エピソード

  • How Whimsy & Self-Expression Build Stronger Brands | Danielle McWaters | Founder of Designsake Studio & Co-Founder of Sardine

    How Whimsy & Self-Expression Build Stronger Brands | Danielle McWaters | Founder of Designsake Studio & Co-Founder of Sardine
    2026/01/07
    Danielle McWaters is the creative force behind Designsake Studio and co-founder of Sardine Eyewear, building brands with intention, strategy, and joy. In this episode, she joins Kara to share how she’s creating meaningful, lasting brands while navigating the challenges of launching product-based businesses. They dive into brand positioning, strategy, customer experience, and how to grow sustainably without losing integrity. Danielle also explores personal evolution, reconnecting with your creativity, and embracing whimsy in life and work. If you’re building a brand, craving more creativity, or leading with purpose, this episode is packed with inspiration. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Danielle McWaters and Her Ventures 03:12 Career Path and the Launch of Designsake Studio 05:59 Transitioning to Eyewear: The Birth of Sardin 08:52 The Importance of Positioning in Branding 12:07 The Role of Strategy in Business Success 14:59 Navigating Brand Identity and Consumer Connection 18:01 The Challenge of Balancing Sales and Strategy 21:03 The Essence of Brand Purpose and Integrity 23:55 The Need for Whimsy and Individuality in Fashion 26:53 Embracing Change and Self-Expression 29:43 Reflecting on Childhood Imagination and Creativity 31:28 Embracing Whimsy and Authenticity in Style 33:13 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Identity 36:38 The Importance of Internal Validation 39:49 Choosing Agency and Direction in Life 41:34 Building a Purpose-Driven Business 47:01 Navigating Product Development and Sustainability 54:50 Rapid Fire Reflections and Personal Insights he Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    59 分
  • Punk Rock PR & Podcasting with Purpose | Kathryn Musilek | Founder, Shark Party Media

    Punk Rock PR & Podcasting with Purpose | Kathryn Musilek | Founder, Shark Party Media
    2025/12/31
    Kathryn Musilek is building a PR business that actually reflects her values—and gets real results for creatives. As the founder of Shark Party Media, Kathryn specializes in matching creatives with podcast guesting opportunities, carving out a much-needed niche in today’s crowded media landscape. In this episode, Kara Duffy and Kathryn unpack her journey from working in traditional PR (including with legends like Ringo Starr) to launching a values-driven agency where selectivity, alignment, and clear communication come first. They explore how PR and podcasting are rapidly changing, why building your business “selfishly” around who you are actually works, and what truly matters when making long-term business decisions. This conversation is a must-listen for creatives, founders, and anyone rethinking how visibility, media, and values intersect. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to The Powerful Ladies 00:18 Meet Kathryn Musilek: Founder of Shark Party Media 02:06 The Evolution of Shark Party Media 04:20 Navigating the PR Landscape 09:43 Building a Business Around Your Values 12:54 The Changing World of PR and Social Media 15:21 The Power of Optimism and Lead Time in PR 16:37 Finding the Right Clients and Projects 18:58 Trends and Insights in Podcasting 24:45 The Importance of Gratitude and Perspective 28:43 The Power of Imperfect Actions 29:24 The Neuroscience of Positive Affirmations 30:28 Leveraging Your Network for Success 32:01 The Importance of Clear Communication 40:11 The Role of AI in Modern Communication 50:44 Defining Powerful Ladies 53:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    57 分
  • Regulating Your Nervous System to Manifest Abundance | Stefanie Phan | Identity & Nervous System Coach

    Regulating Your Nervous System to Manifest Abundance | Stefanie Phan | Identity & Nervous System Coach
    2025/12/17
    Stefanie Phan helps women transform anxiety into grounded confidence and intentional manifestation. As an Identity and Nervous System Coach, she supports clients in regulating their bodies so they can create from a place of peace, clarity, and abundance. In this episode, Stefanie joins Kara to share her journey from the fashion industry into coaching, the pivotal moments that led her to change paths, and why self-regulation is the foundation of everything we want to build, become, and experience. Kara and Stefanie dive into why manifestation doesn’t work when it’s rooted in fear, how accepting where you are is often the most powerful first step forward, and what it really takes to make sustainable change, especially while navigating health challenges and major life transitions. If you’re ready to stop pushing, start regulating, and make 2026 your most aligned year yet, this episode is a must-listen. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Episode 01:16 Meet Stefanie Phan 03:21 Stefanie's Journey to Life Coaching 05:46 The Intersection of Fashion and Coaching 09:02 Manifestation and Nervous System Regulation 16:24 Powerful Ladies and Personal Growth 26:36 Cultural Perspectives and Personal Power 33:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    41 分
  • Designing With Intention | Brittny Button | Architectural Digest Featured Interior Designer & Founder of Button Atelier

