It's time to embrace your power and influence, no longer worried about societal expectations.

Julie Castro Abrams is an expert in board governance, investing, and is an experienced CEO, movement builder, and leader. As the CEO of How Women Lead, a network of over 24,000 women, she is dedicated to breaking ceilings for women both individually and collectively. She is the Managing Partner of How Women Invest, the country’s largest venture fund focused exclusively on women founders, and is passionate about helping women rise to positions of power.

Julie shares the concept of the middle essence—when women in their 40s need to have an impact, be happy, and do meaningful work. Women own 52% of the wealth and have the financial power to drive significant change. However, there is a disparity between wealth control and decision-making, and most financial decisions are still made by men.

It is time to break cultural barriers, and women should advocate for each other, reinforce women's voices, make introductions to expand networks, and be unapologetically visible through podcasts, books, and their communities. Entrepreneurship is key for women to take control and create more inclusive systems because women-led businesses often have a pro-social focus, addressing issues like climate change, good working conditions, and local community support.

The challenge of investment women are facing can be fixed with the help of women-run venture funds that are growing and funding solutions for women's businesses. All this information and encouragement can be found in this episode and also in women's circles. So, finding a community that aligns with your values and needs—whether for business or social purposes—will be very helpful.

Ladies, embrace every stage of your life, speak up, and pursue your dreams unapologetically.

Show notes:
⚡ Julie quit her job as a CEO: she felt the urge to impact the world by activating women to make systemic changes. 03:32
💰 Women own 52% of the wealth today, which is why women need to come together. 07:41
👠 Women should do the opposite of what the culture says: be fierce advocates for one another. 08:58
💸 Women need to see where they are putting their money: 98.6% of all assets are still managed by men. 13:02
🌺 When you have a woman CEO and founder, the result for the workers is family and medical leave, equal pay, and better working conditions. 16:20
🔥 The data shows that women return 34% more for their investors than men, and they have lower revenue per dollar of funding. 21:11
🤑 The wealthiest people in the US invest in venture firms and private equity, and this is an alternative way to grow wealth. 23:39
🎯 It's all about stepping into your power: the happiness that comes from having an impact. 27:05
💻 On Julie's website, you can sign up for a free leadership journey and get a self-assessment tool. 29:43

Links:

Connect: linkedin.com/in/julie-castro-abrams

Website: howwomenlead.com
-Connect with Adrienne: www.sheleadsmedia.com

-Listen to podcasts for women by women on the She Leads Podcast Network: www.sheleadspodcasts.com

>> "I love ❤️ Adrienne and The She Leads™ Podcast!” If that thought crossed your mind at any time while listening to our special show, can I ask you to please take a moment and give our podcast some love? To do so, simply Rate, Review & Follow Us on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Taking this simple action helps my team and I to spread the word about all the incredible guests of The She Leads Podcast and contributes overall to helping women leaders and entrepreneurs everywhere! 🗺️ Also, if you haven’t done so already, please +follow the podcast so you never miss an episode. Thank you so much!! XO -Adrienne <<

Summary:

Sometimes, the path to clarity begins in the chaos—trust yourself to find the order that’s waiting to emerge.

We’ve all been navigating so much change recently, especially as women entrepreneurs. It’s clear that more than ever, we need to step up and help women-owned businesses break past barriers, especially when statistics are showing how many don’t even make it past the $100,000 mark.

Personally, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about how we approach challenges. As entrepreneurs, we face problems daily, but it’s in those moments of difficulty that we can find opportunities to take action, experiment, and evolve. In my own life right now, I’m sitting in a bit of chaos but I’ve learned over the years that out of this mess, order will emerge. Trusting the process is key.

I want to know—what’s your environment like right now? Is it organized or chaotic? And are there things you need to shift to adapt to the changes happening around us?

In this holiday season, I encourage you to connect with your loved ones, seek understanding, and be kind to those with different perspectives. Let’s grow together and make the most of this season.

Happy Thanksgiving to those celebrating in the U.S. And wherever you are, I’d love to hear what’s going on in your world.

Show notes:

💸 The majority of women-owned businesses are not passing the 100,000 mark.

