This episode features a profound discussion centered on the transformative power of heart-led leadership as exemplified by our esteemed guest, Lori Igleski. With her extensive background in financial services and as the founder of Heart Led Ventures, Lori articulates the significance of fostering a compassionate and empathetic organizational culture during periods of change and disruption.

Throughout our conversation, she emphasizes the necessity of aligning personal values with professional endeavors, advocating for the next generation of diverse leaders, and the critical role of building trust within teams and communities.

Moreover, Lori shares invaluable insights regarding the implementation of effective change management strategies, particularly in navigating the complexities of mergers and acquisitions.

We invite you to join us as we delve into the inspiring wisdom and experiences that can guide women in business towards creating authentic, impactful transformations in their organizations and beyond.

Our Guest This Week:

Today we have a WISDOM-WEILDING WARRIOR in our midst!

Lori Igleski is a transformational leader, board director, strategic advisor, and the founder of Heart-Led Ventures LLC, where she empowers organizations to lead authentic, enduring change. After a decades-long career in financial services, including leadership roles at JP Morgan Chase, MB Financial, and Fifth Third Bank, Lori formed her firm to pass forward the wealth of wisdom she gained through over 35 large-scale M&A integrations, reorganizations, and transformations.

Known for blending operational rigor with heart-centered leadership, Lori has championed the client and employee experience even through the most complex changes impacting hundreds of thousands of people. Today, she serves as a board director for SmartBiz, a limited partner at How Women Invest, and an executive advisory board member of How Women Lead. Lori is a fierce advocate for the next generation of diverse leaders and a guiding force for transformational change grounded in authenticity, logic, and empathy.

Takeaways:

• The episode emphasizes the importance of celebrating the brilliance and resilience of women in business, fostering a supportive community.
• Lori advocates for heart-led leadership, blending operational rigor with empathy to navigate complex changes.
• The episode explores the significance of personal values in evaluating opportunities and making courageous decisions in professional journeys.
• Listeners are encouraged to create a personal board of directors to support their growth, emphasizing the importance of self-care and community in leadership.

Chapters:

04:36 Moments of Transformation: Defining Experiences in Leadership

17:30 Navigating Change: The Emotional Landscape

24:37 Heart-Led Leadership in Organizational Change

35:09 Navigating Growth and Self-Care as a Founder

39:22 Building a Legacy: Uplifting Others and Personal Growth

Burning Questions Answered:

1. What does it mean to lead with both strategy and heart?
2. How do you navigate personal and professional transitions with courage?
3. What is a “personal board of directors” and why should every founder have one?
4. How do you lead a company through large-scale transformation without losing your people—or your purpose?
5. What makes heart-led leadership not just compassionate—but powerfully effective?

Favorite Quotes:

"Sometimes the boldest leadership move is walking away from something that no longer serves you."

"Legacy isn’t built in one role—it’s built in how you show up every day."

"Leadership is not just about

In this week’s episode, I am joined by the remarkable Amanda Klima— the President and Co-Owner of Largay Travel, a luxury travel company recognized for over a decade by Conde Nast and Travel + Leisure as one of America’s top travel agencies. With over 30 years in the industry, Amanda has turned her passion for adventure into a mission to help people experience transformative travel—and build a thriving business doing just that.

Under her leadership, Largay has grown into a 150-person strong community of travel advisors who deliver world-class experiences through their Virtuoso membership and unmatched global relationships. Amanda is also the creator of the Growing Together webinar series and serves on multiple global advisory boards, championing both innovation and human connection in travel. A speaker, mentor, and Certified Travel Industry Executive, Amanda is redefining leadership in a legacy industry by centering joy, curiosity, and personal growth.

You’ll also hear how Amanda scaled from advisor to owner, her take on entrepreneur systems like EOS, and why joyful commerce is more than a slogan—it’s a business model. Whether you’re running a travel agency or a tech startup, Amanda’s story is full of wisdom about legacy, leadership, and letting go.

Takeaways:

• Joy is a Business Strategy: Amanda proves that joy and empathy can be baked into the business model—and become a competitive advantage.
• Systems Empower People: EOS helped Largay Travel transition from reactive to proactive growth, enabling Amanda to lead with clarity and elevate her team.
• It’s Okay to Let Go: Not every client or team member is a fit forever—and knowing when to release with grace is part of sustainable leadership.
• Personal Seasons Shape Professional Strength: Amanda shares how life’s challenges clarified what matters most in business.
• Legacy is Built in Real Time: Amanda’s work is already impacting the next generation—including her daughter.

Burning Questions Answered:

1. How do you scale a service-based business without losing your values—or your joy?
2. What does it mean to build a “practitioner-led” company in the luxury space?
3. How can you use systems like EOS to grow with clarity, not chaos?
4. What are the non-negotiables when leading a team through seasons of massive change?
5. Can you run a high-growth business and prioritize kindness, family, and legacy?

