Authentic Leadership for Everyday People

In this episode we go back to the interviews with Debora Spar and Roger Brown and take out some of the key lessons from leading in higher education that can be applied to other organizations.

Contact Dino at: [email protected]

Websites:

al4ep.com

Additional Guest Links:

For Debora Spar: Episode 18 of the Podcast

For Roger Brown: Episode 30 of The Podcast

Authentic Leadership For Everyday People / Dino Cattaneo

Dino on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dinocattaneo

Podcast Instagram – @al4edp 

Podcast Twitter – @al4edp 

Podcast Facebook: facebook.com/al4edp

Music

Susan Cattaneo: susancattaneo.bandcamp.com

Today, I’m sitting down with Jazzy T. Williams, CEO and Founder of the JazzCast Pros Network a platform that provides a unique space for thought leaders to resonate with a global, niche audience. Focused on leadership and self-development, the network's mission is to educate, empower, and inspire women and people of color, fostering social equity, financial independence, and healthy self-relationships.

We delve into Jazzy's transformation from radio talent to entrepreneur, exploring the intricacies of managing artistic talent. Additionally, we'll uncover the art of empowering voices in the realm of thought leadership and the universal leadership lessons that seamlessly translate to any field.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

[02:22] - Jazzy shares her remarkable journey from radio talent to empowering leader in podcasting.

[16:44] - Dive into how "Beauty Boss Millionaire" ignited Jazzy's leadership journey and her mission-driven podcasting network, JazzCast Pros. Plus the three key qualities she embodies as a leader to transform the podcasting landscape.

[21:58] - Jazzy shares the art of helping hosts find and embody their genuine voice while respecting the essence of authentic podcasting leadership.

[27:22] - Jazzy walks listeners through the fine line between sponsorships and podcasting leadership, with a cautionary tale of an “infomercial” episode and the true value of products in real life.

[30:11] - How Jazzy measures her success through the enduring legacies she leaves, and shaping leaders in the podcasting industry.

Contact dino at: [email protected]

Websites:

al4ep.com or authenticleadershipforeverydaypeople.com

jazzcastpros.com 

Other links for Jazzy T Williams/JazzCast Pros

Network Podcast Page: podbean.com/podcast-network/JazzCastPros

JazzCast Apple Podcast Channel: podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/jazzcast-pros-network/id6442574935

JazzCast Pros on Facebook: facebook.com/JazzCastPros

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jazzytonair

Instagram:@jazzytonair 

Book a free podcast consultation with Jazzy: calendly.com/jazzcastpros/30min

Get 15% off remote audio + video recording wih Riverside.FM Promo Code: JAZZYCAST 

Authentic Leadership For Everyday People / Dino Cattaneo

Dino on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dinocattaneo

Podcast Instagram : @al4edp 

Podcast Twitter:@al4edp 

Podcast Facebook: facebook.com/al4edp

Music

Hold Onto Hope | Susan Cattaneo 

Join me in this engaging discussion with fellow leadership coach Whitney Hinshaw Sullivan as we examine the vital role of empathy in leadership and how too much empathy can be just as damaging as too little. 

We discuss the necessity of maintaining boundaries on compassion and the courage required for difficult conversations. We tackle the challenges that come with transitioning from a peer to a leader, highlighting the often blurred boundaries between work and personal relationships underscoring the importance of self-kindness, clear role definition, and the establishment of new expectations.

KEY MOMENTS 

[02:16] - Meet Whitney and learn how her background shaped her unique leadership perspective.

[05:57] - The pivotal moment that taught Whitney about the challenges of overusing empathy. Plus, self-reflection questions to help assess if you're taking empathy too far.

[20:35] - How to recognize insufficient empathy. 

[25:42] - Actionable strategies and practical exercises for empathetic leadership.

[29:24] - The significance of boundaries in leadership and fostering a healthy work environment.

