Divas, Diamonds & Dollars: The Podcast for Women Building Wealth and Wisdom

Divas, Diamonds & Dollars: The Podcast for Women Building Wealth and Wisdom

By Leadership, Legacy & Leverage Hosted by Larisa Troche and Cecelia BenfordEducationSelf-Improvement
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Divas, Diamonds & Dollars: The Podcast for Women Building Wealth and Wisdom episodes

  • Ep. 226 _ AI, Jobs & the Future of Work: Who Wins, Who Loses, What’s Next

    The headlines about artificial intelligence can feel relentless—and overwhelming. From dire predictions of mass layoffs to bold claims of productivity breakthroughs, the noise can make it hard to know what’s really happening. But here’s the truth: AI is not just about technology, it’s about productivity,adaptability, and opportunity.

    In this week’s episode of Divas, Diamonds & Dollars Podcast, we continue our Tech-Tober theme by asking a tough but timely question: Will AI replace you—or will it become your ally?

    We break it down by looking at the reality behind the hype, exploring how different classes of workers are impacted, and why multipreneurs (especially women) have an opportunity to rise in this shifting landscape.

    Inside this episode you’ll discover:

    • Novice vs. Experienced Workers: Entry-level roles may be easiest to automate, but highly educated professionals—from coders to lawyers—are not immune. MIT research shows how AI can both expose weak spots and empower teams tocollaborate more effectively.
    • Productivity Gains (and Gaps): Junior coders, for example, are using AI to speed up routine tasks, while senior coders use it to elevate team performance. The truth is, AI makes great critical thinkers better—but it also reveals wherecritical thinking is missing.
    • Entrepreneurship as an Option: With workforce reductions looming in some industries, entrepreneurship has become a powerful path forward. From women affected by DEI cutbacks to recent college grads struggling to find jobs, more people are turning their creativity and passion into startups. LinkedIn reports a 60% increase in people starting their own businesses in the last year.
    • The Bigger Picture: Beyond layoffs and automation, there’s arising demand for skilled trades, global shifts in education, and an emphasis on adaptability. As we learned at Launch Dayton Startup Week, businesses thrive (or fail) in the “promise gap”—the space between what they say they can do and what they deliver.

    Divalicious Pro-Tip: Be bigger than your technology. Tech is powerful, but communication, trust, and creativity are thetraits that will always set you apart.

    Action Item / Challenge: Forewarned is forearmed. Use AI not as a threat, but as a catalyst. Whether you’re pivoting careers, launching a side business, or rethinking yourfinancial plan, let AI help you get started, get unstuck, and get ahead. Flexibility, not fear, is your best strategy for the future of work.

    This isn’t just about survival. It’s about building the confidence to thrive in a world where change is the only constant.

    Tags: #AIForEntrepreneurs #FutureOfWork#WomenInBusiness #Multipreneurship #TechTober #LeadershipGrowth #CareerPivot #WomenOver40 #BusinessConfidence #Adaptability


    Want more? Join Make It, Mind It, Multiply It my free online community on Skool - videos, training, networking all in the name of multipreneurship success. Check us out!

    34 min
  • Ep. 225 _Harness Technology with Ease!

    From Overwhelm to Empowered: How Tech Helps Multipreneurs Work Smarter -Everywhere you turn, the hype about technology—especially AI—is loud and overwhelming. But here’s the truth: the magic isn’t in the headlines—it’s in the use cases. In this episode of Divas, Diamonds & Dollars, we kick off our Tech-Tober theme by showing you how everyday tech tools can help youstreamline processes, simplify your life, and buy back your time. Because success isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter.

    If you’ve ever felt intimidated by AI or felt technology was “for other people” this conversation will encourage you to see tech as an essential toolkit for the modern multipreneur.

    From automating repetitive tasks to brainstorming with AI to project management tools that keep collaborations on track, the right tools can save hours and free your mental energy for creativity, leadership, and wealth-building.

    Here’s what we cover in this episode:

    • Beyond the Hype: How to spot real use cases versus the noise, plus examples like calendar scheduling, project management apps, and AI drafting tools.
    • Buying Back Your Time: Why tech isn’t a “robot takeover,” but a partner in efficiency. Discover how automation, analytics, and AI brainstorming protect your most valuable resource—your time.
    • Building Confidence with Tech: How to start small, overcome fear, and shift your mindset so technology amplifies (not replaces) your brilliance.

