When Addie Swartz was on maternity leave with her first daughter, she realized women needed more career flexibility and support. So, she launched Bright Ideas, a network of tech-savvy moms who sold educational software, from her spare bedroom. Since then, she’s launched Beacon Street Girls, a book series and virtual junior high helping girls navigate adolescence, and reacHire, which works with companies to on-ramp women who left the workforce and ensure they thrive. She was born to empower.

“I love this idea of being a rebel and dreammaker at the same time. We clearly know to make change sometimes you have to break some glass. But I think the word dreammaker resonates much more with me. I want my dream to become a reality: allowing more women to create their own narrative where work and personal life can coexist.”

Neha and Addie discuss:

• How born entrepreneurs find and pursue a purpose
• Why companies need to do better in allowing for workplace flexibility
• How everyone must define success for themselves and be able to see a pathway to achieve it
• Why finding someone who believes in you is important

 The Dreammakers enjoyed a  glass of wine while they talked: Chateau de Chantegrive Blanc 2018. It's from the left bank of Bordeaux, typically known for red wines. But..it’s a white and aged in stainless steel for at least six month giving it a crisp, fresh minerality. You can also taste floral elements like honeysuckle and jasmine. 

Other show notes:

• reacHire - returning women to work by partnering with forward-thinking companies to create environments where they thrive, advance, lead and stay.
• Pharrell Williams’ Happy is Addie’s wake up song
• Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans is Addie’s book recommendation
• Addie recommended Aurora from Cellar Door Winery, partly because it’s the name of her SaaS platform and symbolizes potential. Also, it tastes good!

Follow Neha on LinkedIn and @nehasf

Follow Addie on LinkedIn and @addieswartz 

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