what it really means to evolve, from building a career out of necessity to stepping fully into purpose.With over 35 years of experience transforming marketing into a true revenue driver, Debbie shares the pivotal moments that shaped her journey, both professionally and personally. From redefining the role of marketing in business to navigating a deeply personal mental health journey, this episode dives into the often unseen pressure leaders carry and the powerful tools that can help reframe it.If you’ve ever felt the weight of expectations, wrestled with purpose, or wondered how your story could become your strength, this conversation will meet you there and gently challenge you forward.Dr. Debbie Qaqish created the Revenue Marketing® movement in 2011 — years before the industry caught up — transforming marketing from a cost center into a measurable revenue driver. She is the author of Rise of the Revenue Marketer and From Backroom to Boardroom, and has spent more than 35 years helping B2B marketing organizations drive growth.Today, as founder and CEO of The Growth Factor, Debbie focuses on the next shift most leaders are missing: performance under pressure. She translates neuroscience and human performance science into practical leadership discipline so marketing leaders can think clearly and perform sustainably when the stakes are high. Debbie earned her Doctor of Business Administration in 2018 and is a Positive Psychology Practitioner.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: http://www.growthfactor.us LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/debbieqaqish Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com

What if your greatest heartbreak became the doorway to your most vibrant life?In this powerful episode of Be S.H.E. Podcast, Heidi sits down with Vickie Aigner…..72-year-old wellness expert, founder of Alive Fit & Free, and a woman whose story is equal parts resilience and transformation. After the devastating loss of her husband while raising six children, Vickie found herself forced to rebuild not just her life, but her identity.Through grief, healing, and deep inner work, she discovered something many women overlook: true wellness doesn’t start with what we do on the outside, it begins within.Together, Heidi and Vickie dive into:The hidden weight of unprocessed griefWhy “pushing through” can delay true healingThe connection between emotional health and physical vitalityAnd how women, especially in later seasons of life, can step into strength, purpose, and joy againThis conversation is an invitation to stop running, start healing, and say yes to your next vibrant chapter, no matter your age or story.Vickie Aigner is a 72-year-old fitness and wellness professional who has spent more than four decades helping women over 50 live their healthiest, happiest, and longest lives. She is the founder of Alive, Fit & Free and the creator of fun and effective brain-body fitness programs, including Energy Up for people living with dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and their caregivers. Through transformational wellness retreats and travel adventures, she guides women to build strength, protect their brains, and say “yes” to the next vibrant chapter of life.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: http://www.alivefitandfree.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alivefitandfree/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Alivefitandfree LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alive-fit-free/?viewAsMember=true Youtube: @alivefitfree6262Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com

Dr. Nelva Lee went from housing instability as a child to building a mission-driven company that is changing lives, and in this episode she is sharing every lesson in between. We talk purpose, courage, entrepreneurship, and what it really looks like to start before you feel ready. This one is going to stay with you.Dr. Nelva Lee is the Founder and CEO of Concrete Build Financing. Dr. Lee was also the CEO of a vocational school for 20 years, has over 20 years of experience in healthcare and over 10 years in academia as an adjunct professor for various Universities. Dr. Lee was a Governor Kemp appointed board member to the Department of Community Health. She is the Vice Chairman of the board of the Henry County Pregnancy Resource Center (Bridge Wellness South), a former Republican candidate for State Senate in District 17, and current candidate for Georgia Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Lee has authored several Christian-based books including: “Stay and Fight” and “Be the Super Hero of Your Story.”Dr. Lee volunteers at Relevant, her local church, and the Joy FM as a Prayer Partner. She was a Home-School Mom, and a Substitute Teacher for a Christian School. She has been married to her best friend Donnie for 25 years, and together they have 3 childrenTo connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: http://www.drnelvalee.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TBWGTR/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/votenelvalee Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com

What would your life look like if you actually believed in yourself? 🤍This week on the podcast, I sat down with Simone Knego and this conversation did not disappoint.Simone gets real about the lies she believed because of past relationships. She talks about pushing past fear and stepping so far outside her comfort zone that she literally climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. And she shares how all of it, every hard moment, became the foundation for her R.E.A.L. Method.This one is for every woman who has ever thought:"I'm not enough.""Who am I to do this?""What if I fail?"Because the story you've been believing about yourself?It's time to rewrite it. 🤍Simone Knego is an international speaker, award winning author, and confidence coach dedicated to empowering women to overcome self doubt and live purpose driven lives. As the bestselling author of The Extraordinary UnOrdinary You, Simone extends her mission through her globally ranked podcast, Her Unshakeable Confidence, offering inspiration and insights to a worldwide audience. Her transformative work, including the REAL Method, provides a straightforward framework for cultivating genuine self assurance. Featured on major networks like ABC, NBC, and CBS, and in publications such as Entrepreneur and Yahoo News, Simone also champions her "Kitchen Table Leadership" philosophy, which emphasizes that true leadership is performed through everyday choices. She is the heart of a vibrant household with her husband of 32 years, six children, and three dogs. Her upcoming book, REAL Confidence: A Simple Guide to Go From Unsure to Unshakeable, launches in February, offering women practical tools to foster authentic confidence.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: https://simoneknego.com FB- https://www.facebook.com/SpeakerSimoneKnego IG- https://www.instagram.com/simoneknego/ LI- https://www.linkedin.com/in/simoneknego https://www.youtube.com/@her_unshakeable_confidence https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/her-unshakeable-confidence-podcast/id1667058474 https://www.ted.com/talks/simone_knego_t_a_l_k_ing_to_kids_about_bias https://www.ted.com/talks/simone_knego_how_to_find_your_kilimanjaro https://realconfidencebook.com/ Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com

What if the very thing you're meant to do… is something you never planned for?That's the question I couldn't stop thinking about after this conversation.This week I sat down with Ruth Milligan…….a communications strategist, TEDx founder, and someone who has spent decades helping people find their voice and step into their message with confidence.But her story didn't start the way you'd expect.She didn't get into business school. She didn't have it all mapped out. But she showed up anyway, and what grew out of that? A 20+ year career helping others do the same thing she had to learn the hard way.Ruth Milligan helps people find their voice, tell their story, and have their message be heard. For over three decades, she has served as a communication strategist, coach and trainer. Founder and curator of one of the longest-running TEDx programs, TEDxColumbus, her career has included roles of speechwriter, national press secretary, and embedded consultant to billion-dollar contract pitches for Fortune 10 companies. Ruth received her BA in Speech Communication from Miami University. Prior to founding Articulation in 2010, which focuses exclusively on executive communication coaching and training, she ran a PR and marketing firm and worked in political and non-profit communications. She has a deep connection and commitment to her forever home, Columbus, where she has served on a variety of non-profit boards, and helped to launch the nation’s third women-founded bank in town, Fortuna. She keeps active ties to Miami, having just finished a term on the university’s foundation board. In her spare time, Ruth plays a healthy amount of Pickleball, enjoys working out, biking, and hiking with her husband Dave. They have two college-aged children and a dog, Bean. We talked about what it really takes to find your voice. We talked about overcoming that nagging fear of "Can I actually do this?" We talked about the power of surrounding yourself with the right people,  and why stepping out before you feel ready can change everything.This conversation is honest. It's encouraging. And it's full of the kind of perspective that makes you want to stop waiting and start moving.If you've been holding back or questioning your path,  I really believe this episode will speak to you. 🤍To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: http://www.articulationinc.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ruthmilligan Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com

What does it really mean to heal, and come home to yourself?In this episode, I sit down with Whitney Walker, a licensed marriage and family therapist, recovery coach, and spiritual guide who has dedicated her life to helping women heal and reconnect with who they truly are.Whitney shares how a lifelong curiosity about human emotions and relationships led her into therapy, and how her own personal journey eventually inspired her to create Women Waken, a movement built around healing, spirituality, and self-discovery for women.We go deep in this one.We talk about the return of the divine feminine, how trauma and family dynamics quietly shape our lives, and why it matters so much to create spaces where women feel truly seen and heard….not just listened to, but actually seen.This episode is an invitation. An invitation to move from fear to love, to let go of the patterns that are holding you back, and to step into the deep healing that comes when you finally accept yourself, all of yourself, without conditions.If you've ever felt like you lost yourself somewhere along the way, this conversation is for you.Whitney Walker is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in addiction, eating disorders, trauma, and Spirituality. She also works as a recovery coach and spiritual guide. Whitney incorporates spiritual concepts into her work including the return of the Divine Feminine to our world and moving from a place of Fear to Love; releasing self-destruction and rejection to embrace unconditional self love and acceptance. These ideas form the concept of Women Waken, her business and vision for the future. Whitney created The Women Waken Podcast; A Holistic Guide to Wellness and Abundant Self-Love along with an accompanying Youtube channel, please check it out! To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: http://www.womenwaken.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/womenwaken/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenWaken LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitney-walker-16b77794/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqyxriSmwfLueB3fn-FthWw Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com