Contact dino at: [email protected]

Websites:

al4ep.com or authenticleadershipforeverydaypeople.com

Whitney Sullivan

Other Whitney Sullivan links:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/whitneyhsullivan

Instagram:@whitneyhsullivan 

Authentic Leadership For Everyday People / Dino Cattaneo

Dino on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dinocattaneo

Podcast Instagram : @al4edp 

Podcast Twitter:@al4edp 

Podcast Facebook: facebook.com/al4edp

Music

No Hearts Here | Susan Cattaneo 

Susan Cattaneo 

Today's episode is an anthology of the best answer to the question : what food inspires you? The guests highlight the powerful connection between food, roots, identity and authentic leadership.

Featuring: Rishad Tobaccowala, Jean Batthany, Rand Fishkin, Gabriella Arcadu, Francesca Gargaglia, Laura Cesaro, Gaia Van Der Esch, Daniella Rabbani, Rony Sellam and Gil Blander, Rishi Bhattia, Kasey Jones, Armin Molavi, Mya Byrne

Authentic Leadership For Everyday People / Dino Cattaneo

Dino on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dinocattaneo

Podcast Instagram – @al4edp 

Podcast Twitter – @al4edp 

Podcast Facebook: facebook.com/al4edp

Music

Susan Cattaneo: susancattaneo.bandcamp.com

Daniel Huerter went from working at a Fortune 500 software to becoming an entrepreneurial trailblazer who dove into the cannabis / CBD startup realm, as the Co-Founder of Pure Spectrum CBD.

Daniel shares his journey, what it means to him to be an authentic leader, his mission-driven approach to the industry, and how a conflict with his own value lead him to walk away from the company he started. He also shares some valuable insights for young entrepreneurs who are looking for the right partner and co-founders, and some of the pitfalls to avoid.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

[00:56] - Dino introduces his guest, Daniel Huerter, the CEO of Pure Spectrum CBD.

[02:49] - Daniel explains how his experience at an industry event motivated him to transition into the CBD industry to help people.

[03:47] - Daniel talks about his education and his career in the software industry.

[05:26] - Daniel shares the ONE thing that fueled his desire to leave his job in the software industry. 

[06:54] -Daniel shares the story of his initial entry into the CBD industry as a side hustle before becoming a co-founder of Pure Spectrum.

[08:41] - Daniel discusses the core principle of Pure Spectrum CBD.

[09:51] - Daniel shares Pure Spectrum’s grassroots approach to marketing that’s led to word-of-mouth sharing and brand growth.

[10:08] - Daniel discusses the pivotal moment that gave him the confidence to leave his corporate job.

[13:04] - A mission-driven culture: Daniel highlights the impact of the products on the founders and early employees.  

[14:40] - Daniel shares the influences that helped him formulate the company culture at Pure Spectrum. 

[15:27] - How the customer-centric philosophy influences every decision at Pure Spectrum.

[19:48] - The importance of maintaining alignment between mission and actions.

[20:20] - Daniel shares the story of why he left Pure Spectrum.

[22:25] - Guardrails and milestones: Daniel shares his advice for navigating partnerships. 

[25:07] - Dino shares the common mistake founders often make when entering into partnerships and the steps to avoid them. 

[25:40] -The story of Daniel's return to Pure Spectrum CBD after his departure.

[27:12] -The importance of understanding market dynamics and consumer preferences. 

[28:15] - The importance of discovering your authentic passion for fulfillment. 

[30:45] - The unexpected turn of events that led to his return as CEO.

[32:44] - Daniel opens up about the emotional toll his departure from the company had on him and the outside perspective that helped him see the impact he could have by returning.  

[34:52] - Daniel shares the exciting story of his reappointment as CEO. 

[36:30] - The factors that were instrumental in helping Daniel's leadership style evolve.

[38:27] - Daniel shares some of his challenges and what he learned from the Chinese farmer fable.

[40:53] - How the core values for the Pure Spectrum values were developed.

