Episode Description:

Welcome to the #WisdomOfWomen Show where we amplify the wisdom and insights of trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts, helping visionary women founders build high-impact, high-growth enterprises.

In today's episode, Coco Sellman sits down with the exceptional Danielle Laurent, a pioneer in strategic HR solutions for startups and tech firms. With over two decades of experience, Danielle brings invaluable insights into building thriving cultures and enhancing organizational effectiveness through data-driven HR analytics. Join us as we explore how strategic HR management can significantly impact your business's growth and prosperity.

What You'll Discover:

In this episode, you'll discover actionable strategies and insights to:

• Enhance your organization's effectiveness.
• Implement strategic HR solutions that address real business needs.
• Foster a culture that attracts and retains top talent.

Guest Introduction:

Danielle Laurent, CEO of Founders HR Lab, specializes in transforming startups and tech firms through strategic HR solutions. With extensive experience in talent acquisitions, benefit frameworks, and integrating HR analytics, Danielle is the go-to expert for founders aiming to leverage human resources to fuel business growth.

Chapters:

00:07 Amplifying Women's Voices in Business

04:26 Empowering Founders Through HR Solutions

06:18 Navigating HR Challenges in Startups

14:55 Creating Effective Career Pathing Systems

16:34 Transforming Company Culture

21:45 Reflection and Celebration of Progress

Takeaways:

• The importance of leveraging HR analytics and technology to drive employee performance and growth cannot be overlooked.
• Creating a culture of transparency and accountability is essential for employee engagement and retention.
• Founders should prioritize building effective HR systems to scale their businesses sustainably.
• Women empowering other women is crucial for fostering growth and sharing valuable insights.
• Recognizing and celebrating employee contributions is key to building a positive workplace culture.
• Having a clear vision and the ability to communicate it effectively can empower teams.

BURNING QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

1.What are fractional CHRO services and how can they transform your startup?

• Understanding the benefits of fractional leadership roles in HR.
• Comparing fractional CHRO services to traditional HR roles.

2.How can effective HR practices drive employee satisfaction and retention?

• The importance of off-boarding and compliance with state regulations.
• Utilizing data analytics to tailor HR strategies to employee needs.

3.What role does company culture play in talent retention and business growth?

• Strategies for building a positive company culture.
• The significance of career pathing and employee recognition in fostering a supportive environment.

4.How can strategic HR management impact your business's bottom line?

• The relationship between HR practices and organizational growth.
• Ensuring compliance and effective management through strategic HR solutions.

Favorite Quotes:

"People are our most important asset, and strategic HR is about maximizing that investment." - Danielle Laurent

"Empower your business with HR strategies that not only meet compliance but drive growth." - Coco Sellman

"Creating a culture where employees thrive is not just about the perks; it's about feeling valued and seeing a future." - Danielle Laurent

Closing Thoughts:

Today's conversation...

Episode Description:

In today's episode of #WisdomOfWomen, Coco Sellman sits down with Melissa Wallace, the pioneering entrepreneur behind Fierce Foundry.

What You'll Gain By Listening In:

Melissa, with over 25 years in consumer, B2B, D2C, and creative agency sectors, shares invaluable insights on bridging the funding gap for women founders through a unique venture studio model. Listeners will gain practical advice and strategic insights on navigating the complex landscape of entrepreneurship and investment.

Takeaways:

• Fierce Foundry aims to empower women entrepreneurs by addressing the funding gap they face in business.
• Melissa Wallace emphasizes the importance of combining capital investment with expert services for startup success.
• The studio model provides a supportive ecosystem, increasing the chances of success for women-led startups.
• Building a successful venture requires understanding the customer and tailoring products to their needs.
• Melissa recommends Carrie Kirpin's book 'Work It' as a significant source of inspiration for aspiring female entrepreneurs.
• The stages of development for startups at Fierce Foundry include ideation, product marketing, fundraising, and growth.