In this episode, I sit down with Lori Barnes, a professional astrologer, licensed psychotherapist, and marketing strategist who has spent more than three decades exploring the intersection of human behavior, business, and astrology.Lori shares how a childhood dream of owning her own business eventually led her through multiple careers, and how she now blends them together in a truly unique way. From navigating career transitions and international moves to pursuing multiple degrees and reinventing herself along the way, Lori’s story is a powerful reminder that our paths don’t have to be linear.If you’ve ever felt a pull toward something different but weren’t sure how to follow it, this conversation will inspire you to embrace curiosity, keep learning, and trust the journey toward your purpose. ✨Lori Barnes is a professional astrologer, licensed psychotherapist (LMFT), and marketing strategist with over 35 years of experience across industries. Based between Illinois and Rome, Italy, she brings a unique global perspective to her work, blending modern and traditional astrology with psychology, marketing, and AstroMapping techniques such as AstroCartoGraphy and Local Space. Lori’s expertise helps individuals and entrepreneurs align timing, place, and strategy to achieve their goals. Her academic background includes a BA in Business, an MA in Psychology, an MA in Marketing, and a Diploma in Astrology. She serves as Marketing Director for Kepler College and the Organization for Professional Astrology (OPA), and teaches classes on marketing, psychology, astrology, and AstroCartoGraphy.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: https://www.loribarnesastrology.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loribarnesastrology LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loribarnesprofile/ Kepler College: [email protected] Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com

In this episode, we sit down with best-selling author, business strategist, and leadership consultant Roslyn Rice, whose newest book ‘What's Next’ just hit #1 Hot New Release on Amazon. She's a lead consultant with the Small Business Development Center at FIU and the Advocacy Director for NAWBO South Florida, and she's spent decades helping entrepreneurs and leaders figure out how to grow, change, and reinvent themselves.We get into her unexpected path into the business world, how consumer psychology shaped the way she works, and the very real strategies companies use to influence how we think, shop, and make decisions. We're talking store layouts, impulse buying, the way your brain works against your budget... and so much more.But this episode isn't just about buying behavior. It's about leadership, purpose, and what it looks like to keep evolving when you're not sure what's next. If you're an entrepreneur standing at a crossroads, or just someone ready for a change, this one's for you.Roslyn Rice is Co-Founder of DPI LLC, a high-impact consulting firm specializing in leadership training and business strategy. A bestselling author and sought after speaker she brings decades of experience guiding entrepreneurs and leaders through growth and reinvention. She is lead consultant with Small Business Development Center at FIU and Advocacy Director for NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners) South Florida. Her newest book release is a #1 Hot New Release on Amazon and it is titled, "What's Next".To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: http://dpi2.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/doubleportion Facebook: www.facebook.com/DPI2LLC Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoaching FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com

In this episode, we're sitting down with Lisa Zeiderman, a managing partner at Miller Zeiderman LLP, matrimonial attorney, and certified divorce financial analyst. But her story isn't what you'd expect.After going through her own divorce, Lisa made a huge life change. She went to law school at 42 and built a career helping women understand their finances, protect their futures, and stand up for themselves during some of the hardest moments of their lives.We're getting real about the money stuff many women aren't ready for, until life forces them to face it.We talk about prenups (yes, really). Financial honesty in marriage. Rebuilding after divorce. Raising kids who are smart with money. And why every woman needs to understand her finances…. whether she's single, married, or starting over.If you've ever felt lost when it comes to money, relationships, or bouncing back after a major change, this conversation will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and ready to take control.Lisa Zeiderman is Managing Partner at Miller Zeiderman LLP, based in New York. A matrimonial attorney, CFL and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, she regularly handles complex financial and custody divorce matters, as well as pre- and post-nuptial agreements for high-net-worth individuals. Named to the Crain’s New York list of Notable Woman Attorneys for 2021 and 2023, as well as a Crain’s New York Notable Diverse Lawyer for 2022 and a Hudson Valley Best Lawyer in 2022, 2023 and 2024, among many other awards, Lisa is a founding member of the American Academy of Certified Financial Litigators and a member of the panel for Attorneys for Children. In addition to authoring a well-read blog on Psychology Today, “Legal Matters: Understanding Mental Health Issues as They Apply to Divorce and Child Custody,” Ms. Zeiderman is regularly published in Financial Advisor Magazine, the New York Law Journal, and by the Forbes Business Council. She is also interviewed on issues ranging from financial empowerment to tax issues to child custody in a host of media and podcasts, and speaks on these issues as well.Ms. Zeiderman, a Fordham University of Law graduate, also serves as the President of the executive board of Savvy Ladies, Inc., is the President of the Justice Brandeis Society, and serves on the board of Family Legal Care (formerly known as LIFT, Legal Information for Families Today). Lisa is also a member of the Forbes Business Council and Chief.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: http://lisazeiderman.com LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/lisazeiderman Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com

Anne Marie Reidy, MD is the founder and owner of Women4Women OBGYN in Huntsville, Alabama.  Women4Women provides comprehensive OBGYN services, midwifery care, and aesthetic and wellness options (including a weight loss clinic and specialized menopause care by our certified menopause provider, Elizabeth Irby, CNP.) Prior to her career as an Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Dr. Reidy graduated cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center and then practiced law in Cleveland, Ohio for 10 years. She obtained her B.A., summa cum laude, in Classical Studies from Boston College.Dr. Reidy has been providing prenatal care, delivering babies, and practicing gynecology in Huntsville since 2004. She came to Huntsville after training at University Hospitals of Cleveland, Ohio and having graduated from Case Western Reserve School of Medicine. Upon founding Women4Women OBGYN in 2017, Dr. Reidy expanded the scope of the practice to include wellness and aesthetic services.  Dr. Reidy initiated these options after years of hearing patients’ requests that she do so, and she has discovered that delivering these services is an extremely satisfying addition to her busy practice. Another breakthrough Dr. Reidy initiated was the return of certified nurse midwives to Huntsville Hospital after an absence of nearly 30 years. Dr. Reidy feels strongly that the women of North Alabama deserve to have this option available to them in a safe hospital setting.Among her numerous civic and professional activities, Dr. Reidy is one of the founders of the International Women’s Forum-Alabama and its immediate past president. The International Women’s Forum-Alabama is part of an invitation-only global organization whose mission is to advance women’s leadership and champion equality worldwide. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Drake State Community and Technical College.  She served six years as a board member of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation and has also served on the boards of The Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville, and Girls, Inc. of North Alabama. She is a founding member of the Women’s Philanthropy Society of the Community Foundation and a former chair of the OBGYN Department at Huntsville Hospital. She has held multiple leadership positions for Huntsville Hospital.  Dr Reidy has been presented with several awards for her leadership, including being named one of the “50 Women Who Shape the State” of Alabama in 2022 and a recipient of the Vaccine Champion Award from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in 2021 for her work advancing the Covid vaccine during the pandemic. Only 6 practitioners nationwide received this award.Dr. Reidy is very committed to improving women’s health locally, nationally and internationally.  She has attended multiple international conferences on women’s leadership and on climate change over the years and is an outspoken advocate for improving maternal mortality in Alabama and the U.S.  Dr. Reidy is also involved in promoting racial equity through work with her husband, who is the director of a civil rights museum in Scottsboro, Alabama, The Scottsboro Boys Museum, and being founding members of the racial equity fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville, Alabama.For relaxation, Dr. Reidy enjoys spending time with family and friends, being “Nonna” to her 7 grandchildren, mahjong, crochet, yoga, reading, and traveling. To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: http://www.women4womenhsv.com Instagram: InstagramConnect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com

What if luxury haircare didn’t have to come with plastic, greenwashing, or exclusion?In today’s episode, we’re joined by Kate Assaraf, founder of DIP, a sustainably forward haircare brand redefining beauty with plastic-free shampoo and conditioner bars that actually perform.Kate shares her journey from years in the beauty industry to creating a product she couldn’t find anywhere else: salon-quality haircare that honors both people and the planet. We talk about her lifelong love of hair, the problem with “eco” products that forget performance, and how DIP is empowering women-owned refill stores across the country.From honest marketing to conscious consumerism, this conversation will change how you think about beauty, sustainability, and what innovation really looks like.Kate Assaraf is the founder of DIP, a sustainability-forward haircare company redefining beauty without plastic or pretense. After years in the beauty industry, Kate saw how marketing excluded real women and greenwashed the truth—so she created DIP to do things differently.DIP makes salon-quality shampoo and conditioner bars that are plastic-free, travel-ready, and built to last. But more than that, it’s a brand with a mission: empower small, women-owned refill stores across the country to thrive. Kate’s 7-figure business doesn’t rely on Amazon or big box retail—instead, she invests directly in Main Street. From funding store build-outs to launching exclusive local-only scents, Kate is proving that sustainable beauty can be good for people, the planet, and your profit margins.Named NJ Mompreneur of the Year, a Forbes Council Member, and Oprah’s 2025 #1 Pick for Curly Hair, Kate is a fierce advocate for small business, honest marketing, and conscious consumerism.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: http://www.dipalready.com Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dipalready Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com