[43:02] - How defining core values enhances team dynamics and enables better leadership. 

[43:23] - To find out more about Pure Spectrum CBD visit their website here. You can also connect with Daniel on TikTok.

[44:33] - Daniel shares the hobby that speaks to his soul and the special music venue where he spends as much time as possible.

[46:06] -The one thing Daniel does to avoid burnout that’s so important to him it’s one of the core values of Pure Spectrum.

[46:21] - Daniel shares the artists and the music that is inspiring him right now. 

[48:26] - The overused phrase that Daniel feels sticks out like a sore thumb. 

[49:32] - If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends and family, leave a 5-star review, and subscribe on your favorite listening platform so you don't miss any episodes. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter and Instagram.

Contact Dino at: [email protected]

Websites:

al4ep.com or authenticleadershipforeverydaypeople.com

Pure Spectrum CBD 

Other links for Daniel:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dan-huerter/ 

Instagram: @danielblakehuerter

TikTok: @danhempman  

Business Instagram: @purespectrumhemp

Business Facebook: facebook.com/purespectrumofficial  

Authentic Leadership For Everyday People / Dino Cattaneo

Dino on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dinocattaneo

Podcast Instagram: @al4edp 

Podcast Twitter: @al4edp 

Podcast Facebook: facebook.com/al4edp

Music

Glory | Honest Mechanik

Honest Mechanik  

"The Highs" by Mike

The Backseat Lovers

Books

Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek 

The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek 

Gaia van der Esch was nominated for the Forbes 30 under 30 a few years ago and is currently the Managing Director of 3ZERO, an organization working to make the world three zero: zero exclusion, zero carbon, and zero poverty. Gaia is the author of the soon-to-be-released “​​Leading Our Way: How Women Are Re-Defining Leadership.” 

Gaia discusses the moment she knew she was a natural-born leader, how her desire to make a difference guides her career decisions, her evolving perspective on leadership, and her three pieces of advice for leading visionaries.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

[00:56] - Dino introduces his guest, Gaia van der Esch of 3ZERO. 

[03:07] - Gaia shares her background growing up in Italy, her humanitarian work, and her rapid rise to leadership positions.  

[08:18] - How a focus on gender equality led her to write a book on leadership (releasing soon). 

[09:44] - Gaia shares her current role 3ZERO, what the organization stands for, and her vision for a better world. 

[10:43] - A natural leader. 

[13:04] - Gaia shares a story about the logical thing she did that led to a promotion for her and helped form her opinion of what leadership is about. 

[15:59] - The gradual realization of her dual motivations: Gaia shares the importance of comprehending global issues and creating a positive impact and how her desire to make a difference guides her career decisions.

[17:30] - Building her self-confidence while recognizing her leadership traits. 

[20:13] - It's not about me and my profile: How people with values and skills can engage in meaningful roles that transcend profit-focused motives or self-centered interests.

[20:38] - Mission-driven and not afraid to speak up from an early age.   

[23:02] - Gaia shares her innate drive for impact built from an unchanging core motivation and 

[24:27] - Gaia's evolving vision of leadership. 

[25:47] - From task-driven efficiency to a facilitative role, Gaia shares how her leadership role has grown to encompass emotional authenticity, team empowerment, and fostering an ecosystem for collective success.

[28:13] - Dino shares the common challenge high-performing individuals have when they are thrust into a role with different cultures and working methods. 

[29:50] - Recognizing her role as a change-maker. 

[32:30] - Facing the challenges of being a leader and a visionary while steering your organization toward a unifying vision. 

[33:45] - Dino asks Gaia to share her advice for leading visionaries. 

[34:02] - The one question Gaia asks herself to stay aligned with her vision. 

[35:24] - Recognizing when to shift your efforts elsewhere.

[36:53] - How to adopt a strategic approach to the broader organizational dynamics to be a more effective change-maker.