    Tech isn’t the future—it’s the here and now. Don’t let fear orcomplacency hold you back while others move forward. This is your time to get curious, get confident, and get results.

    Tags: #Multipreneurship #WomenInBusiness#WomenOver40 #WorkSmarterNotHarder #AIForEntrepreneurs #TechTober #ProductivityTools #TimeManagement #BusinessConfidence #LeadershipGrowth #PersonalFinanceForWomen #BusinessMindset


    26 min
  • Ep. 224 Why You Really Must Have a Written Success Plan

    Do you ever catch yourself with a little “business envy”? Maybe you’re staring at the decals on a delivery truck in traffic, or binge-watching the latest YouTuber who swears they cracked the code to millions overnight. It’s tempting to think, “I could do that”—and truthfully, you probably could. But the better question is: Should you?

    This week on the Divas, Diamonds & Dollars Podcast, we’re talking about the powerful difference between chasing shiny objects and staying grounded in your strategy. Because just because you can do something doesn’t mean it’s aligned with your goals, your energy, or the multipreneurship life you’re intentionally building.

    We’ve spent the year helping you set goals and build plans, and we know the road isn’t always smooth. Life throws Distractions, Detours, and Delays at us daily:

    • Distractions disguise themselves as busy work, leaving you frazzled but not closer to your dreams.

    • Detours remind us that sometimes the scenic route still leads to progress—if it aligns with your bigger vision.

    • Delays can feel like setbacks, but often they’re just commas in your story, not periods.

    The key is to notice what’s pulling your focus and learn how to respond with grace and intention.

    ✨ Motivation & Moxie: A clear plan fuels motivation—but moxie is the sass and backbone that keeps you moving even when “ugh” happens. Keep your one-page plan (your personal Cliff Notes!) close at hand. Review it when you feel the slump, and let it reignite your excitement. And remember your “why.” Whether it’s financial independence, more freedom, or creating a legacy, your raison d’être pulls you back when doubt starts to creep in.

    ✨ Stay Grounded in Strategy : When the flashing lights of comparison or quick wins distract you, lean into your fundamentals. Stick with best practices. Modify your plan only if it serves your goals, not because of outside noise. Staying strategic doesn’t mean being rigid—it means being flexible with purpose.

    ✨ Grace & Growth: Here’s the truth: you’re not failing when you get sidetracked. You’re human. The magic is in noticing when you’ve drifted, giving yourself grace, and then getting back on track. A pattern break can even give you fresh perspective—as long as you don’t stray too far or too long.

    Your Challenge for the Week: Put your plan in writing. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to move you forward. Then, identify your distraction triggers and create a plan for how you’ll respond the next time they pop up. With awareness, strategy, and a little moxie, you can stay focused and finish the year strong.

    Divalicious Pro Tip: Shiny objects will always sparkle, but your future will shine brighter when you stay the course.

    Multipreneurship | Women Over 40 | Goal Setting | Business Strategy | Overcoming Distractions | Personal Development | Midlife Momentum | Entrepreneurial Mindset | Career Growth | Financial Independence | Women Entrepreneurs | Focus & Productivity | Motivation & Moxie | Staying Grounded | Finish the Year Strong

    Want to join the Multipreneurship Movement? Join my free online community Make It, Mind It, Multiply It to enjoy prime networking collaboration and nurturing your dreams with classes, videos and support: http://bit.ly/422vknP


    30 min
  • Ep. 223 Culture, Crisis & Finishing Strong: What the Fourth Turning Means for You

    What if success isn’t just about working harder—but about understanding the cycles shaping your life? In this episode, we explore how cultural evolution and the theory of the Fourth Turning intersect with your personal goals. Learnwhy adapting your routines, environment, and expectations can be your strongest strategy for finishing the year strong—even in uncertain times.

    🎯 Theme: Finish the Year Strong💡 Topics: Culture vs genetics, generational cycles, resilience, micro-shifts🎧 Listen now and take control of the culture that surrounds you.