In this episode, I talk with Lisa Peers, the founder of Peers & Players. She spent decades acting in Australia before completely shifting gears to build a global communications company. Now she works with major tech companies, law firms, and financial institutions, helping their leaders communicate better.Lisa's story is pretty cool. She wanted to be around more for her kids, so instead of stepping back from work entirely, she created something new. She took what she knew from acting….role play, reading emotions, connecting with people, and turned it into a business that teaches executives how to handle tough conversations and lead with confidence.Here's the thing: her approach isn't about making people "perform" or put on a show. It's about helping them show up as themselves, just clearer and stronger.We talk about leadership, empathy, starting a business while raising a family, and how sometimes your biggest career move comes from wanting to solve a personal problem.This one's great if you're leading a team, running your own thing, balancing work and family, or just interested in why some people communicate so much better than others.Lisa is a successful actor in Australia for decades, starring in numerous films, tv shows and plays, as well as producing and directing theatre, Lisa founded her global business, Peers and Players, in 1998. Now based in San Francisco, she works with top tech companies like Cisco and Splunk, law firms, financial institutions and more...She is also a mother of 2 accomplished and talented musicians (Jesse Redwing in Sydney and Rainee Blake in LA), and she started the business when they were young, as a way juggle her commitment to being present as a mother, while contributing financially to her young family.As a Senior Leader for Tony Robbins, she has attended and/or supported numerous events since 2014, being adept in many of Tony's coaching modalities. And she studied NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) while in India. Her approach combines her work as an actor, director, producer as well as her personal and professional experience in coaching and facilitation of communications skills programs globally.Her team of around 300 people provide experiential learning: focused on courageous conversations, powerful presentation skills and interactive peer support… They provide practical and lasting feedback and coaching which is tailored to acknowledge and improve people’s innate strengths and development needs.Their international reach means clients have consistent communication skills training across regions, with Actor/coaches based in more than 28 cities worldwide, bringing cultural diversity and a consistent and powerful approach to learning."Most staff training doesn't bring lasting change to how people communicate, so they feel disengaged. Our proven drama-based training helps people be confident when tackling challenging presentations and conversations; to be happier and more motivated." Lisa PeersTo connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: http://www.peersandplayers.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisapeers/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peersandplayers/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peersandplayers/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisapeers/ Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleaders

Ever feel like you've completely lost yourself? Like you're going through the motions but don't even recognize who you are anymore?That's exactly where my guest Jenny Hubbard found herself before everything changed.Jenny’s the founder of Realization Coaching and a certified NLP practitioner, but before all that, she went through some seriously rough stuff. We're talking profound loss, relationships that left her feeling totally alone, and moments where she had to completely rebuild her life from scratch.Here's the thing though, all those hard times? They taught her exactly what she needed to know to help other people transform their lives.In this episode, Jenny and I dig into:How she lost herself and what it took to find her way backThe difference between lonely relationships and the deeply fulfilling ones she eventually createdWhy your biggest breakdowns usually come right before your biggest breakthroughsThe real skills nobody teaches you about personal growth and healthy relationshipsThis conversation hit me hard because it's proof that even when life feels impossible, you can find joy, real connection, and actual purpose again.If you've ever felt stuck, lost, or like you're just surviving instead of actually living, this one's for you.Jenny Hubbard is the founder of Realization Coaching and a certified practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Jenny has been transforming lives and relationships for nearly 15 years through her personal and executive coaching, online courses, live events, and television appearances. She specializes in helping high achievers master the skills needed for deep intimacy and connection in both personal and business relationships.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: http://www.realizationcoaching.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-hubbard Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyhubbard_/ Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com

In this episode of the Be S.H.E. Podcast. Heidi sits down with the powerhouse herself, Maria Edelson, founder of Edelson.io and former transformational sales leader at Procter & Gamble.Maria's journey is anything but predictable. From a biology and chemistry major on her way to a PhD in genetics, to becoming the first woman hired in her P&G division, leading billion-dollar accounts, and shaping sales programs still used by 15,000+ executives worldwide, her story is one of bold pivots, unexpected opportunities, and undeniable leadership.Heidi and Maria dive into the surprising beginnings of her career, the qualities that opened doors she never expected, and the moments that shaped her into the global sales mentor she is today.This conversation is rich, inspiring, and full of wisdom for any woman navigating her own unexpected path.As an Executive with Procter & Gamble, an $80B worldwide leader in the consumer package goods industry, Maria was a transformational sales leader, change agent, pioneer in new business development, and capability development leader.She was responsible for major customers in the U.S. with revenues estimated at $1 Billon and an organization of +250 people.  As the leader of Sales Capability Development, she was responsible for strategy development and direction setting of P&G’s Capability Program for their 2000 Sales Managers in North America.  P&G still utilizes components of this program in their Global Sales Capability & Development Program supporting 15,000 sales executives around the world. As the most senior sales training manager at P&G globally, Maria designed, developed and implemented breakthrough sales training to take P&G from a selling organization to a Customer Business Development (CBD) organization, transforming the selling organization from transactional selling to strategic selling.Maria founded Sales & Capability Development, LLC (S&CD) in 2010 and Edelson.io in 2020.  Both companies specialize in sales transformation, and sales training and development. Client’s include, but are not limited to, Henkel, Hempel, Guardian Fall Protection, Adidas, Samsung Group, The Clorox Company, Starbucks, Duracell, Kimberly-Clark, and P&G.  Edelson has done projects in 86 countries on 6 continents working with over 14,000 sales executives, and is recognized as a valuable global resource. Maria was a founding member of the Network of Executive Women (NEW). She served on the National Board as Chairperson, Regional Advisory for 8 years and National Chairperson, Education for 2 years. She was a regular keynote speaker at their annual 2,000-person annual conference.Maria was on the National Board of Strategic Account Management Association (SAMA) for 5 years and a regular keynote speaker.She is a graduate of St. Lawrence University with BS in Chemistry. She has a Finance for the Non-Finance Executive certificate from Columbia Business School.  She is a contributing author to Fortify Your Sales Force (San Francisco: Pfeiffer, 2010).  She is married with 3 wonderful children.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: http://www.edelson.io LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-edelson-8a36984/ Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.link

Welcome to Episode 100 of the Be She Podcast — Be seen, be heard, be empowered.This milestone episode is more than just a celebration. It's a reflection, a reckoning, and a reclamation.After taking a few intentional weeks of rest during treatment and the holidays, this moment marks not just a return—but a renewal.For years, I believed consistency meant never stopping. That strength meant pushing through. That leadership meant always being "on." But this season asked something different of me: to slow down, to listen, to heal, and to choose myself—not as a reward, but as a requirement.In this episode, I'm taking you behind the mic and into the journey of becoming a woman who chooses to be seen.We talk about:🌱 Why rest is not a setback but a sacred part of growth🌱 How visibility is an inner transformation, not a marketing strategy🌱 The tiny, shaky, brave moments that built this podcast🌱 What it means to show up when you'd rather shrink🌱 Healing the parts of yourself you buried just to survive🌱 Choosing courage over confidence, every single day🌱 The identity shifts required to reach 100 episodes—especially doing it soloYou'll hear the truth behind the early days: the shaking hands, the trembling voice, the fear of being seen in the middle of divorce, exhaustion, and rebuilding. You'll hear how visibility became less about spotlight moments and more about choosing to tell the truth, take up space, and stop hiding.Because visibility isn't about perfection.It's about presence.It's about healing.It's about becoming.And reaching 100 episodes? It represents courage, persistence, and transformation—not just mine, but yours. Because you've been here. You've listened, supported, and grown alongside me. This community has become a home for women who are rising.Here's to the next chapter.Here's to choosing visibility as a lifestyle.Here's to becoming the woman you were always meant to be.Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com

In this episode of the Be S.H.E. Podcast, Heidi welcomes former TV news anchor and reporter Mary Avila-Shears. Mary shares her journey from the newsroom to motherhood, her battle with postpartum depression, and how she turned her struggles into purpose by launching The Momalogues Podcast. Through candid conversations and heartfelt truths, Mary empowers moms to feel seen, heard, and reminded they’re never alone.Mary Avila-Shears is a former TV news anchor and reporter with nearly 15 years of experience covering everything from breaking news, entertainment, and human interest stories. She's interviewed everyone from lawmakers to celebrities. One of her proudest on-the-job moments? Locating a fugitive that federal and local authorities couldn’t track down. After the pandemic, Mary stepped away from the newsroom to be a full-time mommy and support her kids through virtual learning and stepped into a new, powerful chapter of her life.Now a mom of three, Mary launched The Momalogues podcast after walking through postpartum depression for the second time. Her experience opened her eyes to the silent struggles many mothers face and inspired her to create a space where moms feel seen, heard, and reminded they’re not alone. Through candid conversations, humor, and heartfelt truth, she shares motherhood's messy and magical parts. Mary also leads a growing motherhood ministry at her church, offering spiritual and practical support to mommas in need. Whether behind a mic or beside a momma in crisis, her mission is simple: to help mothers know their story matters and they don’t have to walk it alone.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: http://themomalogues.com Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/the_momalogues Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com 

In this heartfelt episode, Heidi sits down with master coach and author, Robin Ferguson, to explore the power of personal transformation, the courage to trust your gut, and the journey of rewriting your story. Robin shares insights from her ,The Phoenix Effect, inviting us to sift through the noise, honor our intuition, and rise with purpose. If you’ve ever felt stuck in old narratives or unsure how to step into your full self, this conversation is your gentle nudge forward.Robin Ferguson is a leading voice in the field of personal transformation and serves as an unwavering advocate for living life authentically, offering people permission to be human while challenging everyone to live a life of passion and purpose. As a Master Certified Coach, she empowers individuals, leaders, and organizations to embrace their full potential. Robin's unique perspective is shaped by her diverse background as an organizational leader, coach, interfaith minister, and nurse, blending hard-earned wisdom with deep compassion. As a result, she approaches coaching from a holistic perspective, knowing that as women, we bring all of ourselves to every situation. She supports women in finding more balance, boundaries, and bravery – inviting them to put themselves at the top of their priority list.She is the also the author of The Phoenix Effect: Transcend Limitation and Ignite the Power Within You, a revolutionary approach to self-empowerment.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: http://robin-ferguson.com LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/robinaferguson The Phoenix Effect Book: https://amzn.to/4nYUqfn Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com