Chapters:

00:08 Amplifying Women's Voices in Business

04:55 Fierce Foundry: Empowering Women Founders

13:24 Focusing on Femtech: A New Era for Female Founders

19:39 Stages of Growth in Femtech

26:05 Understanding Customer Engagement

29:59 The Importance of Founding Teams in Startups

37:51 Transforming Fear into Excitement

BURNING QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

1.How does Fierce Foundry differentiate itself from traditional venture accelerators?

• Introduction to Fierce Foundry’s unique venture studio model.
• The comprehensive support system offered from ideation to growth.

2.What inspired the creation of Fierce Foundry?

• Melissa’s journey from marketing expert to empowering female entrepreneurs.
• The vision behind focusing on Femtech and supporting women-led startups.

3.What types of ventures or companies does Fierce Foundry invest in or partner with?

• Focus on innovative products like AI tools for dementia care and investment tools for women.
• The strategic importance of Femtech and the potential for high-impact returns.

4.How does Fierce Foundry support founders through different stages of their business?

• Detailed breakdown of the four stages of founder development: Ideation, Marketing, Fundraising, and Growth.
• The role of customer engagement and avoiding common pitfalls.

FAVORITE QUOTES:

• Melissa Wallace: "Turning fear into excitement transforms the entrepreneurial journey into a thrilling adventure."
• Coco Sellman: "Empowering women in business isn’t just about funding; it’s about structuring success from the ground up."

CLOSING THOUGHTS:

This episode of #WisdomOfWomen not only highlights the innovative approaches of Fierce Foundry but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for women entrepreneurs seeking to make significant impacts in their fields. Melissa Wallace’s expertise and the supportive ecosystem of Fierce Foundry provide a roadmap for success that many women founders will find invaluable.

OFFERS & CONTACT INFORMATION:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissahudsonwallace/

LinkedIn – Business:

Episode Description:

In this enlightening episode, Coco Sellman interviews Kathy Parry, a certified speaking professional known for energizing teams and fostering resilience and productivity.

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN BY LISTENTING IN:

With a career that began in bank training and evolved through personal trials, Kathy shares her expertise in navigating change and building supportive work environments, especially in healthcare. Her latest book, "Joy Jolt," aligns perfectly with her mission to empower leaders and invigorate teams in women-led enterprises.

CHAPTERS:

04:51 The Journey of Resilience

20:19 Finding Purpose Amidst Challenges

20:19 Understanding Purpose, Joy, and Connection in Leadership

33:22 The Importance of Accountability in Leadership

41:54 Embracing Growth Through Leadership

TAKEAWAYS:

• Kathy Perry emphasizes the importance of resilience during difficult times, encouraging women to embrace their challenges.
• The conversation highlights the significance of purpose, gratitude, and joy in fostering a positive workplace culture.
• Kathy's personal journey as a caregiver shaped her mission to empower others through resilience and trust.
• Coco Selman and Kathy Perry discuss how leaders can effectively communicate during times of disruption.
• The episode explores how transparency and acknowledgment of challenges can build trust within teams.
• Kathy Perry shares her three-step approach: React, Reframe, and Re-energize to enhance team dynamics.

BURNING QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

1.How can leaders foster resilience in high-stress environments?

• Kathy introduces her "rubber band resilience" model, providing steps to navigate and overcome workplace challenges.
• Insights into how emotional acknowledgment and creative reframing can re-energize leaders and their teams.

2.What role does purpose play in combating workforce burnout?

• Exploration of strategies that leaders can adopt to reconnect teams with their core purpose.
• Kathy shares personal anecdotes that illustrate the power of purpose in maintaining energy and focus during crises.

3.How can trust and effective communication transform team dynamics?

• Discussion on the importance of transparency and timely communication in building and maintaining trust.
• Practical advice for leaders on fostering a culture of accountability and inclusivity.

4.What are the keys to developing and supporting women leaders in business?

• Kathy shares her journey and the critical experiences that shaped her approach to leadership and resilience.
• Effective methods for women leaders to develop skills and inspire their teams through personal and professional growth initiatives.