    Sources:  https://www.earth.com/news/culture-is-driving-human-evolution-faster-than-our-genes/Andrei Jikh YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0PjyaNrI0U&t=314s


    Tags (Keywords):  Multipreneurship | Women Over 40 | GoalSetting | End of Year Strategy | Focus and Productivity | Personal Development | AI Tools for Business | Finish Strong | Leadership for Women | Financial Independence | Entrepreneurial Mindset | Optimize Systems | Personal Growth

    Join my free online community to learn more about Multipreneurship!

    24 min
  • Ep. 222 Why Not Me? Three Strategies to Build Staying Power & Success

    Ever wonder what sets wildly successful people apart from the rest?
    It’s not luck, it’s not hype—it’s staying power. The women who make it aren’t the ones who dabble; they’re the ones who commit, adapt, and keep moving forward even when doubt creeps in.

    In this week’s episode, we dive into the real hallmarks of success for midlife women building multipreneurship and financial freedom:

    🔥 Three Strategies for Success Today (and Beyond):

    • Why Not Me? – Study, emulate, and customize what works for others. Then take action and trust yourself—because you’ve got the right stuff.

    • Flex Your “Yes Muscle” – Dare to dream bigger, pursue ideas, nurture your vitality, and adopt the mindset of a builder. Fear doesn’t get the last word—you do.

    • Invest in “S & Me” – Your time, your wallet, your energy, your choices. Because YOU are your best investment, and shortchanging yourself only delays your dreams.

    Along the way, we’ll talk about how to break through impostor syndrome, why bold moves create confidence, and how to use AI, learning, and strategy to accelerate your journey.

    Action Step: Start practicing the “Why Not Me?” attitude. Combine it with your Yes Muscle and your S & Me investments, and you’ll be unstoppable.

    Divalicious Pro Tip: Don’t ever cheap out on yourself—investing in learning, coaching, and connections pays dividends for a lifetime.

    This is your reminder: staying power isn’t glamorous, but it’s what builds empires. And it’s absolutely within your reach.

    Multipreneurship | Women Over 40 | Financial Freedom | Success Strategies | Confidence Building | Personal Development | Midlife Pivot | Entrepreneurial Mindset | Goal Setting | Investing in Yourself | Women in Leadership | Business Growth | Retire Successfully | Live Your Best Life

    32 min
  • Ep 221 _The S.I.L.O. Framework: Your Midyear Strategy to Finish Strong

    Nervous about the year slipping away without hitting your goals? You don’t need to panic—you need a framework. This week we’re revealing how to flip the idea of “silos” into a power strategy that will help you focus, finish strong, and fan the flames of your multipreneurial momentum.

    As the year winds down, many of us are nervously excited—or just plain nervous—about what’s still on our plates. Haven’t hit all your goals yet? Don’t give up. It’s time to S.I.L.O.

    No, not in the corporate sense of isolation and poor communication. In this episode, S.I.L.O. becomes your end-of-year power framework:

    S – Solitude: Calendar your F.O.C.U.S. time, extend your sprints, and align your schedule with what actually moves the needle.

    I – Innovation: Keep your strategy steady but shake up your tactics. Automate, research what leaders are doing, and bring new creativity to the table.

    L – Learning: Fill in your knowledge gaps. Use multimedia resources and let AI summarize the data so you can act faster and smarter.

    O – Optimize: Improve systems and leverage support. Whether it’s automations, virtual assistants, or agentic AI tools, this is the moment to work smarter, not harder.

    This isn’t about burning yourself out—it’s about making deliberate choices that position you for success before the year closes.

    Action Step: Use curated ChatGPT prompts (yes, this is your permission slip!) for inspiration and motivation, then get busy executing. If you’ve been using ChatGPT for some time – at least several weeks, or a few months – to review or enhance your projects, job, content, etc., as promised, here's the insights prompt I used: Tell me something incredibly special or unique you've noticed about me, but you think I haven't realized about myself yet. It doesn't have to be positive, andyou don't have to be nice. Just be truthful.

    Divalicious Pro Tip: The timeline is tight, but you’ve got the right stuff. With focus, innovation, learning, and optimization—you can finish strong and start the new year ready to multiply your magnificence.