In this radiant episode of the Be S.H.E. Podcast, Heidi welcomes Linda Albright, founder of Albright AI. Linda shares how she pivoted from high-level corporate roles to empowering women through disruptive tech, all while honoring her inner artist and yogi. If you’ve ever felt torn between creativity and strategy, or overwhelmed by the tech world, this conversation will inspire you to lead with vision, simplify with AI, and stay rooted in your why.Linda Albright is an early-adopter entrepreneur passionate about disruptive technologies that transform the way we work and live. With a background spanning Web 1, 2, 3 — and now AI — she’s helped scale multiple startups and played a key role in securing millions in Series A and seed funding.Today, she helps hard-working entrepreneurs and startup CEOs navigate the noisy and confusing AI landscape, so they can cut costs, save time, boost profits, and stay ahead of the competition. Certified in AI Strategy, Implementation, and Data Science, Linda combines practical expertise with a deep understanding of business growth.She also co-manages the Stamford AI Meetup, helping to foster local innovation and education around AI tools and trends.When she’s not in the AI trenches, you’ll find her on a yoga mat—defying gravity in handstands and teaching others how to stay flexible in mind and body.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: http://www.albrightai.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindaalbright/ Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/

In this episode of the Be She podcast, we’re joined by the incredible Letizia Alto, physician, real estate investor, best-selling author, and CEO of Semi-Retired MD. Letizia shares how she and her husband went from working nonstop as doctors to building a real estate portfolio that gave them true financial freedom.Her journey began with a single book and a desire for more time, more purpose, and more impact. Now, with over 175 personal units and thousands more syndicated, she’s helping others do the same. We talk about falling into purpose, redefining success, and what it means to be empowered in both life and legacy.This episode is a must-listen for anyone craving freedom, clarity, and the courage to pivot.Letizia Alto is a physician, real estate investor, best-selling author, blogger, podcaster and the CEO of Semi-Retired MD. She and her husband, Kenji, started investing in cashflowing rental real estate in 20152105 and achieved financial freedom three years later. Since then, they have grown their personal portfolio to over 175+ units of long and short-term income-producing rentals across the United States and have syndicated an additional 2,100+ units. In 2018, Letizia and Kenji started Semi-Retired MD to help other doctors and high-income earners build their own real estate portfolios, securing a steady source of income outside of their day jobs. Over 3,500 doctors and high-income professionals have taken Semi-Retired MD’s online courses, many of whom have gone on to build their own real estate portfolios of cashflowing rentals and become financially free.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCibjmeDUNn568Egl5TppnPg Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/letiziaalto/?hl=en Website: https://semiretiredmd.com  Book: Amazon best-seller Life On Your Terms https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CK3JQK2K?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_WW9BQ45CEYPSXYM280QJ Ignite Your Journey: https://semiretiredmd.com/leti-live Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com

In this empowering episode of the Be S.H.E. podcast, I welcome fellow Floridian and spiritual breakthrough coach, Karen Rudolf. Together, we dive deep into Karen’s transformative journey, from burnout and personal loss to soul-aligned leadership and healing. Karen shares how her background in nursing, motherhood, and emotional overwhelm led her to uncover the root causes of inner struggle and reclaim her voice. Tune in as we explore the power of communication, the cost of masking symptoms, and how women can shift their inner narratives to lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose. This is a raw, real, and restorative conversation you won’t want to miss.Karen Rudolf is a Spiritual Breakthrough Coach, speaker, and the founder of Tranquil SOULutions™. She specializes in helping women and conscious leaders overcome emotional and subconscious blocks, reclaim their voice, and lead with clarity, confidence, and soul alignment. A former nurse turned transformational coach, Karen’s journey began after facing personal loss and burnout — and realizing that true healing starts within. She now blends neuroscience, intuitive insight, quantum principles, and holistic wellness in her proprietary Clarity Tool™ to guide clients through deep self-discovery and breakthrough. Her mission is to help women remember their power, shift their inner narratives, and create aligned lives of purpose, peace, and impact.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: http://www.tranquilsoulutions.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karen.rudolf.14/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tranquilsoulutions/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilsoulutions/ Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com

In this episode, I sit down with Kathleen Chan, the powerhouse founder and CEO of Calico.  Kathleen shares how her frustration with fragmented supply chains sparked the creation of Calico, and why building the right team is everything, even when you’re building solo.We talk about risk, resilience, and the mindset shifts required to leap into entrepreneurship again and again. Kathleen opens up about navigating doubt, protecting your vision, and surrounding yourself with people who challenge you to think bigger….like 10X bigger. If you’ve ever felt the tug of a bold idea but hesitated to share it, this conversation will remind you: the right people won’t just support your dream, they’ll help you scale it.Kathleen Chan is the founder and CEO of Calico, a sourcing co-pilot for consumer brands that streamlines the most complex and fragmented parts of production—using AI to help teams generate manufacturable design concepts, compare regional factory pricing, source the right partners, manage costs, and move from concept to production faster.A three-time founder with deep experience in fashion and retail, Kathleen previously built and scaled DTC brands in the jewelry and apparel space, where she oversaw everything from design to sourcing to go-to-market strategy. Her frustration navigating global production across time zones, spreadsheets, and unreliable partners became the spark for Calico, which is now used by leading brands to bring speed and resilience to their supply chains.She began her career at Microsoft and was named one of Sourcing Journal’s 2025 Female Founders to Watch.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: https://www.joincalico.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenchan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/calicoai/ Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com

 In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with the incredible Laci Davis, a powerhouse entrepreneur, advocate, and co-founder of The Grit Game. Laci’s journey is anything but ordinary. From cruise director to children’s photographer to marketing leader in a male-dominated industry, her story is one of resilience, creativity, and stepping fully into her purpose.We talk about the unexpected turns that shaped her career, the power of showing up authentically, and the moment she decided to go “all in”, transforming both her business and her life. This conversation is real, inspiring, and full of wisdom for anyone navigating their own path.Let’s dive in. Laci Davis is a trailblazing entrepreneur, advocate, and speaker—and the Co-Founder and President of The Grit Game, a woman-led sales & marketing firm reimagining how growth happens in the pool and spa industry. Her company serves all of the U.S. and Canada and has become known for elevating underrepresented voices in a traditionally male-dominated space.Featured on the 2024 covers of Spa Retailer’s inaugural 30 under 40 issue, Agency Sales Magazine, and Pool Nation for the being listed as a Next Gen Female Leader, Laci has built a career around breaking norms and building platforms—for products, for people, and for purpose-driven change.She regularly shares practical advice in Aqua Magazine to help small business owners market smarter, and hosts the Mind Muscle Pro podcast aimed at helping others reclaim joy and mental well-being in a fast-paced world. Additionally her volunteer work combating human trafficking has earned her the title of Hometown Hero in the Tampa Bay Area.Laci has also grown a personal social media following of over half a million followers by helping women feel confident in the gym, sharing how-to videos that demystify equipment, explain technique, and empower strength training from the very first rep.Laci is passionate about helping women be seen, be heard, and be empowered—in business and in life.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: www.thegritgame.com Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/its_a_great_day_with_lacirenee/ Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.grit.game/ Personal Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacidavis/ Business Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-grit-game/ Business Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?=61554806608108 Business Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegritgame Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com 

On this week’s episode of the Be She Podcast, Heidi sits down with visionary leader and “non-traditional COO” Christy Hamilton. With roots in theater and a career that now spans executive leadership, Christy brings a unique perspective to business growth, team building, and sustainable leadership.In this conversation, Christy shares how her creative background taught her to truly listen, connect, and lead with empathy, skills that have fueled her success in scaling businesses and empowering teams. She opens up about navigating fear, making bold pivots, and redefining what it means to thrive as a woman in leadership.If you’ve ever felt torn between the creative and strategic sides of yourself, or wondered how to move through fear into transformation, this episode will speak directly to you.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-hamilton-54941520/Website:  https://teamcarey.com/Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com 

Dr. Rasure is a financial therapist and educator with a wealth of experience helping people develop healthier and more positive relationships with their money. As a former financial advisor and university professor, she brings a unique perspective to the topic of personal finance.Currently, Dr. Rasure is the Chief Financial Wellness Advisor at Beyond Finance, where she works directly with clients struggling with debt, guiding them toward financial freedom. She also serves as Chair of the Research Board for the Financial Therapy Clinical Institute and is a member of the Financial Review Boards for Investopedia, The Balance, VeryWell Family, and VeryWell Parents.What if your emotions around money could actually fuel your financial freedom instead of holding you back? This week on the podcast, I sit down with Dr. Erika Rasure,  financial therapist, consultant, and Chief Financial Wellness Advisor at Beyond Finance. With more than 20 years of experience helping people navigate both the technical and emotional sides of money, Erika shares her inspiring journey from academia to entrepreneurship.Erika opens up about her early life experiences that shaped her passion for financial wellness, from growing up in a household of insurance agents to facing the loss of her father at a young age. She shares how these experiences led her to shift from pre-law into personal financial planning, eventually becoming a professor, author, and trusted advisor.In this conversation, Erika breaks down: ✨ Why our relationship with money is always emotional, and how to use that to our advantage. ✨ The fears and limiting beliefs she faced when leaving a secure career in academia to launch her own consulting and financial therapy practice. ✨ The smart steps to take before making a big leap of faith into entrepreneurship. ✨ How gratitude and awareness can be the foundation for financial and life transitions.If you’ve ever felt called to make a change, whether in your finances, career, or personal life,  this episode is filled with wisdom, encouragement, and practical takeaways to help you move forward with confidence.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: https://www.beyondfinance.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoveBeyondDebt/ X: https://x.com/MoveBeyondDebt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondfinancedebtrelief/?hl=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondfinance5099 Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com 