Favorite Quotes:

"Not all clients are the right fit. And that’s okay. We lead with joy and values.”

“Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come from the hardest seasons.”

Guest Offers & Contact Information:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-klimak/

LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/largaytravel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/largaytravel/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LargayTravel/

X: https://twitter.com/largaytravel?lang=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LargayTravel

Website: https://largaytravel.com/

Email: amanda@largaytravel.com

Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and prosperity.

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Coco Sellman, the host of #WisdomOfWomen, believes business is a force for good, especially with visionary women at the helm. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, she has launched five companies and guided over 500 startups. As Founder & CEO of A Force for Good, Coco supports

In this new episode, we are joined by the esteemed Jac White, founder and CEO of Honeybees Group, who illuminates the evolving landscape of leadership and entrepreneurship for women.

Jac, a luminary in the field of sales, elucidates her methodology that emphasizes authenticity and relationship-building in the sales process.

Throughout our conversation, we delve into the profound impact of personal experiences, including Jac's journey through infertility and her insights on the importance of financial independence.

This episode serves as a clarion call for women to embrace their potential, navigate the intricacies of business with resilience, and foster a community of support and empowerment.

Our Guest This Week:

Jac White is the Founder & CEO of Honeybees Group and a leading voice in transforming how women sell—with confidence, authenticity, and strategy. With over 20 years of sales and business development experience at brands like The New York Times, LearnVest, and Armani Exchange, Jac brings a rare blend of corporate insight and entrepreneurial know-how. Through her company and her acclaimed Girls Make Bank podcast, she helps women crack the code to sales mastery without sacrificing their values. Her work empowers founders to build scalable, sustainable sales systems that feel as natural as the work they love. A sought-after speaker and advisor, Jac is reshaping the way women founders grow revenue—and own their power in the sales process.

Takeaways:

• Jac emphasizes the transformative power of sales skills for women entrepreneurs, advocating for confidence and authenticity in selling.
• The importance of creating structured sales calls is stressed, as it is deemed vital for business growth and effective communication with clients.
• The necessity of patience in building a sales pipeline is articulated, with the understanding that it typically takes around 90 days to establish one effectively.
• Women are encouraged to embrace their unique qualities in sales, as authenticity builds trust and rapport with potential clients.
• The episode underscores the significance of financial clarity for women entrepreneurs, advocating for strategic planning to achieve business goals without undue pressure.

Chapters:

08:06 Defining Moments: Jack White's Journey

22:05 Empowering Women in Business

28:42 The Importance of Authenticity in Selling

42:00 Building Sales Pipelines and Hiring Sales Teams

Burning Questions Answered:

1.Why are so many brilliant women still afraid of selling?

2.What really builds confidence when you're starting or scaling a service-based business?

3.How can founders create consistent, sustainable revenue without losing themselves?

4.What is the 90-day pipeline rule—and why does it change everything?

5.Why is profit personal, and what does it take to reclaim financial power?

Favorite Quotes:

“Hard is not a competition. What’s hard is hard—and that’s enough.” - Jac

“Confidence doesn’t come first. It comes after you do the thing that’s hard—over and over.” - Jac

“Your ideal clients are out there. They just need to know you exist and trust that you’ll deliver.”

Guest Offers & Contact Information:

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

LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/honeybeesgroup/

Instagram:

In this new episode we are joined by Kelly Anne Parker, a seasoned entrepreneur and growth strategist, who takes us through the journey of women in business and the importance of community.

Throughout our conversation, we delve into Kelly Anne's remarkable experiences as she transitioned from founding Send Ribbon, a corporate gifting company, to her successful acquisition by Urban Stems. She shares her wisdom on the significance of grit, the necessity of building strong networks, and the strategies for managing both business growth and personal challenges.

She also emphasizes the critical nature of recognizing and capitalizing on one's unique strengths in the entrepreneurial landscape. As we navigate this discourse, we aim to empower aspiring women founders to embrace their individuality and thrive in their ventures.

Takeaways:

• The episode emphasizes the importance of community and support for women in business, particularly highlighting the need to connect and network effectively.
• Kelly Anne discusses the significance of grit and resilience in entrepreneurship, stating that these qualities are essential for overcoming challenges and achieving success.
• The conversation reveals that building a business requires strategic thinking, especially regarding exits, which should be considered at every stage of growth.
• Listeners are encouraged to seek mentorship and leadership opportunities to enhance their professional development and navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship effectively.