FAVORITE QUOTES:

• Kathy Parry: "If it's stretching you, it's teaching you. Embrace the stretch to unleash your potential."
• Coco Sellman: "The power of resilience is not just in surviving but in thriving through adversity."

CLOSING THOUGHTS:

Kathy Parry’s insights offer invaluable lessons on resilience, purpose, and leadership for any visionary woman founder aiming to lead a high-impact, high-growth enterprise. Her strategies for building resilient teams and fostering a joyful, purpose-driven workplace are more than just inspirational—they are essential tools for any leader looking to make a profound impact in today’s challenging business environment.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on how they can apply these principles within their own teams and organizations to foster environments where trust, communication, and...

In this sizzling episode of the #WisdomOfWomen Show, visionary women founders will discover innovative strategies for integrating Artificial Intelligence into their high-growth enterprises. Our host, Coco Sellman, engages in a profound dialogue with Jenny Kay Pollock, a trailblazer in the AI industry and a committed advocate for diversity in tech.

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN BY LISTENTING IN:

As co-founder of Women and AI, Jenny brings her extensive experience in driving growth and fostering inclusion in Silicon Valley. Listen to uncover actionable insights that can transform your business and enhance your leadership in the tech-driven market.

GUEST SPOTLIGHT:

Jenny Kay Pollock stands out as a Silicon Valley leader renowned for her significant contributions to diversity and women's representation in artificial intelligence. With over a decade of experience, she has pioneered strategies that amplify mobile app productivity and reduce global churn. As the co-founder of Women and AI, Jenny's dedication to creating opportunities for women in technology makes her a perfect guest for our audience of high-impact women founders.

Takeaways:

• Women are leading the way in tech and AI, emphasizing the need for diverse voices in leadership.
• Jenny K. Pollock highlights the importance of AI in democratizing access to resources and opportunities.
• Engaging with users through feedback is crucial for product development and monetization strategies.
• The collaboration between humans and AI can enhance creativity and productivity in business.
• Addressing biases in hiring through AI tools can lead to a more diverse workforce.
• The rapid evolution of AI technology requires constant learning and adaptation to new tools.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Wisdom of Women

04:06 The Influence of AI and Recommended Reading

07:32 The Journey to Y Combinator

15:17 Leveraging AI in Business

19:20 Leveraging AI to Overcome Bottlenecks

24:10 Innovations in AI: Addressing Bias and Enhancing Access

31:01 Innovative Approaches to AI in Education and Sales

39:20 Listening to Users: The Key to Monetization

45:25 Empowering Women in AI and Business

BURNING QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

1.How can AI enhance leadership and creativity in business?

• Discover tools that boost emotional intelligence and productivity.
• Learn about Jenny's approach to integrating AI with creative processes.

2.What strategies help bridge the gender gap in tech and AI?

• Insights into Jenny’s advocacy for diversity at tech conferences.
• Tips on connecting event organizers with influential female speakers.

3.Which AI tools are revolutionizing the startup ecosystem?

• Explore AI applications that Jenny finds invaluable for entrepreneurs.
• Discussion on AI’s role in reducing hiring biases and enhancing personalization in services.

4.How can founders leverage community and AI to scale businesses?

• Jenny shares the importance of community-driven growth.
• Learn about the potential of AI in networking and building engagement.

5.What book recommendations does Jenny have for aspiring AI enthusiasts?

• Jenny discusses influential literature that can inspire and educate founders.
• An introduction to "The Worlds I See" by Dr. Fei-Fei Li, a blend of memoir and technical insight.

FAVORITE QUOTES:

“Let AI handle the mundane so you can handle the extraordinary." – Jenny Kay Pollock

"Amplify women's voices in AI and business to transform industries." – Coco Sellman

"Diversity isn’t just a metric; it’s an accelerator for innovation."...

In this captivating episode of the Wisdom of Women Show, host Coco Sellman sits down with Siham Lahmine, the visionary founder of Morocco Travel Organizer. Siham shares her journey from passionate traveler to trailblazing entrepreneur in Morocco’s tourism industry, where she has redefined luxury travel with deeply personalized and culturally immersive experiences.

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN BY LISTENTING IN:

You will gain invaluable insights on creating unique customer experiences, the power of word-of-mouth marketing, and strategies for building a business with authenticity and resilience. Siham’s inspiring story is a masterclass in staying true to your values while navigating challenges with grace and determination.

Takeaways:

• Siham Lamini emphasizes the importance of immersing travelers in local culture beyond mere sightseeing.
• Creating a successful travel business requires deep understanding of customer needs and desires.
• Safety and comfort are paramount, especially for women traveling in foreign countries.
• Transformative travel experiences can significantly enhance personal growth and cultural appreciation.
• Building a strong community and support network is essential for women entrepreneurs.
• Panic can hinder problem-solving; taking a break allows for clearer thinking and solutions.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to the Wisdom of Women

04:50 - Inception of Morocco Travel Organizer: A Personal Journey

13:26 - Transformative Travel Experiences in Morocco

18:06 - Understanding the Audience: Tailoring Travel Experiences

22:21 - The Power of Word of Mouth in Business Growth

28:09 - Building Community in Business

35:11 - Overcoming Challenges in Business

37:42 - Connecting with Guidance and Support

BURNING QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

1. How do you craft travel itineraries that create authentic and transformative experiences?

Learn how Siham designs bespoke journeys based on travelers’ unique desires and preferences, from farm-to-table experiences near Fes to visiting living caves with locals.

Discover why listening to customers is the key to creating experiences that leave lasting emotional impressions.

2. What are the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Morocco’s tourism industry?

Siham shares the systemic barriers she overcame, including securing a business license with the help of a supportive female accountant.

Gain perspective on how to leverage community support and relationships to navigate entrepreneurial hurdles.

3. How can women entrepreneurs grow their businesses authentically and sustainably?

Explore Siham’s strategy of prioritizing word-of-mouth referrals over traditional advertising to build a solid foundation for her business.

Learn how setting intentional growth goals can help entrepreneurs maintain their vision and values.

4. What lessons can women founders learn about overcoming challenges?

Siham emphasizes the importance of staying calm under pressure, seeking support from unexpected places, and taking proactive steps to solve problems.

Hear practical advice on recharging and finding creative solutions through community and reflection.

FAVORITE QUOTES:

“We travel to share stories. When we truly experience a culture, those stories stay with us forever.” – Siham Lahmine

“Challenges are just steps to overcome. Don’t let panic define your journey.” – Siham Lahmine

“The energy you bring to your work matters. Authentic connections create transformative experiences that templates or AI can never replace.” – Coco Sellman

“Women entrepreneurs...

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the #WisdomOfWomen Show! This week, host Coco Sellman, a 5x founder, impact investor, and creator of the Force for Good System™, sits down with Eisha Armstrong, Executive Chairman and Co-founder of Vecteris, and a three-time author. Eisha is a trailblazer in productization strategies for professional services and shares her vast experience and actionable insights to help women founders create scalable, impactful businesses. This conversation is packed with wisdom for women founders looking to achieve exponential growth and reclaim their time and energy.

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN BY LISTENTING IN:

In this episode, you will learn how to:

◾Transform your service-based business by embracing productization to scale effectively.

◾Identify and overcome common pitfalls in product development and commercialization.

◾Leverage technology and AI as tools for efficiency, quality, and new opportunities.

◾Take the leap and navigate risks with confidence as a woman entrepreneur.

GUEST SPOTLIGHT: Eisha Armstrong

Eisha Armstrong is an accomplished author and Executive Chairman of Vecteris, a company dedicated to helping professional services firms scale through productization. With over 25 years of experience in product management and leadership, Eisha has authored three books:

Fearless: How to Transform a Service Culture and Successfully Productize.

Productize: The Ultimate Guide to Turning Professional Services into Scalable Solutions.

Commercialize: How to Monetize, Market, and Sell Productized Offerings in Professional Services.

Eisha holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, a BA from the University of Kansas, and is a certified yoga teacher and budding mountaineer. Her latest book, Commercialize, hit shelves in October 2024.

Chapters

00:14 Empowering Women in Business

06:54 The Journey of Vectorist: Aisha Armstrong's Entrepreneurial Path

10:24 The Shift Towards Productization in Services

21:00 Co-Creation in Product Development

26:49 The Impact of AI on Business Transformation

31:35 Embracing Change and New Beginnings

36:23 Embracing New Opportunities in Business

Takeaways

◾The Wisdom of Women Show emphasizes the importance of women leaders in driving impactful business growth.

◾Aisha Armstrong's journey highlights the need for service companies to productize their offerings for scalability.

◾Understanding the difference between marketing standardized products versus bespoke services is crucial for success.

◾Feedback and customer involvement in product development can greatly enhance the chances of success.

◾Women entrepreneurs should take calculated risks, understanding that most failures can lead to valuable lessons.

◾AI offers numerous opportunities for organizations to improve efficiency and create new growth avenues.

BURNING QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

1. Why should you productize your service-based business?

Learn why productization is a key strategy for scaling your business and creating lasting value. Discover how productization enhances efficiency, scalability, and profitability.

2.How do you overcome common pitfalls in productization?

Explore Eisha’s "Seven Deadly Sins of Productization" and how to avoid them. Understand why validating your ideas with market feedback is crucial.

3. What’s the role of AI in productization and business growth?

Discover how AI is reshaping professional services by increasing efficiency and unlocking new opportunities. Get inspired to view AI not just as a tool for automation, but as an engine for growth and innovation.

4. What are the key differences in marketing productized services versus traditional services? Learn why messaging and lead volume are critical for productized offerings. Hear how technology...

In this episode of the #WisdomOfWomen Show, host Coco Sellman sits down with Joette Trinh, a highly respected attorney specializing in real estate and small business law. Joette shares her inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming a trailblazer in empowering women to achieve financial success through real estate investing. With over a decade of experience, Joette offers visionary women founders invaluable insights into creative financing, building wealth, and creating lasting prosperity.

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN BY LISTENTING IN:

Listeners will walk away with practical strategies to enter the world of real estate investing, even with limited resources, and a renewed sense of possibility for creating legacy-changing opportunities.

Chapters

00:08 The Emerging Model of Leadership

04:06 Joette's Journey into Real Estate

07:30 The Shift to Law School

13:52 Exploring Creative Financing Strategies

19:32 Getting Started in Real Estate Investment

27:24 Exploring Affordable Housing Solutions

32:04 Empowering Women Through Real Estate

Takeaways

◾ Joette Trinh emphasizes the importance of real estate in achieving financial independence and creating wealth.

◾ Women should leverage creative financing strategies to invest in real estate without significant upfront costs.

◾ Real estate has historically been a pathway to wealth creation, especially for women entrepreneurs.

◾ Building a supportive community of female investors can help women navigate the real estate market more effectively.

◾ Joette's personal journey highlights the power of determination and grit in overcoming financial obstacles.

◾ Educating oneself about real estate from reputable sources is crucial for successful investing.

BURNING QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

1. How to Get Started in Real Estate Investing Without Breaking the Bank

Discover Joette’s personal journey of turning student loans into a real estate empire.

Learn actionable steps to begin investing with minimal upfront capital.

2. What Are Creative Financing Strategies and How Can They Transform Your Approach to Real Estate?

Understand innovative methods like rent-to-own, seller financing, and novation to overcome financial barriers.

Learn how these strategies work and why they’re a game-changer for women looking to invest.

3. Why Finding the Right Experts is Crucial in Real Estate Transactions

Hear why working with specialized attorneys is essential for navigating creative financing.

Gain tips on identifying reputable resources and associations for education and support.

4. How to Turn Challenges into Opportunities

Learn from Joette’s grit and determination as she shares her experience of building success from adversity.

Hear how she leveraged a “no excuses” mindset to create opportunities for herself and others.

5. What Role Does Real Estate Play in Building Generational Wealth?

Explore how real estate has historically created more millionaires than any other industry.

Understand why women must include real estate in their financial strategy for lasting prosperity.

6. How to Make an Impact Through Real Estate

Discover Joette’s innovative work in converting motels into affordable housing solutions.

Learn how real estate investing can align with your values and create social impact.

FAVORITE QUOTES:

“Real estate has made more millionaires than any other strategy or industry historically. Don’t leave real estate out of your plan.” — Joette Trinh

“I knew that if I was going to do anything with my life, it was going to be because I earned my way there.” — Joette Trinh

“Creative financing...

In this episode of the #WisdomOfWomen Show, host Coco Sellman, a 5x founder and impact investor, interviews Jessica Milanes, Founder & CEO of Smart Podcast Solutions. Jessica shares her journey from finance to founding a full-service podcasting agency, helping women amplify their voices and establish influential personal brands. Jessica’s unique approach combines her project management expertise with a mission-driven focus Jessica Milanes has transformed her career in finance into a mission of empowerment through podcasting. As a former VP at Luther Burbank Savings, she drove impressive operational efficiencies, including reducing loan processing times by over 50% and boosting productivity by 200%. Now, through Smart Podcast Solutions, Jessica offers end-to-end podcast services for female founders, supporting them in building impactful brands and reaching a global audience. Her story is one of resilience, innovation, and passion for empowering women on storytelling.

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN BY LISTENTING IN:

Listeners will gain actionable strategies for leveraging podcasts as a tool for business growth, amplifying women's voices in leadership, and creating community-focused content.

GUEST SPOTLIGHT – JESSICA MILANES:

Jessica Milanes has transformed her career in finance into a mission of empowerment through podcasting. As a former VP at Luther Burbank Savings, she drove impressive operational efficiencies, including reducing loan processing times by over 50% and boosting productivity by 200%. Now, through Smart Podcast Solutions, Jessica offers end-to-end podcast services for female founders, supporting them in building impactful brands and reaching a global audience. Her story is one of resilience, innovation, and passion for empowering women.

Chapters

00:14 The Wisdom of Women in Business

06:18 Finding Joy in Grief

09:32 The Journey into Podcasting

16:43 Strategies for Effective Podcast Marketing

23:46 Empowering Women Through Podcasting

29:05 Launching a Podcast: Strategies for Success

36:36 Expanding the Audience: A Journey of Self-Discovery

42:50 Transitioning to New Beginnings

45:00 Transitioning to New Opportunities

Takeaways

• The Wisdom of Women Show emphasizes the importance of amplifying women's voices in business.
• Jessica Milanis transitioned from a VP role to founding a podcast agency for women.
• Effective podcasting requires understanding what value it brings to both hosts and listeners.
• Women in leadership roles contribute significantly to innovation and business success globally.
• Collaboration and community are essential for women entrepreneurs to elevate their presence.
• Podcast listeners are always seeking new content, making promotional swaps highly effective.

BURNING QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

1.How can your past experiences fuel your success in podcasting?

Discover how Jessica applied her project management skills to podcasting, creating a streamlined and impactful approach.

Learn why leveraging past achievements can build a powerful brand narrative that resonates with audiences.

2.What are the essential strategies for growing your podcast audience?

Explore Jessica’s “effort-based” and “organic” podcast marketing methods to attract and retain listeners.

Get tips on using keywords, show descriptions, and podcast ads to enhance discoverability.

3.How can you amplify women’s voices through podcasting?

Jessica explains the significance of women’s perspectives in leadership and how podcasts can become platforms for powerful narratives.

Coco and Jessica discuss the importance of community and collaboration in promoting female voices.

4.What are the best ways to promote your podcast for maximum reach?

Learn about cross-promotion...