👀 It is time for action and experimentation: what do you see in your environment? 06:17

😍 Women are leaning into their innate leadership capabilities: listening to intuition and heart. 09:32

🌺 What is changing around you: embracing changes and thinking about things that matter to you. 12:24

Links

- Connect with Adrienne: www.sheleadsmedia.com

- Listen to podcasts for women by women on the She Leads Podcast Network: www.sheleadspodcasts.com

- Email us at: hello@sheleadsmedia.com

Nicole Garrett, a certified hyperbaric technician (CHT), is the CEO of Under Pressure Hyperbarics and a recognized leader in hyperbaric medicine, with extensive experience in commercial diving, dive medicine, and hyperbaric therapy. She began her career at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), treating complex conditions like crush injuries, air gas embolisms, and diabetic wounds, and was part of a Department of Defense study on traumatic brain injuries. With over a decade of experience, Nicole has overseen the development of hospital-based hyperbaric centers nationwide and continues to consult and educate professionals globally.

Nicole shares how moving to California to train dolphins as a career choice led her to commercial diving and then to hyperbaric therapy. She discusses her journey into entrepreneurship and the challenges of starting a business, especially issues with income during the COVID pandemic. Hyperbaric treatments are amazing in treating carbon monoxide poisoning, diabetic wounds, radiation injuries, and even traumatic brain injuries. With dissolving oxygen into the body’s fluids, these treatments are stimulating stem cell release, and regenerating blood vessels has been a huge help for these and many more conditions.

We can say that hyperbaric provides miraculous healing but also provides anti-aging and cosmetic benefits through the stimulation of collagen on a cellular level and preventing aging on a DNA level. Brain fog and lack of energy can become a thing of the past with these therapies, and they even help with Alzheimer’s. For all with autoimmune issues like arthritis or any kind of pain or inflammation, this is a place to find relief.

After this conversation, we know why Nicole is so passionate about spreading the word about this therapy, bringing it to everyone through a franchise model, and changing the mindset about the power of our body to heal itself. Boosting our health with this revolutionary treatment is the groundbreaking future of medicine for fighting the effects of modern living.

Notes:
🏥 Nicole opened Under Pressure Hyperbarics: the first fully certified Medicare insurance facility that's not located in a hospital. 03:44
🐬 From training dolphins and commercial diving to entrepreneurship. 06:49
🧠 The mechanism of Hyperbarics: chamber gets the oxygen that you're breathing into all your body fluids. 10:50
👩‍⚕️ Treatment of infants and prevention of injuries. 14:35
🩻 It's used for cosmetic purposes: reversing aging on a DNA level, a special kind of anti-aging. 18:44
🎯 Nicole's goal is to franchise Hyperbarics so it can be accessible everywhere. 21:13
🫶 Your body decides what it needs to heal and prioritize: generally, the places with the most inflammation or acute injury. 24:29
😍 Hyperbarics also helps women with breast cancer reconstruction and mastectomies. 25:29
▶️ It usually starts with 10 treatments: how it works with autoimmune conditions. 28:33
🥅 Nicole's next challenges are opening another chamber and secure funding. 32:26

Links:

Connect with Nicole: www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-garrett-93a37426

Instagram: instagram.com/underpressurehyperbarics

Website: underpressure.com/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-beverly-hills
-Connect with Adrienne: www.sheleadsmedia.com

-Listen to podcasts for women by women on the She Leads Podcast Network: www.sheleadspodcasts.com

>> "I love ❤️ Adrienne and The She Leads™ Podcast!” If that thought crossed your mind at any time while listening to our special show, can I ask you to please take a moment and give our podcast some love? To do so, simply Rate, Review & Follow Us on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Taking this simple action helps my team and I to spread the word about all the incredible guests of The She Leads Podcast and contributes overall to helping women leaders and entrepreneurs everywhere! 🗺️ Also, if you haven’t done so already, please +follow the podcast so you never miss an episode. Thank you so much!! XO -Adrienne <<

Having a role as a woman entrepreneur is powerful and can truly make change.

Adrienne reflects on the recent U.S. election results and how the changing landscape could impact values, policies, and protections that matter deeply to so many of us. Now when mix of hope and concern is even more elevated, it is clear that women entrepreneurs should act more strongly in achieving economic power and creating positive change

Adrienne also takes us behind the scenes of the She Leads Live 10th Anniversary Conference—the highlights, heartfelt moments, and some real challenges of creating an in-person event. She Leads is dedicated to inspiring and empowering women entrepreneurs for years to come; let’s think innovatively and make a lasting difference beyond profit!