    Tags (Keywords) Multipreneurship | Women Over 40 | Goal Setting | End of Year Strategy | Focus and Productivity | Personal Development | AI Tools for Business | Finish Strong | Leadership for Women | Financial Independence | Entrepreneurial Mindset | Optimize Systems | Personal Growth


    32 min
  • Ep. 220 _ Velvettee Hux on Faith, Strategy & Leading Without Burnout

    Have you ever dreamed of being your own boss—but haven’t taken the leap yet? This episode will light your path.

    In today’s installment of our signature Trailblazer Interview Series, we sit down with the phenomenal Velvettee Hux—strategic advisor, nonprofit consultant, and founder of Vel Hux Solutions, LLC—to explore what it really takes to transition from a traditional 9-to-5 to a legacy-building entrepreneurial life.

    Vel brings over 50 years of experience in fundraising, leadership, marketing, and mission strategy. With degrees in Mathematics and Marketing Communications, she’s known for helping nonprofit and faith-based leaders think clearly, communicate with confidence, and lead without burnout.

    More than just a consultant, Vel is a guide to women in business who are ready to serve, lead, and build without losing themselves in the process.

    In this heart-centered yet highly practical conversation, we discuss:

    ✨ What sparked her leap into entrepreneurship✨ How to find clients without chasing them✨ The habits and mindset that keep her aligned with purpose✨ Her biggest lessons in leadership and reinvention✨ Why she’s committed to mentoring otherentrepreneurs through SCORE

    Whether you're just beginning your business journey or expanding your impact, Vel’s insights will challenge and inspire you to move forward—strategically and soulfully.

    🎧 Listen now and meet your next mentor-in-your-mind. [

    📨 Connect with Vel Hux:📧 [email protected]🌐 Website: Smart Solutions for Nonprofits and Community Builders

    This episode is brought to you by:
    ✨ The Larisa Group's Pink Passport Society with LarisaTroche✨ Leadership Coaching & Mentoring with Cecelia Benford - DARC, LLC

    #TrailblazerInterview#WomenEntrepreneurs #FaithInBusiness #LeadershipWithoutBurnout#DivasDiamondsDollarsPodcast #NonprofitConsulting #VelHuxSolutions

    45 min
  • Ep. 219_ Creating Your Hot Streak: Trends Shaping Women’s Work & Business in 2025

    Are you ready to create your own hot streak?

    As we head into the final stretch of 2025, it's the perfect time to pause, reflect, and plan your next power move. In this timely episode, we unpack the latest trends shaping thefuture of work for women—and how you can take advantage of them to level up your career or business.

    From hybrid work and leadership shifts to micro-entrepreneurship, we explore how women around theglobe are rewriting the rules of success—on their own terms.

    🌟 What’s Inside:

    • Why National Women's Equality Day (August 26) matters even more today.
    • The rise of digital-first business models and remote team leadership.
    • New data on women in leadership, entrepreneurship, and venture capital.
    • How to align your goals with Q4 planning and long-term strategy.
    • Tips for building a personal brand that supports your next career move.

    Plus, we take a look at what it really means to thrive in this post-pandemic, tech-driven, values-centered world of work—and how women are leading the way.

    🎯 Whether you're pivoting, scaling, or just rethinking your next move, this episode is for you.

    👉 Tune in and turn up your power. Your hot streak starts now.

    🔗 Subscribe & Share: If you found value in this episode, please follow the show and share it with a friend, colleague, or fellow boss babe who's ready to rise.

    25 min
  • Ep. 218 _Stop Playing Small: The Start–Stop–Keep Formula for Success

    Are you ready to turn up the heat on your biggest goals? You don’t need a new plan—you need the courage to start what matters, stop what’s holding you back, and keep doing what’s already working. Let’s fan the flames of yourmagnificence and make your dreams your new reality.

    Success isn’t always about reinventing the wheel—it’s about knowing what to start, what to stop, and what to keep doing so you can maintain your momentum and hit those mega goals.

    In this week’s episode, we’re breaking down the Start–Stop–Keep formula to help you focus your energy, stop sabotaging your progress, and keep the habitsthat fuel your confidence and growth. Whether you’re building a business, leading a team, or diversifying your income streams as a multipreneur, these practical steps will help you burn brighter without burning out.

    Here’s what we cover in today's convo:

    • Start Doing – From refreshing your brand profiles to leading with confidence and seizing bold opportunities.
    • Stop Doing - Why overthinking, self-sabotage, and comparison are killing your momentum.
    • Keep Doing – Leveraging your analytics, sticking to best practices, and doubling down on what’s already delivering results.