    Designing With Intention | Brittny Button | Architectural Digest Featured Interior Designer & Founder of Button Atelier
    2025/12/10
    Many of us will reinvent ourselves throughout our lives, but Brittny Button has mastered reinvention with intention. As an in-demand Los Angeles interior and product designer, Brittny’s latest chapter follows careers as a model, primary parent, supportive spouse to a Formula 1 driver, real estate investor, and entrepreneur. In this episode, Kara and Brittny discuss why honoring the history of a space matters, the importance of protecting architectural diversity, and why pursuing your passion, no matter how accomplished you are, still requires courage. Brittny shares personal stories about navigating multiple careers, building a design practice rooted in integrity, and embracing vulnerability while stepping into her full creative power. This episode is perfect for aspiring designers, women in transition, and anyone drawn to intentional, meaningful living. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to the Powerful Ladies Podcast 00:34 Meet Brittny Button: A Multifaceted Career Journey 01:48 The Philosophy of Interior Design 03:00 The Importance of Preserving Architectural Diversity 04:44 Intentional Living and Design 07:14 Personal Reflections and Family Life 09:49 Brittny's Upbringing and Early Influences 12:11 Transitioning Careers and Finding Passion 13:33 Life with a Formula One Driver 18:47 Empowering Women and Building Confidence 21:29 Empowering Women to Shine 22:04 Financial Literacy and Generational Wealth 23:01 Pursuing Dreams Despite Setbacks 24:31 The Role of Coaches and Mentors 25:26 Motherhood and Entrepreneurship 28:53 Celebrating Success and Teamwork 30:06 Defining Powerful Ladies 34:25 Dream Clients and Historical Homes 39:49 Manifesting Dreams and Community Support 41:11 Conclusion and Farewell The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    45 分
  • Inside the Southern California Real Estate Market | Kathy Clark & Brenna Van Hoogenstyn | Founders of Harcourts Blue Water

    Inside the Southern California Real Estate Market | Kathy Clark & Brenna Van Hoogenstyn | Founders of Harcourts Blue Water
    2025/12/03
    In this episode of The Powerful Ladies Podcast, host Kara Duffy sits down with Kathy Clark and Brenna Van Hoogenstyn, the expert mother-daughter real estate team transforming how buyers and sellers navigate the Southern California real estate market. Kathy and Brenna share their real estate career journey, what it takes to succeed as top-performing realtors, and the skills required to thrive in a highly competitive—and often misunderstood—industry. Kara explores current Southern California housing market trends, common myths about becoming a realtor, and the personal and professional strategies that help this family team deliver exceptional client service. Whether you’re planning to buy a home, exploring real estate as a career, or want insider insights into today’s housing market, this episode is filled with valuable, actionable advice. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction to The Powerful Ladies Podcast 00:36 Meet the Real Estate Experts: Kathy Clark and Brenda Van Hoenstein 00:51 The Realities of the Real Estate Market 02:10 Starting in Real Estate: Kathy's Journey 05:16 Building a Long-Term Real Estate Business 07:39 The Importance of Relationships in Real Estate 14:22 Advice for First-Time Home Buyers in Southern California 19:24 Current Real Estate Market Trends and Predictions 26:28 The Future of Real Estate Development in Southern California 31:06 Exploring the Long Beach Market 31:58 Balancing Business and Personal Relationships 32:17 Communication and Therapy 33:35 Generational Differences and Personal Growth 38:11 Powerful Ladies and Inner Strength 39:46 Daily Habits and Self-Care 42:25 Entrepreneurial Challenges and Rewards 50:08 Reflections on Self-Employment 52:16 Final Thoughts and Community The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    59 分
  • Building a Successful Swimwear Brand | Johanna Davenport Calica | Founder & Creative Force Behind LaPorte Swim