Show notes:

🗳️ Adrienne's thoughts about US elections and the effects of it. 2:03

🎤 Impressions from the She Leads Media conference. 4:29

😇 Business and entrepreneurship can help solve some of the world's stickiest problems: profit shouldn't always come first. 8:18

🎯 A focus of the She Leads Media conference is helping women who bring a unique and highly valuable perspective. 9:42

👩‍💼 Adrienne has spent her life solving problems and figuring things out in many areas. 12:20

⚠️ Conferences and events are so valuable; nothing compares to seeing someone face to face. 16:42

⭐ Everything that happens at the She Leads Media conference is magical; the only issue is the economic one. 18:02

💡 Adrienne has a very clear and definitive vision about the type of content and speakers she wants to bring on stage. 19:35

👠 Adrienne won't take her foot off the gas in helping women entrepreneurs achieve profitability and use that profit to help humanity. 22:01

Links:

-Connect with Adrienne: www.sheleadsmedia.com

-Listen to podcasts for women by women on the She Leads Podcast Network: www.sheleadspodcasts.com

>> "I love ❤️ Adrienne and The She Leads™ Podcast!” If that thought crossed your mind at any time while listening to our special show, can I ask you to please take a moment and give our podcast some love? To do so, simply Rate, Review & Follow Us on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Taking this simple action helps my team and I to spread the word about all the incredible guests of The She Leads Podcast and contributes overall to helping women leaders and entrepreneurs everywhere! 🗺️ Also, if you haven’t done so already, please +follow the podcast so you never miss an episode. Thank you so much!! XO -Adrienne <<

There is incredible power in amplifying women’s voices through speaking on stages and podcasts.

Quinn Conyers is a founder of Speaking to Society and she transforms average events into epic experiences. As a professional corporate event emcee as well as a compelling keynote speaker. She shares her journey of discovering her talent for public speaking in college to becoming a professional emcee, keynote speaker, and event strategist.

She explains that an emcee isn't just a speaker but an "event experience partner" who is responsible for managing the flow, handling unexpected challenges, and ensuring audience engagement from start to finish. For Quinn successful event marketing should go beyond demographics, connecting with attendees’ deeper motivations and challenges—what she calls their psychographics.

Quinn advises recognizing that emceeing and speaking require different skill sets and emphasizes the importance of identifying your specific strengths and energy levels for certain types of events, whether corporate conferences, multi-day engagements, or galas. She shares practical insights on how to sustain energy during long events and recommends that organizers collaborate with the right professionals to enhance the experience.

Get ready to spark and show your energy to others.

Show notes:
🎤 While taking public speaking in college, Quinn discovered that when she talked, people listened. 3:32
👧🏾 Quinn always had a voice even before she started speaking: she was sure about what she wanted and liked. 7:05
😷 During Covid, speaking took off for her as an emcee in Clubhouse. 9:29
🌟 It's just about doing your thing, and then what you're naturally gifted and talented will emerge. 14:22
🎯 Importance of starting your marketing and outreach earlier, and focusing on attendee experience. 16:42
🤓 Although Quinn calls herself an emcee, she is an event experience partner. 21:21
🤔 The difference between an emcee and a speaker. 26:04
🤩 As an emcee, it's best to take events in fields of your own background. 28:41
⚠️ It's about being proactive, and managing your energy: being an emcee is very demanding. 33:12

Links:

Connect with Quinn: linkedin.com/in/quinnconyers

Website: quinnconyers.com
-Connect with Adrienne: www.sheleadsmedia.com

-Listen to podcasts for women by women on the She Leads Podcast Network: www.sheleadspodcasts.com

>> "I love ❤️ Adrienne and The She Leads™ Podcast!” If that thought crossed your mind at any time while listening to our special show, can I ask you to please take a moment and give our podcast some love? To do so, simply Rate, Review & Follow Us on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Taking this simple action helps my team and I to spread the word about all the incredible guests of The She Leads Podcast and contributes overall to helping women leaders and entrepreneurs everywhere! 🗺️ Also, if you haven’t done so already, please +follow the podcast so you never miss an episode. Thank you so much!! XO -Adrienne <<

We have to build a bigger influence up, down, and across, in all of our relationships.

Cate Luzio, the founder and CEO of Luminary, a global professional education and networking platform addressing and impacting the systemic challenges faced by women throughout their professional journeys. Luminary now includes a 22,000 sq. ft. space in NYC and a virtual network.