[37:49] - Gaia shares the behind-the-scenes of her upcoming book, set to release in a few months, and focuses on how women are reshaping the definition and practice of leadership. 

[38:43] - Changing the rules of the game: Gaia encourages listeners to consider updating the rules of leadership. 

[40:08] - "Leadership isn't confined to job titles but is an attitude that can be exhibited at any level."

[42:30] - Gaia introduces the concept of "circularity leadership" rather than hierarchical (Gloria Steinem).

[42:49] -The purpose of leadership and ensuring everyone has the freedom to be themselves and enact the change they desire in today's complex world. 

[43:09] You can preorder “Leading Our Way: How Women Are Re-Defining Leadership” now (releasing January 2024). You can also connect with Gaia on Instagram or LinkedIn. 

[43:57] - Gaia shares the instrument she used to play at a high level and how music helps her to listen, discover, and express her emotions. 

[46:14] - How being in nature helps bring balance to her travel-filled life. 

[47:02] - Gaia shares the Italian phrase (and the English translation) from her childhood that still drives her crazy today and why. 

[48:19] - The dish that helps Gaia keep her Italian grandmother’s memory alive.  

[51:24] - If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends and family, leave a 5-star review, and subscribe on your favorite listening platform so you don't miss any episodes. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter and Instagram.

Contact Dino at: [email protected]

Websites:

al4ep.com or authenticleadershipforeverydaypeople.com

3ZERO

Other links for Gaia:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gaia-vanderesch 

Instagram: @gaiavanderesch 

Authentic Leadership For Everyday People / Dino Cattaneo

Dino on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dinocattaneo

Podcast Instagram: @al4edp 

Podcast Twitter: @al4edp 

Podcast Facebook: facebook.com/al4edp

Music

Sisters Of A Different Skin | Susan Cattaneo and The Lucy Stone Singers 

Susan Cattaneo 

Books

Leading Our Way: How Women Are Re-Defining Leadership 

In this special milestone Episode number 100, we take a moment to reflect on an incredible journey and express our heartfelt gratitude to you, our dedicated listeners.  

Today we're celebrating authenticity and its profound meaning to each of us. Listen in as I invite you to look back at how embracing one's unique expression of authenticity has paved the way for the leadership journey for the guests in the last 99 episodes of the show. Plus, an invitation to discover what authenticity means to you. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

[0:00] - Celebrating Episode 100: A Special Journey of Authentic Leadership

[00:00] - Welcome to milestone Episode 100! 

[00:17] - Gratitude for you, the listener, and Judi Fox whose persuasion led to the public debut of the podcast.

[01:01] - Saluting our first guest, Raj Kapoor, who fearlessly stepped into the unknown as the first guest of the show. 

[01:16] - Special thanks to SquadCast the remote recording software solution I use to record every episode and the incredible Squadcaster community. 

[01:34] - A special thank you to Harry Duran Founder and CEO FullCast for strategically better episodes, and to the skillful hands at ProPodcast Solutions for making me sound good. 

[01:58] - Thanks to Adam Adams from Grow Your Show for steering us to remarkable growth.

[02:09] - The artists behind our visuals: Rich Sullivan and Robby Beller.

[02:17] - And a big shout out with gratitude to Nicholas (aka Nico) Cattaneo, and the musical ensemble behind our theme music - Tony Savarino and Jesse Williams.

[02:46] - Beating the odds. 

[03:39] - Celebrating authenticity: the core of leadership.

[04:41] - Decoding authenticity: drilling beyond the buzzwords to get to the true essence of authenticity and its connection to leadership.

[05:42] - A story about the reason behind Taylor Swift’s success and how authenticity propels individuals towards greatness. 

[06:46] - Three major insights from my conversations with extraordinary leaders. 

[07:25] - The journey to authenticity: embrace, don't conform, unless you're an a**hole, then do better (from Episode 98 with Vyra Scher). 