    Building a Successful Swimwear Brand | Johanna Davenport Calica | Founder & Creative Force Behind LaPorte Swim
    2025/11/19
    Johanna Davenport Calica is redefining the swimwear industry. As the founder and CEO of LaPorte Swim, a fast-growing swimwear and resort wear brand, she shares her journey from intern to entrepreneur and how she built a successful fashion business from the ground up. In this episode, Kara and Johanna discuss how to launch and scale a swimwear brand, the importance of thoughtful design and body positivity, leveraging modern technology while maintaining human connection, and key strategies for growing a business in a competitive industry. You’ll hear Johanna’s insights on entrepreneurship, building a brand that resonates with customers, and how women founders can create impact while chasing their dreams. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, fashion business leaders, and anyone interested in swimwear, brand strategy, and female empowerment in business. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Powerful Ladies 00:28 Meet Johanna Davenport Calica 01:17 Johanna's Background and Journey 03:39 Challenges of Starting a Swimwear Brand 08:46 The Importance of Team and Support 13:37 Navigating the Fashion Industry 18:12 Embracing Technology and Authenticity 21:46 Sustainable and Thoughtful Growth 27:41 Virgil Abloh's Thoughtful Brand Strategy 28:52 Learning from Successful Brands 30:05 Balancing Marketing and Product Development 30:53 Data-Driven Decision Making 34:44 Personal Style and Fashion Trends 40:14 The Concept of Powerful Ladies 44:25 Self-Improvement and Leadership 50:04 Expanding the Business Globally 51:05 Connecting with the Brand The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    55 分
  • Preserving Family Legacies | Priya David Clemens | News Journalist & Founder of Keepsake Studios

    Preserving Family Legacies | Priya David Clemens | News Journalist & Founder of Keepsake Studios
    2025/11/12
    Priya David Clemens is a national news journalist, producer, and entrepreneur, and the founder of Keepsake Studios, a company dedicated to capturing and preserving family legacies. In this episode, she and Kara talk about the power of storytelling, the evolution of journalism, and what it means to choose family first while pursuing a demanding career. Priya shares her journey from anchoring at NBC and CBS to creating a business rooted in connection, ancestry, and legacy, and how uncovering our family stories can change how we see ourselves. This is a thoughtful conversation about purpose, identity, and the stories that make us who we are. Whether you’re passionate about storytelling, navigating a career transition, or curious about preserving your own family history, this episode is for you. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to The Powerful Ladies 00:22 Meet Priya David Clemens 01:01 Priya's Early Life and Career Beginnings 03:23 The Evolution of Journalism 08:12 Diversity in Journalism 09:54 Priya's Journey with NBC and CBS 16:21 The Importance of Family Stories 19:31 Keepsake Studios: Preserving Family Legacies 30:37 The Value of Family and Friendship 32:38 The Power of Connections 34:24 Leveraging Social Media for Networking 35:47 The Six Degrees of Separation 37:39 Personal Backstory and Influences 41:06 Empowering Women and Building Confidence 42:54 The Importance of Taking Action 48:53 Facing Challenges and Building Resilience 52:39 Celebrating Achievements and Supporting Each Other 56:53 Final Thoughts and How to Connect The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 時間 2 分
  • Empowering the Latino Community & Redefining Global Leadership | Claudia Romo Edelman | Social Entrepreneur, Activist & Founder of We Are All Human

    Empowering the Latino Community & Redefining Global Leadership | Claudia Romo Edelman | Social Entrepreneur, Activist & Founder of We Are All Human
    2025/11/05
    Claudia Romo Edelman is a trailblazing social entrepreneur, activist, and founder of We Are All Human, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the Latino community. A former United Nations official and UNICEF leader, Claudia has spent her career tackling global challenges while amplifying Hispanic voices worldwide. She’s the author of the Hispanic Star book series, co-host of the A La Latina podcast, and an expert in leveraging the power of the Latino community to drive brand and cultural transformation. In this episode, Kara and Claudia explore what it takes to turn vision into impact, the importance of representation and belonging, and how Latinos are shaping the future of business and culture. You’ll also hear about Claudia’s newest venture—a modern, ultra-premium Mexican luxury spirit called Sotol—that reflects her mission to elevate Latino excellence on the world stage. This conversation is a masterclass in leadership, action, and the art of building from purpose.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Claudia Romo Edelman01:32 Claudia's Current Endeavors and Concerns02:34 Challenges Facing the Latino Community05:49 The Hispanic Sentiment Study09:12 Claudia's Childhood and Activism13:41 The Power of Yes and Entrepreneurship14:07 Sotol: The Next Big Thing20:22 Social Entrepreneurship and Activism23:06 Challenging Stereotypes About Accents23:59 The Power of Multilingualism25:17 Reclaiming Latinidad26:47 The Role of Language in Mental Health27:42 Building Bridges of Tolerance29:59 Mobilizing Communities for Change34:29 Defining Powerful Ladies35:44 Influences and Personal Journeys41:06 Daily Routines and Staying Grounded43:37 Supporting Latino Initiatives45:01 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThe Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    49 分