 This week we welcome Christina Hawatmeh, founder and CEO of Scop.io, the platform that helps everyday image-makers share, get discovered, and monetize their photos and visual work. Christina is an author and has been featured by major outlets for her work elevating underrepresented visual storytellers. Tune in as Christina shares how curiosity led her from Columbia to tech and AI, the early risks of building Scop.io, and how she’s flattening access to opportunity for creators around the world.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: https://artist.scop.io/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scopioimages/LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/6422340/admin/dashboard/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ScopioImages TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scopioimages If Women Book: https://ifwomen.scop.io/ Website: www.scop.io - Get 20% discount on all image licenses or custom projects through Scopio. Just use the code COMMUNITY20 at checkout.Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com

This week on the Be S.H.E. podcast, I’m joined by the inspiring Joyshree Reinelt, psychologist, co-founder of Innate Motion, and passionate believer that business can be a force for good. From her teenage years volunteering with refugee families, to shaping global brands with purpose, Joyshree’s story is a powerful reminder that mission and impact can, and should, drive our work.In this episode, she shares her journey of blending psychology, culture, and business, and how following curiosity (and courage) can open doors to opportunities you never imagined.If you’ve ever wondered how to build a business with both purpose and impact, this conversation will light the way.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyshree-reinelt-9b4a354/Website;  https://www.innatemotion.com/Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com

 In this episode, Tammy shares how her unexpected journey into technology and HR turned into a passion for helping organizations focus on what truly matters, their people. From navigating male-dominated industries early in her career to launching her own consulting business, Tammy opens up about the challenges, fears, and faith that shaped her along the way. Join us as we dive into the intersection of faith, technology, and human resources, and discover what it really takes to show up boldly in business and life.Tammy Castro knows the struggle of HR technology—because she’s lived it. Before becoming an expert, she was the one navigating HR systems that promised efficiency but often created more headaches. Now, she’s on a mission to bridge the gap between technology and the people it’s meant to serve.As the author of Shiny Objects, Tammy challenges leaders to rethink how they implement HR systems —ensuring technology elevates, not eliminates, human connection in the workplace.With over 30 years in HR tech, Tammy has seen organizations chase new tools while overlooking the people they serve. Through her writing, consulting, and speaking, she empowers HR and business leaders to realign their systems with their values—because at the end of the day, technology should work for people, not the other way around.Tammy brings real-world insights, a refreshing mix of honesty, humor and wisdom to every conversation, helping organizations create workplaces where both technology and human connection thrive.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: www.iamhcmconsulting.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammycastro/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iam-hcm-consulting Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iAMhcmConsulting YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iAMHCMConsulting Shiny Objects:  https://a.co/d/59N4vJR Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com

In today’s episode, I’m joined by the inspiring co-founders of EvolveMe, Judy Schoenberg and Linda Lautenberg, two powerhouse women who are redefining what it looks like to pivot and thrive in midlife. From Wall Street to caregiving to coaching, their journeys are full of honesty, reinvention, and purpose. We talk about the realities of returning to work after a break, the identity shifts that come with career transitions, and the incredible D.A.R.E. Method that’s changing women’s lives across the country. If you’ve ever felt like it was too late to start over, this conversation will prove otherwise.Judy Schoenberg and Linda Lautenberg are co-founders of EvolveMe, a professional growth company empowering mid-career professionals to thrive in an ever-evolving world of work.EvolveMe provides programming for companies committed to developing and retaining top talent and group coaching for women in midlife career transition.EvolveMe partners with organizational leadership, and Employee Resource Groups focused on promoting career growth for women and their allies. By curating workshops for companies across industries, EvolveMe helps all professionals to engage and advance in their roles.EvolveMe has been featured in numerous publications including Fast Company, Forbes.com, CNN.com, and Reuters World at Work. Judy and Linda are frequent guests on career and leadership podcasts.Judy Schoenberg, Co-Founder, is a graduate of Harvard University and a former national executive for Girl Scouts of the USA.Linda Lautenberg, Co-Founder, is a Harvard Business School MBA and a Chartered Financial Analyst. She spent her early career in real estate finance and securitization at Prudential and Nomura Securities. To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: www.evolveme.work LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/judy-schoenberg      LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/lindalautenberg EvolveMe’s Corporate Programming Offers: www.evolveme.work/corporate-workshops Free tools and resources: www.evolveme.work/freebies Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoaching FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleaders Spotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprint LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/ Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Molly Rose Speed, a former corporate professional turned entrepreneur who’s made it her mission to help others reclaim their time and design a life they love. As the founder of Virtual Assistant Academy and Virtual Assistant Management, Molly Rose shares how one denied vacation day became the catalyst for building a thriving business and an intentional life of freedom. We talk about the power of starting messy, setting boundaries, embracing fear, and staying connected to your "why." Whether you’re ready to pivot, grow, or simply dream again—this conversation will light a spark in you.Molly Rose Speed is a trailblazer in the online business world who took control of her career by walking away from the corporate grind and building a life on her own terms. As the founder of Virtual Assistant Academy and Virtual Assistant Management, she’s dedicated her work to helping others—especially women—do the same. With a background in finance and a knack for streamlining systems and scaling businesses, Molly Rose teaches entrepreneurs how to reclaim their time, grow sustainably, and create freedom through automation, delegation, and smart strategy. Her mission is simple: create a career around your life, not a life around your career.In this episode you will learn:Website: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollyrosespeed LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollyrosespeed/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MollyRoseSpeed Virtual Assistant Academy for those interested is starting Virtual Careers: https://www.mollyrosespeed.com/affiliate_users/sign_up VirtualAssistantManagement.com  for those interested in freeing up their time by outsourcing to certified Virtual Assistants.Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com

In this powerful episode, Christene Marie opens up about the unexpected journey that led her from working with youth to founding a digital marketing agency that now helps executives create authentic, empathy-driven brand experiences. Christene shares how deep personal loss, the breakdown of her marriage, and a wake-up call from Rich Dad, Poor Dad became catalysts for not just entrepreneurship but transformation. We unpack her concept of “radical responsibility,” the four wisdom centers we must reconnect with, and how she found clarity in the quiet moments—no phone, no noise, just presence. This is an episode for anyone who’s ever wondered how to turn pain into purpose and business into a calling.Christene Marie guides executives and organizations to position their brands with authenticity to thus establish empathy-driven connections with their ideal audience through her proprietary Knowing Process, generating up to 1400% ROAS.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: www.christenemarie.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/christenemarie/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/christenemarie_/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/christene.theknowinggroup   Power of Vulnerability: https://www.bennyfisher.com/the-power-of-vulnerability-lessons-in-growth-and-healing Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com 

In this episode, we’re diving into a journey that spans the early days of Amazon, a startup stint at MySpace, a move across the globe, and eventually — the bold leap from corporate comfort to entrepreneurial freedom.My guest shares how her path unfolded from boardrooms to baby blogs, and how she learned to follow her inner compass, even when the next step felt uncertain. Whether you're navigating your own pivot or just starting your business, this story is a reminder that growth happens in the evolution — and freedom is found in alignment.We talk flexibility, fear, motherhood, and why sometimes knowing what you don’t want is the first step to discovering what you truly do.Tune in now for this inspiring conversation — you just might see your own story reflected in hers.Sarah Gibbons is an accomplished executive coach and founder of Sarah Gibbons & Co., a global coaching practice dedicated to helping individuals and organizations unlock transformational leadership. With over 15 years of experience, she has worked with top executives and creatives from leading organizations like Starbucks, the LA Clippers, and TBWA\Chiat\Day.A former tech-industry leader with roles at Amazon, IMDb, and Fox Interactive Media, Sarah transitioned her career after earning a Master’s in Spiritual Psychology. She is the co-author of The Chalk Collective: Drawing the Life You Deserve and host of The Tidal Podcast.Sarah lived in the Pacific Palisades, a community recently ravaged by devastating fires, where she cultivated her passion for fostering connection and resilience. As a mother of three, she is committed to helping others discover compassion, self-acceptance, and purpose in both their personal and professional lives.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: https://sarahgibbons.com/ - Reach out - Sarah is happy to offer one FREE one hour coaching introduction sessions to anyone who reached out from our Be S.H.E. community!Instagram: www.instagram.com/sarahgibbonsco LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sarahlyonsgibbons Facebook: www.facebook.com/sarahgibbons.co/ Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com 