The world still operates differently for boys and girls. Women are smart and capable but often don’t fully believe in their abilities. While women are breaking down barriers, many of these barriers are internal. Overcoming imposter syndrome requires an “action-oriented” approach, along with subtle shifts in language and mindset. Using “I deserve” rather than “I need” brings up the confidence and that is crucial for becoming a visible role model who inspires others. Our leadership sets the tone for collective growth and support—finding win-win relationships and moving away from competition with other women is key. Cate’s experience with Tiffany Dufu illustrates how competitive situations can turn into opportunities for mutual growth.

It is time to embrace your achievements unapologetically, and find a community where you get the support that you need and where you can also provide support for others.

Show notes:
👩‍💼 Cate was a panelist at She Leads Live 2018: she left a very successful career in finance to pursue her goal of creating greater impact. 04:33
👠 Luminary has a huge working space in New York and partners 40 women-led partners around the country and abroad. 7:06
🎯 The importance is in building confidence, becoming better self-advocates, influence, and relationship building 11:13
😇 Men have their insecurities but they don't say it outright: Cate don’t like the term imposter syndrome. 15:06
⚠️ Mindset shift: “When I get there,” not “If I get there”; “I deserve something” rather than “I need something.” 19:23
🔥 Am I competing with her: how can businesswomen turn from a competition into a collaboration? 25:06
🏆 “In life, you've got to make sure people know who you are, how good you are, and that you'll be a team player.” 30:00
▶️ Cate wants to keep expanding because the power of the impact is driving her every day. 33:05
🤓 A diverse board and a diverse leadership team, creates allies and foster inclusivity. 36:18

Links

LI: linkedin.com/in/cluzio

IG instagram.com/CateLuzio

Website: weareluminary.com

-Connect with Adrienne: www.sheleadsmedia.com

-Listen to podcasts for women by women on the She Leads Podcast Network: www.sheleadspodcasts.com

>> "I love ❤️ Adrienne and The She Leads™ Podcast!” If that thought crossed your mind at any time while listening to our special show, can I ask you to please take a moment and give our podcast some love? To do so, simply Rate, Review & Follow Us on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Taking this simple action helps my team and I to spread the word about all the incredible guests of The She Leads Podcast and contributes overall to helping women leaders and entrepreneurs everywhere! 🗺️ Also, if you haven’t done so already, please +follow the podcast so you never miss an episode. Thank you so much!! XO -Adrienne <<

You don't have to be a certain brand of woman in order to deliver your message.

Mona is the founder of Couture for Cause, a nonprofit organization using fashion to fundraise and raise awareness for girls’ education and empowerment worldwide. She shares her journey from childhood in India to the recent Met Gala, where she turned heads in a stunning Iris van Herpen dress. With a blend of humor and vulnerability, she reflects on her struggles with identity, a tomboy image, and searching for her authentic self.

Mona has a strong entrepreneurial mind and a love for freedom mixed with a love for fashion She talks specifically of creativity and aesthetics, which she refers to as "aesthetic intelligence” which she used at Met Gala to showcase her nonprofit work. Multiple businesses she built taught her lessons about flexibility, learning skills, and the power of real estate.

Mona knows the power of connection and community along with the extensive education she got helped her to get out of the social pressures women face, especially in India, thanks to her parents’ open-mindedness which was the key to her empowerment. She had a desire to turn a "guilty pleasure" of fashion into something meaningful. Through her organization, she combines her passion for couture with efforts to support grassroots initiatives in India, particularly for young women and girls affected by sex trafficking and other challenges. Mona’s life was marked with resilience, seeking freedom, and breaking the norms in business and life but her mom taught her to balance between ambition and humility and that lesson has been a significant part of her growth.