[08:29] - The spectrum of authenticity, based on how you want to design your professional experience, with the example of Kvon Tucker in Episode 85 and on the other side, Michel Cohen in Episode 99.  

[09:17] - The definition of authenticity can change throughout our lives, as illustrated in Episode 83 with Christina Wallace.

[9:25] - Embracing uniqueness for true success. Guest Marcel Quiroga, from Episode 9, established her own wealth advisory firm with her unique approach to prioritizing a client's overall well-being.

[10:15] - How the Punk Rock VC, Chris Lynch found success by channeling his energy and ability to connect with people. 

[11:05] - What it means to be authentic and how much of your true self do you bring along? In Episode 11, Armin Molavi shared how he transitioned from hiding to embracing his true self while striking the right workplace balance. Mike Sweeney shared his journey of confronting his authentic yet undesirable behaviors and opting for change.

[12:13] - The message of Episode 100 and the point of every podcast: reflection, self-discovery, and actionable change.  

[12:46] - What is authenticity to you? An invitation to self-discovery.

[13:33] - If you enjoyed this episode, you can find a listing of all 99 other episodes, right here. If you love it, share it with your friends and family, and subscribe on your favorite listening platform so you don't miss any episodes. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter and Instagram.

Contact Dino at: [email protected]

Websites:

al4ep.com or authenticleadershipforeverydaypeople.com

Authentic Leadership For Everyday People / Dino Cattaneo

Dino on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dinocattaneo

Podcast Instagram: @al4edp 

Podcast Twitter: @al4edp 

Podcast Facebook: facebook.com/al4edp

Music

Love Takes What It Takes | Susan Cattaneo 

Brave and Wild | Susan Cattaneo 

Susan Cattaneo 

With Special Thanks to: 

Judi Fox 

Raj Kapoor

SquadCast

Harry Duran Founder CEO FullCast

ProPodcast Solutions

Grow Your Show

Rich Sullivan

Robby Beller

Nicholas Cattaneo

Tony Savarino

Jesse Williams

Michel Cohen is the visionary, CEO, and Founder of DentalPro, Italy's largest Professional Dentist Clinic Group, boasting over €200 million in sales, 2500 employees, and 265 clinics and offering accessibility to quality dental care across the country. 

Michel shares how his leadership philosophy and passion for growth have shaped the culture of Dental Pro, the importance of clear values in building and operating the business, and the challenge of maintaining consistency in a rapidly growing organization. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

[01:15] - Dino introduces his guest (and dear friend) Michel Cohen, the CEO and founder of DentalPro. 

[02:44] - Dino shares a story from his past with Michel that explores the impact of authentic relationships in your personal and professional life.

[04:17] - Michel shares his career journey and the crucial elements in building a thriving business.

[08:31] - How Michel’s experience at Procter Gamble honed his skills in identifying and recruiting the right people and served to make DentalPro people focused while growing into the largest dentistry company in Italy.

[09:53] - Michel shares the key principles he focused on to become the type of leader he wanted to be while growing the organization.

[12:27] - Beyond work-life balance: the specific motivation Michel seeks when recruiting team members at any level. 

[13:32] - The vast importance of integrity in creating the culture of a company you are building from scratch. 

[15:42] - The one thing that Michel dislikes to hear from his team at any level of the company. 

[16:49] - The vital checks he's put in place to preserve the culture and ensure everyone on the team at DentalPro is rowing the same way. 

[18:49] - Ensuring a top-notch experience for every client and patient in the network.

[20:48] - Working to create a homogeneous approach doctor by doctor. 

[21:53 - The role a balance between clinical expertise and organizational management played in DentalPros' success.

[24:31] - How PNG informed the "Sky is the Limit" DentalPro company motto. 

[26:59] - Michel shares his thoughts on the connection between team sports and business

[29:11] - The business attitude that drives Michel crazy.

[30:16] - Michel shares his immersion-style music listening preference, his favorite bands (The Cure, Talking Heads), and the special concert he’s attending soon. 