What happens when a high-level executive assistant wakes up one day and realizes she’s meant for more—but has no clue what’s next? Joan Burge didn’t just pivot her career—she pioneered an entire industry. In this episode, Joan shares how she went from supporting CEOs across 12 states to building Office Dynamics International, a powerhouse brand dedicated to elevating administrative professionals worldwide.With grit, grace, and her signature red lipstick, Joan walks us through the early days of launching her business, the unseen sacrifices, and the personal storms she weathered—from caregiving and widowhood to major health battles—all while leading with passion and purpose.This episode is a masterclass in courage, reinvention, and what it looks like to build something revolutionary when no blueprint exists. Whether you're navigating career shifts, battling fear, or standing at the edge of something big, Joan's story will meet you there—and inspire you to keep going.💄 Red Lipstick On. Let’s go.Joan Burge is the red-lipstick-wearing “Rock Star” of administrative and executive assistant training, a powerhouse entrepreneur, and a champion for women in the workplace. In 1990, she revolutionized the industry by founding Office Dynamics International, the first company dedicated to providing sophisticated, high-performance training exclusively for administrative professionals. With a fearless vision, Joan carved out a unique niche in corporate education, elevating assistants into strategic business partners.As an accomplished author of eight books, professional speaker, consultant, and corporate trainer, Joan has spent over three decades redefining excellence in administrative training. She is the creator of The Annual Conference for Administrative Excellence™, the World Class Assistant™ Certification, the Star Achievement Series® Certification and Designation, and more than 30 customized workshops, 200+ educational videos, and 1,000+ articles and blog posts designed to inspire administrative professionals to reach new heights.Her company, Office Dynamics International, is a global leader in executive and administrative assistant training, providing the tools, strategies, and mindset shifts that empower assistants to lead with confidence. Corporate leaders, HR professionals, and high-performing executives trust Office Dynamics because “only Joan is Joan.”More than a business leader, Joan is an advocate for women’s empowerment—encouraging women to take ownership of their careers, embrace continuous learning, and elevate their presence in the workplace. She understands the challenges women face in male-dominated industries and uses her voice to inspire boldness, resilience, and strategic thinking.Joan’s influence has reached some of the world’s most respected companies, including Cisco Systems, AT&T, The Boeing Co., Humana Inc., Sunoco, Nokia, Procter & Gamble, Nationwide Insurance, and Chevron. Her relentless commitment to elevating the profession has made her the foremost expert in management support, bridging the gap between executives and assistants to create thriving partnerships that drive organizational success.With passion, expertise, and a no-nonsense approach, Joan Burge continues to redefine what it means to be an administrative professional, proving that assistants aren’t just support staff—they are leaders, strategists, and invaluable assets to any organization.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: OfficeDynamics.com  ODI LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/office-dynamics-international/ Joan's LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joanburge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officedynamics/ Facebook:

What happens when a self-proclaimed numbers-avoider becomes a CPA and turns her own money struggles into a mission to help others? In this empowering episode, Janet shares her journey from being the family “non-science” outlier to becoming a passionate financial educator for everyday people—especially women and families—who are tired of feeling stuck, ashamed, or overwhelmed by their finances.Join us as we unpack the mindset shifts needed to overcome money fear, why awareness is the first step toward abundance, and how financial checkups should be as common as doctor visits. Whether you’re starting from zero or just want your dollars to work smarter for you, this episode is packed with real talk, encouragement, and practical steps to start building wealth—without guilt or shame.Because money doesn’t have to be scary, and you don’t have to go it alone.Most people focus on how to make more money—but few know how to truly grow and keep it. That’s where she comes in.Janet Hum is a daughter, sister, wife and mom.  She is a CPA-turned-financial strategist and she specializes in helping professionals—especially women—take control of their money, overcome fear, and create tax-smart wealth-building strategies that set them up for lasting financial independence.With her background in accounting and entrepreneurship, she has seen firsthand how much of a difference the right financial strategies can make. Her goal is simple: help you grow your wealth in the smartest, most efficient way possible—so you can keep more of what you earn and build the future you deserve.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/janethum  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janet_hum/ Freebie: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XHO8hqHmBg89p1pfMrlY6JLyyM4eiO-N/view?usp=drive_link Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com

 In this powerful episode, Dr. Barbara Provost, founder of Purse Strings, shares how personal experiences and industry insight led her to challenge the male-dominated financial world and build a movement designed for women. From going through divorce to consulting in finance, Barb saw firsthand how women were overlooked, underserved, and left unprepared when it came to money.She responded with action—launching Purse Strings, a one-stop resource offering vetted financial professionals and free tools to help women grow confident and competent in managing their finances.If you’ve ever felt unsure about money, this episode will meet you with compassion, clarity, and empowerment.Dr. Barbara Provost is a force in the financial industry—an educator, entrepreneur, and advocate for women’s financial power. With over 20 years of experience as an educational consultant in the banking and insurance sectors, she saw firsthand how these male-dominated industries consistently overlooked the financial needs of women. Despite women controlling $24 trillion in wealth, financial services continued to market primarily to men, leaving women underserved and under-advised.Armed with a doctorate in Adult and Higher Education, along with advanced degrees in business and educational leadership, Barbara didn’t just identify the problem—she built the solution. In 2015, she founded Purse Strings, LLC, a first-of-its-kind company dedicated to two missions:Empowering women with free, high-impact financial education so they can take control of their financial futures, no matter their starting point.Equipping financial professionals with the tools, insights, and training they need to serve the female market effectively—not with sales pitches, but with real expertise and understanding.Purse Strings isn’t just a platform; it’s a movement that’s changing the way the financial industry serves women. Through expert-led workshops, vetted financial professionals, and cutting-edge education, Barbara is ensuring that women are no longer an afterthought in financial services—they are the priority.Her life motto? Be financially fearless.In this episode you will learn:About the fears women face.The importance of knowing your numbers. The shocking truth about how much wealth is (and will be) in women's hands.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: www.pursestrings.co Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pursestringsco Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pursestringfinanciallyfearlesswomen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pursestringsco/ TikToc: https://www.tiktok.com/@pursestringsco LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursestrings/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCusras98haVpJ-P4C4d4IXw Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/

In this powerful episode, we sit down with the passionate founder of the Fistula Foundation and author of No Woman Left Behind, to explore the life-changing work being done for women suffering from childbirth-related injuries in the world's most underserved regions. You’ll hear how one woman's journey from Madison Avenue to rural Africa sparked a global mission that’s now transformed over 100,000 lives—and counting. This conversation is full of compassion, purpose, and a deep reminder of how access to care can change everything.🎧 Tune in and be inspired by the healing power of hope, advocacy, and dignity restored.Kate Grant is the founding CEO of Fistula Foundation, the global nonprofit leader dedicated to treating childbirth injuries. A passionate advocate for maternal health, she has expanded critical fistula care across 35 countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. No Woman Left Behind is her deeply personal account of the journey to bring healing to women suffering in silence.  Grant joined the Foundation as its first chief executive in 2005 and has led the expansion from supporting one hospital in one country, Ethiopia, to its current position as the world leader in fistula treatment.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: https://fistulafoundation.org/ , https://fistulafoundation.org/ga-love-a-sister/ New book - No Woman Left Behind: A Journey of Hope to Heal Every Woman Injured in Childbirth (She Writes Press: June 24, 2025) - https://amzn.to/4jOBZYD Instagram: www.instagram.com/fistula_foundation Facebook: www.instagram.com/fistulafoundation LinkedIn: @fistula-foundationYoutube: @FistulaFoundationConnect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com

In this heartfelt episode, we dive into a powerful and necessary conversation about self-love, emotional eating, and body image with Marla Mervis-Hartmann. She shares the raw, real story behind her book and the pivotal realization that changed her life: the journey to healing begins when we become our own best friend.We unpack why “self-love” often feels abstract or empty—and how shifting the lens to friendship with yourself can bring clarity, compassion, and real transformation. You’ll hear about the third path that goes beyond control or chaos—the one grounded in trust, listening, and inner safety.If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of shame, guilt, or food battles, this conversation will speak directly to your heart.Do you love your body?As the creator of Love Your Body, Love Yourself, Marla Mervis-Hartmann helps women access their yes! to that question. After experiencing years of dysfunction in relation to food, exercise, and body confidence, Marla transformed her life through the radical act of self-compassion and friending herself. She has since used her experiences to help empower women as they choose appreciation for their bodies, honor themselves through nourishing lifestyle choices, and cultivate confidence along the way. Marla works at Ai Pono  a Eating Disorder Recovery Center sharing Body-Love Reiki Circles and was known as the leading body image expert and Reiki Master at Journey Malibu–a Drug and Alcohol rehabilitation center. Most recently, she has been featured at TEDx Salinas. Her dedication to women’s studies has had several focuses including women’s sexual wellness, postpartum care, pelvic floor support, tantra and yoga instruction, massage therapy, and lifestyle coaching through Love Your Body, Love Yourself. Marla’s mission is to inspire women to feel good about themselves as they pursue the lives they desire. Currently, Marla lives in Maui with her husband, Olaf, and son, Aspen–where she works full-time as a professional coach, speaker, facilitator, and Living Light Reiki Master and Instructor. Marla will see her first book, Be-Friend Yourself on bookshelves October 2024.💡 Practical takeaways, powerful insights, and permission to begin again—with grace.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: www.loveyourbodyloveyourself.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loveyourbodyloveyourselfalways Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loveyourbodyloveyourself, https://www.facebook.com/marla.mervis YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/marlamervis Book Launching October 1 https://www.loveyourbodyloveyourself.com/book Breaking the Cycle of Emotional Eating "https://goloveyourbodyloveyourself.com/emotionaleating" Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoaching FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleaders Spotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprint LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/ Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com 

What does it really mean to live fully in the here and now? In this episode, I sit down with Palak Dave to explore how we can bring more intention, joy, and connection into our daily lives. Palak shares her inspiring journey of following a deeper calling, building community through curated experiences, and learning to live with presence even in the chaos. Whether you’re craving more meaning in your everyday or simply need a reminder to slow down, this conversation will leave you both inspired and equipped.Palak Dave (@paldave) is a mission-driven entrepreneur, experience expert, speaker and author of Beautiful Everydays: A Guide to Living in the Here and Now. Formerly an award-winning marketer with senior-level positions at companies including the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and Indigo Books and Music Inc., Palak began her entrepreneurial journey in 2017 by founding Embiria {meaning experience}, which has since evolved to Embiria Social Club (ESC)—a community helping women feel more fulfilled in their everyday lives. Having curated and hosted over 350 community and media events, Palak believes in the profound impact of bringing people together—especially over a shared meal.Through facilitating experiences, hosting events, working with brands, speaking and media engagements, Palak is championing a movement towards everyday fulfillment and joy, encouraging others to prioritize real-life experiences and human connection over digital distractions. Palak has garnered significant media attention, with features in renowned outlets such as The Everygirl, Authority Magazine, and The Huffington Post. She has also been a guest on numerous top-rated podcasts, including Live Well Anyway, Hotter Than Health podcast, Talk Healthy to Me, and AsianBoss Girl. Additionally, Palak has cultivated partnerships with dozens of global brands, including Lululemon, Bumble, and Knixwear, further showcasing her influential presence and expertise in living a fulfilled life.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: https://www.embiria.ca Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paldave/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embiriasocialclub/ Beautiful Everydays on Amazon (in the US): https://tinyurl.com/9rt2n8yt Beautiful Everydays on Indigo (in Canada): https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/beautiful-everydays-a-guide-to-living-in-the-here-and-now/9781738214709.html Embiria Social Club (ESC)—a community helping women feel more fulfilled in their everyday lives. Having curated and hosted over 350 community and media events, Palak believes in the profound impact of bringing people together—especially over a shared meal.https://www.embiria.ca/esc?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaaQ5hskHUhqiP0JffatQauXGJN29LmpbI6o6trEiLd3F6iiXsVz2jH7GY_aem_fCWp30GxZENsOR9tcCjdww Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.

If you've ever felt stuck or unsure how to stand out in your business—this episode is your sign to get visible and get growing. 🙌VICTORIA RACCA is the dynamic force behind two thriving businesses based in South Louisiana. As the founder of The Microblading Institute and BrowSister, she's on a mission to empower women-particularly mothers aged 25-45—to reclaim their time and embrace entrepreneurship. The Microblading Institute, a licensed trade school under the board of colleges, has been franchised across 6 locations in the US. BrowSister, Victoria's e-commerce venture, specializes in manufacturing premium numbing products for cosmetic tattooing and is committed to providing access to affordable and quality PMU supplies. Victoria is also your #1 Source for beauty industry breaking news through The GlamLife Podcast, where Victoria shares expertise from your favorite PMU artists. Beyond her business endeavors, Victoria is a dedicated follower of celebrity gossip and enjoys staying connected with her audience in a warm and approachable manner. With her unique blend of professionalism and Southern charm, Victoria continues to inspire and uplift women in pursuit of their dreams.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: victoriaglam.com Instagram: instagram.com/Victoria.glam Revenue Growth Systems @ VictoriaGlam.com use code GLAMLIFE15 for 15% off the courseConnect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com

In this powerful episode of the Be S.H.E. Podcast, Heidi welcomes transformational trainer and money mindset expert, Lisa Kalmin! Tune in as they dive into the beliefs that block abundance and how to shift your mindset to create lasting financial breakthroughs.Lisa Kalmin is a renowned transformational trainer, money mindset expert, and sought-after speaker with over 38 years of experience empowering individuals to break free from limiting beliefs and create lives of purpose and abundance. Known for her dynamic coaching style, Lisa has worked with 10s of thousands of clients to shatter financial barriers and embrace wealth with confidence. As the creator of the EARN Method and the author of award winning book:  The Problem Is How You See The Problem, Lisa combines proven strategies with mindset mastery to help clients unlock their full potential and build thriving financial futures.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: https://lisakalmin.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.kalmin/     Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lisakalmin/     LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-kalmin/ Money, Wealth & Miracles Course: https://lisakalmin.com/miracles/ Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com

In this inspiring episode of the Be S.H.E. Podcast, we sit down with Anisa Crespo. Anisa shares her powerful journey of walking away from a six-figure job to pursue a bigger vision — one rooted in self-belief, legacy-building, and service to women and moms. We dive into her upcoming appearance on the nationally broadcast TV show Legacy Makers, the mindset shifts that created her success, and the importance of dancing with passion — both literally and metaphorically. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, fear of failure, or playing small, this episode will reignite your courage to go big.Anisa Crespo is the inspiring Co-Founder of Million Dollar Mom Society, passionately championing women’s empowerment. As a business coach, public speaker, podcast host, and published author, Anisa shares transformative journeys, turning traumas into triumphs. She guides women toward fulfillment and true happiness, embodying core values of faith, family, health, wealth, and freedom.After audaciously leaving her six-figure job, Anisa now empowers women to pursue their dreams. With unwavering determination, she aspires to help 1,000 Mompreneurs become millionaires by 2030. Her vision is to create a world where women embrace their highest potential on a journey of empowerment and authenticity, leaving behind long-lasting, memorable legacies. Amid her diverse roles, Anisa proudly claims her most important roles as a child of God and a mother of twins.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: www.anisacrespo.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anisacrespo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepingupwiththecrespos/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/milliondollarmomsociety LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anisacrespo/  https://www.milliondollarmom.org/5_ways_to_grow_your_group https://www.milliondollarmom.org/5_steps_to_create_high_ticket_offer Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com

In this powerful episode of The Be S.H.E. Podcast, Heidi sits down with Dr. Rebecca Sutherns. Dr. Sutherns shares her unique Elastic Method, a framework designed to help women stretch into new seasons of life without snapping or “snapping back” to outdated roles.Dr. Rebecca Sutherns is an author and Midlife Transition Coach, helping high-achieving women navigate life’s toughest transitions—whether due to career shifts, empty nests, or other personal challenges. She gives her clients clarity, energy, and confidence by aligning their values with their actions. Using her ELASTIC method, she helps women stretch into the next phase of life without snapping (or snapping back).In this episode you will learn:Why midlife transitions (career shifts, empty nesting, personal reinvention) hit high achievers harder—and how to move through them with graceThe surprising truth about likability in leadership (and why she resisted including it in her book)How imagination and curiosity—often dismissed as “childish” traits—are critical for reinventionHer own journey through a decade-long “emptying nest” phase (and how a family sabbatical reshaped her career)Why transitions take longer than we expect (and how to reframe “brain fog” as a sign of growth)Why Listen? If you’ve ever felt stuck between “I’m meant for more” and “I don’t recognize my life anymore,” this episode is your roadmap to reinvention—without losing yourself in the process. Press play and learn how to stretch (not snap) into your next chapter. 🎧To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: https://rebeccasutherns.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccasutherns/ Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com 

In this powerful episode, Heidi sits down with Kate House—host of the Live By Design Podcast and founder of the Live By Design Collective—to unpack how high-achieving women can ditch overwhelm and build a life of intention, confidence, and purpose.Kate shares her raw journey from a burnt-out corporate career to becoming a top 2% globally ranked podcaster and empowerment coach.Kate House, is the host of the Live By Design Podcast and founder of the empowerment coaching program - the Live By Design Collective!She helps women who feel stuck and overwhelmed and want to move through life with confidence and clarity set and actually achieve their personal goals with soul via mindset shifts, personal growth practices, healthy habits, and guilt-free self care!You can find her living in her small town of Gettysburg, PA with her husband (and college sweetheart!), her two little boys, and two mischievous pup dogs too. As a Behavior Change Specialist, Empowerment Coach, Top 2% Globally Ranked Podcaster, and Virtual Summit Host, she is perfectly poised to support you in living by design and not by default via her signature method: The Live By Design Blueprint. ⭐ Because YOU are the architect of your extraordinary life! ⭐In this episode you will learn:The pivotal moment she realized “what I’m not changing, I’m choosing”—and how it reshaped her lifeWhy starting small (like her 5-minute daily rituals) beats hustle culture every timeHer signature “Goals With Soul” framework to align ambition with what truly mattersHow to silence the inner critic (and what she learned from accidentally saying “fingertips” in a yoga class)Practical tips for moms juggling entrepreneurship, family, and guilt-free self-careTo connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: https://mskatehouse.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mskatehouse/ Get the All-Access Pass to her recent Goals with Soul Summit! It's a $97 value that you can claim using coupon code "SHE" for 100% off at checkout here: https://mskatehouse.thinkific.com/enroll/3036844?price_id=3899794 Be sure to subscribe and leave a review! Your stories of courage inspire us all. 💛Why Listen? If you’ve ever felt stuck between “I’m meant for more” and “I’m drowning in to-dos,” this episode is your roadmap to clarity—without the burnout. Press play and start designing your extraordinary life. 🎧✨Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com 