    Action Item: Use today’s conversation as your roadmap—make the necessary changes, eliminate the roadblocks, and double down on the strategies that are already working.

    Divalicious ProTip: Stop playing small. Today is the day you release your inner baller and make your dreams your new reality.

    Tags Multipreneurship | Women Over 40 | Business Strategy | Personal Branding | Confidence Building | Goal Setting | Entrepreneurship | Leadership for Women | Business Growth | Stop Playing Small | Personal Development | Productivity Tips


    35 min
  • Ep. 217 _ S.C.O.U.T. It Out: How to Support Black-Owned Businesses with Purpose and Consistency

    Quick—can you name three Black-owned businesses in your city? If not, you're not alone. Even those of us who want to support Black-owned businesses often struggle with one basic challenge: finding them.

    In this episode of The Multipreneur Life, we’re honoring National Black Business Month by helping you S.C.O.U.T. out opportunities to support and celebrate Black-owned businesses—not just during August, but all year long.Whether you live in a large urban center or a quiet suburban cul-de-sac, this conversation will give you practical tips, personal reflections, and a powerful framework for channeling your dollars with more intention.

    Using the acronym S.C.O.U.T., we walk you through five ways to shift your consumer habits, build lasting relationships, and integrate economic justice into your everyday routine:

    🔍 S – Seek Intentionally
    Start with a plan. You’ll learn how to compile your own list of Black-owned businesses based on your most frequent purchases—from restaurants to gift shops to services you might not have thought of (hello, Black-owned CPA firms!).

    🤝 C – Connect & Collaborate
    It’s not just about buying once—it’s about building community. I share ways to connect with local Black business owners through networking events, Chambers ofCommerce, and even casual coffee chats that lead to meaningful collaborations.

    🚪 O – Open Doors & Offer Support
    If you’re a decision-maker, leader, or connector, you have the power to amplify others. Learn how to refer, recommend, and resource other Black-owned businesses by simply sharing your platform or passing along a helpful tool.

    🛍️ U – Utilize & Uplift
    Support goes beyond buying—review it, post it, recommend it. We talk about the power of social proof and how simple actions like a Google review or IG tag can boost a brand’s visibility and sustainability.

    🧠 T – Think It Through
    Want to make supporting Black-owned businesses part of your regular routine? You’ll need to plan ahead, detour from your default stores, and make space in your schedule. We’ll show you how that effort can become effortless withintention.

    ✨ Whether you’re a consumer looking to redirect your dollars, a business owner seeking community, or a leader aiming to diversify your vendor list—this episode will spark your next move.

    Because here’s the truth: economic empowerment is a form of activism. And as a Multipreneur, your money, time, and voice all carry weight.

    🎯 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:


    💼 Why It Matters to Multipreneurs
    Supporting Black-owned businesses isn’t just about allyship—it’s about ecosystem building. If you're trying to build your own hot streak, nothing fuels momentum like building momentum for someone else.Multipreneurship is a team sport. Let’s play it together.

    🛒 Action Item:
    Start your “BOB List” today. Identify at least 5 Black-owned businesses—local or national—that you can support this month and beyond. (Grab your starter list below!)

    👑Divalicious Pro Tip: Let your money do the talking. When you shop with intention, you invest in equity.

    📌 Tags:#NationalBlackBusinessMonth #SupportBlackOwned #BOBDirectory #MultipreneurLife#ShopBlack #SmallBusinessSupport #IntentionalSpending #BlackBusinessMatters#CommunityOverCompetition #WomenSupportingWomen #HotStreakSeason

    Don't forget to grab your starter list of Black-Owned Businesses. Download it here: http://bit.ly/3HpomSv

    28 min

About Divas, Diamonds & Dollars: The Podcast for Women Building Wealth and Wisdom

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to Divas, Diamonds & Dollars—the go-to podcast for bold, brilliant women 40 and better who are ready to build wealth, grow their leadership, and reclaim their financial confidence. Hosted by sisters and seasoned professionals Larisa Troche and Cecelia Benford, this weekly show brings real talk and real strategy to women navigating the power moves of midlife.