[31:25] - If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends and family, and subscribe on your favorite listening platform so you don't miss any episodes. Be sure to follow the podcast on Twitter and Instagram.

Contact Dino at: [email protected]

Websites:

al4ep.com or authenticleadershipforeverydaypeople.com

DentalPro.it

Other links for Michel Cohen:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelcohen65/ 

Authentic Leadership For Everyday People / Dino Cattaneo

Dino on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dinocattaneo

Podcast Instagram: @al4edp 

Podcast Twitter: @al4edp 

Podcast Facebook: facebook.com/al4edp

Music

Let The Music Deliver Me | Susan Cattaneo 

Little Big Sky | Susan Cattaneo

Susan Cattaneo

Vyra Scher is a transgender Asian immigrant woman who launched LECHERY® an affordable luxury brand offering gender-neutral European hosiery, socks, and shapewear at just 20 years old. In less than two years, the business has grown from 0 to $15 Million with 100,000 loyal customers and availability at major retailers such as Target, Kohl's, Nordstrom, Macy's, Saks, HSN, QVC, Belk, and Lord & Taylor. 

Vyra shares her traumatic background, her escape to the US, the challenges she's faced as a woman and an asylum seeker, and how those challenges propelled her to launch her own business, build a community, and find an underserved segment in her market that helped her create a compelling and successful brand.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

[01:14] - Dino opens the show and introduces his guest, Vyra Scher, the young founder of LECHERY  an affordable luxury brand offering gender-neutral European hosiery, socks, and shapewear.

[02:55] - *Trigger warning. Vyra shares her background—a story of trauma and resilience.  

[05:52] - Facing prison, the risky move that Vyra made with only $1200 to her name.

[08:00] - Vyra's twofold reason for Launching LECHERY  

[09:00] - The deeper meaning behind the Lechery mission

[11:31] - A community where the nonbinary and body positivity community could share without judgment.

[12:22] - "The sanctuary for the sexy you,": Lechery's mission to help ALL people express their sexiest selves.

[14:20] - Vyra shares the most important steps in launching a successful brand that will dominate and find a home with the big box retailers. 

[17:09] - No VC necessary: How a little-known fact about construction workers gave Vyra the green light to launch her gender-neutral hosiery company.

[18:42] - Ambitious leadership—how embracing the idea that she didn’t fit the traditional mold of an entrepreneur helped her use her unique perspective to her advantage. 

[21:22] - The lessons she’s learned as a young Founder and the number one trait she feels makes a strong leader. 

[23:03] - How she keeps from sacrificing success for likeability. 

[23:56] - Vyra shares the two key ingredients to being a successful leader.

[25:17] - The challenges of starting a business in the US as an asylum seeker.  

[27:10] - Using the fuel of rejection to take LECHERY from 0 to seven figures in less than two years.

[29:51] - The disparity in VC funding between genders.

[32:36] - Despite the MeToo movement sexual harassment and abuse is still very much prominent in the workplace. The frightening experience that kept Vyra from going the VC route.  

[37:21] - You can learn more about Vyra and LECHERY on their website, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and TikTok.

[37:56] - The hobbies that Vyra engages in that help her deal with her stress and keep her creative juices flowing.

[39:10] - How listening to stories of other founders and people with influence inspires Vyra and the podcasts she listens to, (besides ​​AL4EP):  Diary of a CEO with Stephen Bartlett and Hilo with EmRata, (aka Emily Radikowski). 

[40:08] - The phrase that Vyra finds viscerally annoying (and Dino says may have “jumped the shark” ) and a glaring lack of honesty in the world of business. 

[42:10] - Vyra shares the advice she learned from High Low with EmRata that has helped her enter her “B**** era” and embrace her feminism.

[43:23] - If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends and family, and subscribe on your favorite listening platform so you don't miss any episodes. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter and Instagram.