In this lively episode of the Be She Podcast, host Heidi welcomes Emmy award-winning broadcast journalist turned bestselling author and fractional chief marketing officer, Becky Freemal. With her infectious energy and wealth of knowledge, Becky dives into the importance of storytelling in business, sharing how her unique approach helps companies uncover their brand voice and build a clear path forward. Throughout the conversation, Becky and Heidi discuss the challenges of transitioning from journalism to the business world, the significance of knowing your numbers, and how to overcome imposter syndrome. Becky also offers actionable advice for entrepreneurs looking to define their brand voice and connect with their target audience. Tune in for an engaging and informative discussion that will leave you feeling inspired and ready to take your business to the next level. Don't forget to grab Becky's free gift and check out her book on Amazon! Listen now and join the fun!Becky Freemal is an Emmy-award-winning broadcast journalist  - turned - best selling author. She brings her strong ability to connect people through evidence-based stories to the corporate world, helping businesses realize growth and reach desired outcomes. As a fractional Chief Marketing Officer and founder of The Market Exec, she focuses on helping fellow founders, CEOs, and marketing and communication teams uncover the brand voice of their organization, and build a clear and cohesive path forward. Becky breaks the exhausting cycle of throwing marketing tactics at the wall like spaghetti for her clients, and ensures leadership teams have data-driven marketing blueprints that produce results.In her bestselling book Brand Voice, People + Data Drive Results Becky shares a clear message - Building the storytelling capability of your company isn’t a soft skill. It is a necessary skill for the growth and success of your company.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: https://themarketexec.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckyfreemal/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Beckyfreemal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckyfreemal Book - Brand Voice, People + Data Drive Results: https://a.co/d/9XMUR13 Free Gift: https://www.beckyfreemal.com/freegift Award: https://youtu.be/h6EM_XP5Nc4?si=ouywXTzI3u4dCRhp  Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com 

Welcome to another empowering episode of the Be S.H.E. Podcast! Today, we're diving into the world of impact investing with our incredible guest, Tanaha Hairston. Tanaha is an expert in aligning financial returns with social good, and she's on a mission to educate and inspire women to take charge of their finances through purposeful investing. In this episode, Tanaha shares her journey and the importance of investing with purpose. She discusses how women can grow their money while making a positive impact in critical areas such as climate, education, gender equality, and social change. Taneha also highlights the power of community and how her organization is cultivating a supportive environment for women investors. Tanaha Hairston is an expert in impact investing, known for her exceptional ability to align financial returns with social good across various asset classes. With extensive experience in impact investing, encompassing businesses, funds, and real estate, Tanaha has dedicated her career to empowering and inspiring women investors and cultivating a community driven by purposeful investing. As the founder of RISE, Investing with Profit & Purpose, Tanaha has created a collaborative investment community focused on connecting women through impactful investments. Her vision is to equip women with the tools and knowledge needed to make a positive impact by investing in critical areas such as climate, education, gender equality, and social change. Through RISE, Tanaha advocates for financial empowerment, gender equality, and social impact by promoting sound investments in diverse asset classes. A successful entrepreneur herself, Tanaha has experienced the business lifecycle firsthand, having previously owned and exited a business. Tanaha holds an MBA with a focus on finance from the Thunderbird School of Global Management and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering from Arizona State University. Her ultimate goal is to contribute to a better world for future generations through impactful and sustainable investments. In this episode you will learn:How to get started investing.About the incredible opportunities that await women who are ready to align their investments with their valuesThe power of creating a lasting legacy for yourself, your children, and the world.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: https://www.risethemovement.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanahah/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanaha_hairston/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Tanaha-Hairston/61560475198557/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tanahahairston_RISE_Movement/videos Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoaching FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleaders Spotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprint LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/ Ready to grow your biz: www.scalewithheidi.com

In today’s episode, we welcome special guest Melissa Creede, an expert in helping others leverage their platforms for positive social change. With over 30 years of experience spanning from boardrooms to non-electrified communities, Melissa shares her insights on finding your purpose and creating meaningful impact. Join us as we explore the journey of aligning your passion with your profession and how to navigate the challenges along the way.Melissa helps celebrities, leaders, and business owners leverage their platforms for positive social change. Melissa has been purpose-driven her entire career. Melissa has a specialty in coaching leaders and influencers to be more intentional and to drive towards their vision and purpose.Melissa’s 30 years of experience have spanned Board Rooms and Fortune 500 company executives to celebrities and philanthropists to non-electrified communities in ruralArgentina, and everything in between. Melissa is an international bestselling author of Beyond Your Inbox: Intentional Leadership in a Distracted World.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: www.leadwithmelissa.ca/fame-is-fleeting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadwithmelissa/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leadwithmelissa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissacreede/ Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com

In this episode, we dive into an inspiring conversation with Kash Rochelo, the CEO of Icon Foods. Kash shares her journey from being a stay-at-home mom to becoming the CFO and ultimately the CEO of a thriving company. She discusses the challenges of pivoting in life, the importance of finding mentors and empowering others, and how to make bold decisions that inspire your team. Join us as we explore the power of embracing change, releasing judgment, and empowering yourself to be seen and heard in both your personal and professional life.KASH ROCHELEAU served as the chief financial officer for Icon Foods soon moving into the CEO role (as of May 10, 2024). She oversees the financial operations, reporting, and compliance of these organizations, as well as drives their growth and profitability. She has a strong background in legal matters, such as acquisition negotiation, trademark applications, regulatory compliance, and contract drafting, which enables her to handle complex and diverse transactions and issues. She currently holds an MBA degree from Eastern Washington University, with a focus on accounting and finance, to further enhance her skills and knowledge in this field. In her free time, she loves to be with her family, spend time outdoors, and golf.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: www.iconfoods.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kash-rocheleau-a0678528  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@kash.rocheleau?xmt=AQGzqJ0VmM9aiV1xJgzF5r8wtys-bzPZG-2wrRE1Kse8dqs Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com

In this episode, Heidi interviews Jona Gudmunds, an award-winning entrepreneur and global coach who empowers women to thrive in their health, careers, and personal lives. Jona shares her journey from being a therapist to becoming a successful entrepreneur and coach, focusing on helping women navigate the challenges of menopause. She discusses the importance of self-awareness, sleep, nutrition, and exercise in managing menopause symptoms and maintaining overall health. Jona also emphasizes the need for more open conversations about menopause and the unique experiences of each woman. Tune in to learn how Jona is revolutionizing the way women approach menopause and empowering them to thrive in this new chapter of their lives.Jona Gudmunds, founder of Prolific-Coaching, is an award-winning entrepreneur and global coach with over 20 years of experience empowering women to thrive in their health, careers, and personal lives. Recognized with entrepreneurial honors for creating innovative programs that inspire transformation, Jona has a proven track record of helping women achieve sustainable, life-changing results.Jona’s coaching approach is uniquely holistic, combining behavioral neuroscience, practical personal training expertise, and decades of leadership in women’s health. Her ability to translate complex challenges into individualized, actionable plans has enabled women worldwide to overcome obstacles, reclaim their strength, and achieve goals they once thought unattainable. One of her most celebrated programs helped women not only regain energy and confidence but also rebuild their ability to handle stress, achieve work-life alignment, and thrive post-menopause.As a former therapist and director, Jona brings unmatched depth and versatility to her coaching. Her philosophy centers on helping women show up consistently for themselves—not just to manage life’s hurdles, but to thrive, build resilience, and step into their fullest potential.Through Prolific-Coaching, Jona continues to transform how women approach wellness and success, proving that with the right tools and support, thriving isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: https://www.prolific-coaching.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jona.rut.gudmundsdottir Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prolific__coaching/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jona-gudmunds-8a6451220/ Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersSpotlight to Scale: https://www.spotlighttoscale.com/blueprintLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/Ready to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com

In this episode, Heidi interviews Elizabeth Bieniek. Elizabeth shares her journey from a non-traditional background to becoming a tech expert and author of the Amazon bestseller "Cake on Tuesday." She offers insights on incorporating AI into business processes and how to make it work for you. Tune in to learn how Elizabeth's unique approach to innovation can help businesses grow and thrive.Elizabeth Bieniek is the author of the Amazon best new release, Cake on Tuesday: 25 Lessons To Unlock Corporate Innovation. As a founder and Fortune 100 innovation and engineering leadership veteran, her expertise lies in challenging assumptions, embracing diverse perspectives, and building empowered, resilient teams that last. Named among Toptal’s 10 most influential “Female Pioneers in Technology” Bieniek has spoken on bridging the gap between human connection and innovation at EmTech NEXT, Chatham House, ITEXPO, AWE, and the Global AI Community. The results and approach of her unique leadership style have been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg, Inc., International Business Times, Tech Times, and Women in Business. She currently speaks, writes, and consults from her home base in Austin, Texas.In this episode you will learn:the challenges of building resilient teamsthe importance of communication and empathy in leadershiphow to make technology and AI more accessible for entrepreneursTo connect with our guest, click on the links below:Website: www.elizabethbieniek.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethbieniek/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cakeontuesday/ X: https://x.com/CakeOnTuesday Consulting and Speaking Services: www.elizabethbieniek.com Recently Released Book: https://a.co/d/fFxaQdD Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidischalkcoachingFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/femaleentrepreneursandleadersReady to grow your biz: scalewithheidi.com