Chapters:

06:12 Defining Moments in Entrepreneurship

10:00 Lessons from Early Work Experiences

20:27 The Journey of Starting Send Ribbon

29:11 The Journey to Profitability and Exit Strategies

37:20 The Transition from Founder to Employee

40:52 Navigating Life After Exit

46:15 The Journey of Finding Fit in Business

Burning Questions Answered:

1.What does it take to build a seven-figure company from just $5,000 and grit?

2.How can women founders navigate bootstrapping, burnout, and bold exits?

3.What role do early mentors and leadership experiences play in long-term success?

4.How can women founders emotionally prepare for—and thrive after—an exit?

Favorite Quotes:

No rain, no flowers. You don’t get the end result without the struggle. — Kelly Anne Parker

Comparison is a thief of momentum. Focus on the people who are already buying from you. They’ll teach you everything you need to know. — Kelly Anne Parker

Closing Thoughts:

This episode is a masterclass in perseverance, clarity, and reinvention. Kelly Anne reminds us that founder success isn’t about having all the resources—it’s about using what you do have to make magic. From selling corporate gifts out of her parents’ basement to a successful exit, she shows how grit, community, and purpose lead to momentum. Her wisdom around comparison, reinvention, and building a lifestyle business without shame is a powerful call to redefine success on your own terms.

Guest Offers & Contact Information:

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

LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/launchgrowexit/

Free 15-Minute Call: https://calendly.com/kellyanneparker

Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and...

In this episode the discussion centers on the transformative potential of financial leadership, particularly in the context of amplifying women's contributions to the business landscape.

We are privileged to host Priya Chanduraj a visionary finance executive and the President and CEO of Finteam1, who is redefining financial services for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Throughout our conversation, we explore the evolving role of women in finance, the significance of financial clarity for entrepreneurs, and the necessity for tailored financial solutions that align with individual business objectives.

Join us as we delve into the insights that can illuminate the path to prosperity for women-led enterprises.

Takeaways:

• Priya's mission to empower 100,000 small and medium-sized businesses illustrates the potential for financial transformation.
• The episode emphasizes the importance of financial clarity and strategic insight for entrepreneurs to thrive in competitive markets.
• Understanding the distinction between financial roles is crucial for effective business management and growth.
• Embracing innovative financial strategies can unlock unprecedented opportunities for women-led enterprises in today's market.
• The narrative highlights that financial responsibility is integral to entrepreneurship, shaping the path towards success and growth.

Burning Questions Answered:

1. What’s the difference between bookkeeping, controlling, and real CFO strategy?

2.Why do so many women founders resist looking at their numbers?

3.How can financial modeling actually reduce emotional decision-making?

4.What’s the first step to financial clarity, even if you’re behind?

5.Why is the future of finance both human and female?

Favorite Quotes:

“If you don’t know where you are financially, it’s like driving with no map—and no brakes.” - Priya

“Finance isn’t just about numbers. It’s how founders tell their story with power.” - Priya

Closing Thoughts:

At the heart of every business is a story—and your financials are the clearest way to tell it.

Coco and Priya challenge founders to rethink finance not as restriction, but as strategy, visibility, and empowerment. Whether you’re growing fast or stuck in neutral, financial clarity is your leadership edge.

Offers & Contact Information:

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priya-chanduraj-aa86753/

Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/finteam-one/posts/?feedView=all

Website: https://www.finteam.one/

Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and prosperity.

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Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4tak8ajk

Amazon Prime: https://tinyurl.com/366syddj

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdhananz

RSS Feed:

This episode we are joined by Ioanna Onasi, a pioneering entrepreneur in the realm of ethical AI sales. As the co-founder and CEO of Dex2go, Iona elucidates the significance of integrating human-centric AI into sales enablement, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of sales teams.

Our conversation delves into the evolving landscape of leadership and the imperative of fostering opportunities for women-led enterprises. Iona shares her personal journey, highlighting the pivotal moments that informed her entrepreneurial path and the necessity of adaptability within the startup ecosystem.

Ultimately, this episode serves as a clarion call for aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace resilience and innovation in their pursuit of success.

Takeaways:

• Ionna discusses her journey from fashion to technology, highlighting the evolution of her entrepreneurial aspirations.
• Dex2go employs artificial intelligence to enhance sales coaching by personalizing training for sales representatives using psychometric data.
• The conversation explores the significance of resilience for women founders as they navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.
• AI can facilitate the development of essential soft skills, making it crucial for modern sales environments.
• The episode concludes with an emphasis on the importance of self-awareness and continuous learning in professional development.

Chapters:

03:57 The Journey of an Entrepreneur: Pivots and Lessons Learned

12:44 The Importance of Human Connection in AI Solutions

21:33 The Importance of Personalized Learning in Sales Training

30:44 Understanding Human-Centric AI

41:12 The Fourth Industrial Revolution and Its Impact on Women Founders

Burning Questions Answered:

1.What does it take to build a successful AI company without a tech background?