Show notes:
👗 Mona made a splash at the Met Gala in a beautiful Iris van Herpen dress. 02:33
👧🏽 Mona's story as a child in India: her father's influence and help were significant. 08:12
👠 Only as an adult did she realize she didn't have to pretend to be a tomboy to be an empowered woman. 13:47
🏰 Her parents have been her fortress: they were very open-minded. 17:02
🦅 In the US, she truly felt freedom: she wanted to be known for who she was. 21:32
👩🏽‍💼 Mona's journey started with getting a broker's license in Florida in 2004. 24:36
🎯 She had an entrepreneurial mindset: "You control your destiny by not working for someone." 25:44
🏆 The first step to having a successful mindset is being the highest version of yourself. 27:55
🔥 Her mother's lesson: "Don't let the things that you own—own you." 34:05
😍 Mona and her husband have highly complementary skill sets: their partnership led them from one business to another. 38:51
😇 Couture for a Cause: that's a form of art. 43:09
🍀 She wanted to start initiatives that help women leave a legacy or impact. 46:27
🤩 During Covid, Mona had a reflective moment: "How can I serve the world?" 49:35
🌻 Perfectionism and high standards used to make her procrastinate, but now she has grown beyond that. 55:30

Links
Mona's website: hautemona.com

Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hautemona/

Connect with Adrienne: www.sheleadsmedia.com

Listen to podcasts for women by women on the She Leads Podcast Network: www.sheleadspodcasts.com

>> "I love ❤️ Adrienne and The She Leads™ Podcast!” If that thought crossed your mind at any time while listening to our special show, can I ask you to please take a moment and give our podcast some love? To do so, simply Rate, Review & Follow Us on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Taking this simple action helps my team and I to spread the word about all the incredible guests of The She Leads Podcast and contributes overall to helping women leaders and entrepreneurs everywhere! 🗺️ Also, if you haven’t done so already, please +follow the podcast so you never miss an episode. Thank you so much!! XO -Adrienne <<

When you start living in alignment with your design, everything feels lighter—opportunities come more naturally, and there's no longer a need to push or force things.

Mel McSherry is a CEO, author, podcaster, business and life coach who helps overwhelmed entrepreneurs align their lives and businesses by integrating human design with traditional business development. Mel predominantly works with women business owners who are exhausted and overwhelmed by combining spiritual gifts, as well as their 14+ years of business-building experience.

Women entrepreneurs are disadvantaged when trying to mold themselves into systems designed for men. Mel shares how Human Design provides a way to design businesses that align with women’s natural strengths and energy patterns. Human Design can lead to more authentic business strategies and healthier work-life balance which are needed for women to thrive. Even though there are five overarching types, as Mel explains, nothing is a cookie-cutter solution because Human Design reflects deeper, unchanging truths and explains why certain behaviors don’t work for everyone.

Mel shares that from 2027 we will be witnessing a huge change in the energetic shift from hierarchical systems to more fluid ones, based on communities. Mel advocates for authenticity and finding your own purpose while leveraging Human Design as a compass for success.

Success isn't just about what you achieve—it’s about how authentically you’re living while you do it.

Show Notes:
🤸🏻‍♀️ Mel started in the fitness industry back in 2010; becoming a certified personal trainer. 4:11
🤓 The importance of prioritizing time and energy management is what drew people to Mel. 8:03
⏰ Mel’s mental and emotional profitability was slowly but surely losing itself: then Human Design arrived. 11:21
🎯 In business, we are very familiar with our why, but we are less confident in our how. 14:13
😇 Human design is the science of differentiation: it shows you who you are, energetically. 18:25
5️⃣ The five types of Human Design: there is no quick fix. 20:12
🍄 Toxic positivity one-liners don't apply to most of us: Human design is the iceberg underneath this. 25:54
🧠 Only 7% of the population is meant to initiate: how we should spend our time. 31:16
🌺 What are my most profitable practices, to continue to be myself and to create in my own way? 36:01

Connect: www.linkedin.com/in/melmcsherry

Web: www.melmcsherry.com/home

She Profits book: https://tinyurl.com/ynnp5jp4

-Connect with Adrienne: www.sheleadsmedia.com

-Listen to podcasts for women by women on the She Leads Podcast Network: www.sheleadspodcasts.com

-🎟️ She Leads LIVE is on October 18 & 19th - Get your tickets NOW! https://bit.ly/SheLeadsLIVE2024

>> "I love ❤️ Adrienne and The She Leads™ Podcast!” If that thought crossed your mind at any time while listening to our special show, can I ask you to please take a moment and give our podcast some love? To do so, simply Rate, Review & Follow Us on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Taking this simple action helps my team and I to spread the word about all the incredible guests of The She Leads Podcast and contributes overall to helping women leaders and entrepreneurs everywhere! 🗺️ Also, if you haven’t done so already, please +follow the podcast so you never miss an episode. Thank you so much!! XO -Adrienne <<