 Contact Dino at: [email protected]

Websites:

al4ep.com or authenticleadershipforeverydaypeople.com

lecherynewyork.com

Other links for Vyra:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/lechery 

Instagram: @lechery.official 

Twitter: @LecheryOfficial

TikTok: lechery.official  

Vyra’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vyrascher 

Authentic Leadership For Everyday People / Dino Cattaneo

Dino on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dinocattaneo

Podcast Instagram: @al4edp 

Podcast Twitter: @al4edp 

Podcast Facebook: facebook.com/al4edp

Music

Follow | Susan Cattaneo | Continental Record Services 

All Is Quiet | Susan Cattaneo | Continental Record Services 

Susan Cattaneo 

Podcasts

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett  

High Low with EmRata 

Today we talk to Isabella Mandis, Founder and CEO of Girls Who VC and sophomore at Havard, proof that age is no barrier to making a positive difference in the world of VC.

Isabella shares her inspiring journey into authentic leadership and starting Girls Who VC just seven months ago, her insights into navigating challenges, embracing opportunities, and how she’s making a positive difference in the world of venture capital.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

[01:04] - Dino introduces today’s guest, Isabella Mandis, a sophomore at Harvard and founder of Girls Who VC and living proof that leadership transcends age.

[02:22] - Isabella shares her vision for Girls Who VC, the pioneering organization dedicated to bringing young women into venture capital. 

[04:00] - Discover how Girls Who VC has grown into a vibrant community of over 2000 members and 100 mentors in just seven months.

[06:02] - Isabella opens up about her leadership journey and how she navigates leading college students and managing projects while respecting their busy lives.

[07:46] - Explore why Isabella chose to take on the gigantic mission of addressing gender and minority disparities in the venture industry. 

[09:31] - Isabella shares a glimpse of her vision for Girls Who VC five years from now, where she hopes to invest in and support even more female-led startups.

[09:52] - Discover the programs that Girls Who VC has in place to connect more aspiring venture capitalists with industry experts.

[10:43] - Learn three valuable lessons Isabella has picked up since starting Girls Who VC.

[14:19] - Isabella highlights how COVID shaped her career positively, allowing her to gain valuable formative opportunities and build connections in the venture capital field.

[16:22] - As Girls Who VC continues to grow, Isabella shares some of the hurdles they’ve overcome and the plan for the organization's future.

[20:57] - Why it’s crucial to Isabella to create a diverse leadership team 

[22:13] - What’s unique about Gen Z entrepreneurs.

[23:31] - Dino expresses his own opinion of Gen Z entrepreneurs and their focus on making the world a better place. 

[27:16] - Isabella shares valuable advice she has received from her mentors and the key lessons she’s learned. 

[28:31] - The proven significance of encouragement for female founders

[29:09] - Isabella invites those interested in supporting or joining Girls Who VC to visit their website and join the community (it’s FREE). You can also reach out to Isabella on LinkedIn. 

[29:52] - Isabella shares how her interests outside of school and work have impacted the way she thinks about making a difference.

[30:48] - Isabella shares the overused word she just plain doesn’t like. 

[31:45] - Why she’s so inspired by TV and TS (and her favorite TS song). 

[32:40] - If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends and family, and subscribe on your favorite listening platform so you don't miss any episodes. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter and Instagram.

Contact Dino at: [email protected]

Websites:

al4ep.com or authenticleadershipforeverydaypeople.com

Girls Who VC 

Other links for Isabella:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/girls-who-vc

Twitter: @GirlsWhoVC 

Instagram: @girlswhovc 

Isabella’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/isabellamandis

Authentic Leadership For Everyday People / Dino Cattaneo

Dino on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dinocattaneo

Podcast Instagram: @al4edp 

Podcast Twitter: @al4edp 

Podcast Facebook: facebook.com/al4edp

Music

Ten Kinds Of Trouble | Susan Cattaneo

Susan Cattaneo

Taylor Swift - Love Story (Taylor's Version) (Official Video)