2.How can founders pivot without losing their core mission?

3.What is "human-centered AI"—and why is it the future of sales coaching?

4.Can AI actually enhance our ability to connect and communicate better as humans?

Favorite Quotes:

“AI should help humans connect better, not replace that connection.”

“The most resilient person wins. Period.”

Closing Thoughts:

Ioanna’s journey reminds us that real innovation isn’t just about building tech—it’s about building trust, clarity, and compassion into everything we do.

Whether you're in sales, tech, or just figuring it out as you go, this episode will make you feel seen and inspired.

Offers & Contact Information:

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannemantzouridou/

Website: https://dextego.com/

Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and prosperity.

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yja3w7nh

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4tak8ajk

Amazon Prime: https://tinyurl.com/366syddj

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdhananz

RSS Feed:

The episode discourse centers on the transformative potential of franchising as a viable avenue for business growth, particularly for women entrepreneurs.

As we delve into this topic, we are privileged to engage with Brittney Lincoln, a distinguished leader in the franchising sector and the founder of Females in Franchising.

Brittney elucidates the myriad advantages of adopting a franchise model, emphasizing its capacity to facilitate rapid expansion while offering a support network that mitigates the inherent challenges of entrepreneurship.

We also explore the essential criteria that businesses must meet to transition into a franchise model, including profitability, repeatability, and the importance of a compelling brand narrative.

This episode serves not only to inform but to inspire visionary women in their entrepreneurial journeys, urging them to consider franchising as a strategic option for scaling their enterprises.

Takeaways:

• Brittney shares her journey in franchising and her dedication to empowering women in business.
• The discussion underscores the evolving landscape of leadership, advocating for a new model that champions collaboration and inclusivity.
• Listeners are informed about the importance of profitability and repeatability for businesses considering franchising as a growth strategy.
• The episode stresses the value of community in franchising, noting that franchisees benefit from established support systems and shared experiences.
• The conversation highlights the transformative potential of franchising for women entrepreneurs, enabling them to create generational wealth and community impact.

Chapters:

03:51 Brittany's Journey into Franchising

12:30 Exploring Females in Franchising

26:19 Transitioning to Franchising: Opportunities and Responsibilities

36:56 The Importance of Relationships in Franchising

This episode features an enlightening discussion with Marcia Dawood, a prominent advocate for women in business and impact investing.

The central theme revolves around the critical need to amplify the voices of women entrepreneurs and address the substantial funding gap they face in securing investments.

Marcia, a seasoned investor and author, shares her compelling insights on how women-led ventures are essential in tackling significant global challenges, including women's health.

Throughout the conversation, we explore the importance of building supportive networks and fostering relationships with potential investors long before seeking funding. As we delve into various strategies for bridging the funding gap, listeners will gain valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of investment in women-led businesses and the vital role they play in shaping a prosperous future.

Takeaways:

• Marcia's journey illustrates the significance of early-stage investment in women-led enterprises and the challenges they face in securing funding.
• Listeners are encouraged to build relationships with potential investors long before seeking funding to enhance their chances of success.
• The discussion highlights the biases women face in securing investment and the need for more women in decision-making roles in finance.
• The episode underlines the diversity of women-led initiatives, particularly in healthcare, which have historically received insufficient funding.
• Marcia shares effective strategies for women founders to bridge funding gaps, including crowdfunding and developing investor relationships.

Chapters:

02:56 The Journey to Advocacy in Impact Investing

15:40 Building Relationships for Funding: A Crucial Strategy for Women Founders

18:23 Funding Strategies for Entrepreneurs

29:20 Understanding Equity Crowdfunding vs. Angel Investing

34:59 The Importance of Education in Angel Investing

40:05 Investing in Women's Health: The Joy Lux Story

Burning Questions Answered:

1.Why do women still receive only ~2% of venture capital funding—and what can we do to change that?

2.How can women founders bridge the funding gap, especially without friends-and-family capital?

3.Do you need to be wealthy to become an angel investor?

4.What are the different paths to investing in women-led startups—angel, venture, or crowdfunding?

5.How can aligning with values-aligned investors early unlock success for founders?

Favorite Quotes:

"Investing isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s for anyone ready to make a difference.” - Marcia

“Urgency doesn’t come from pressure tactics. It comes from truth.” - Marcia

Closing Thoughts:

This conversation is a must-listen for any woman founder who’s fundraising—or thinking about it. Marsha breaks down the myths of investing (no, you don’t need to be a millionaire), shares actionable paths to raise capital creatively (hello, crowdfunding and debt platforms), and highlights how crucial early investor alignment is. Whether you're on the founder side or investor side, this episode will reframe what’s possible—and invite you to be part of the change.

Offers & Contact Information:

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marciadawood/

Website: www.marciadawood.com

TedX Talk: