hat does it take to bounce back from public failure and start a billion-dollar company in your 50s? In this deeply honest and inspiring episode of Dreams In Drive, Julie Wainwright—founder of The RealReal and current CEO of Ahara—gets real about her unconventional journey through entrepreneurship, personal reinvention, and the power of owning your story.

Julie opens up about her childhood shaped by her mother’s chronic illness, and how that early responsibility lit the fire for her fierce independence and creative drive. We dive into the rise and fall of Pets.com, how she survived the media fallout, and more. From bootstrapping The RealReal to getting fired from the very company she founded, Julie shares the hard-won lessons that every entrepreneur—especially women—need to hear. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, risk-taking, and rediscovering purpose at any age.

You'll learn:

• How Julie’s upbringing with a sickly mother shaped her ambition
• The behind-the-scenes of Pets.com’s infamous fall—and how she recovered
• Her personal “pivot moment” that led to founding The RealReal at 52
• The shopping trip that sparked a billion-dollar idea
• What it really takes to build a company later in life
• Why you only need to be “51% right” in business
• How to handle getting fired from your own company
• The biggest hiring mistake most founders make
• Why knowing your values is essential as a leader
• The powerful advice Julie gave me for leveling up Dreams In Drive

Whether you’re navigating a career pivot, bouncing back from failure, or dreaming of launching something new, Julie’s story will remind you: it’s never too late to bet on yourself.

Guest Bio:

Julie Wainwright is an entrepreneur and e-commerce pioneer with over two decades of experience building transformational consumer and tech businesses. She is currently the CEO and co-founder of Ahara, a precision nutrition company. Julie previously founded The RealReal, the world’s largest online marketplace for authenticated luxury consignment, which she led to over $1 billion in revenue and took public in 2019. Her accolades include Entrepreneur’s 50 Most Daring Entrepreneurs, Fast Company’s Most Creative People, and Forbes’ 50 Over 50.

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Ahara
• Follow Julie on LinkedIn
• Connect with Rana: @rainshineluv
• Subscribe to the Dreams In Drive newsletter for exclusive updates
• Leave a review and share the episode with a friend chasing a dream!

In this heartfelt episode of Dreams In Drive, host Rana Campbell sits down with Chantal Rochelle — creative producer, marketing strategist, and now debut children’s book author — to discuss the powerful inspiration behind her new book, Where Did Grandma Go?.

Chantal opens up about the experience of losing her mother, how that grief shaped her personal and creative journey, and what it took to bring a meaningful story about love, memory, and healing to life. A Shorty Award finalist, Webby Award nominee, and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Chantal has long been a force in media — and this next chapter proves she's only just getting started.

This vulnerable conversation touches on:

• The inspiration behind Where Did Grandma Go?
• How grief can lead to creativity and deeper purpose
• Navigating the emotional process of writing about loss
• Turning pain into a legacy for future generations
• The power of storytelling in children's literature
• Finding joy while still honoring grief

Whether you're currently grieving or supporting someone who is, this episode offers comfort, inspiration, and tools for healing.

🎧 Tune in, take notes, and don’t forget to share this with someone who needs to hear it.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Follow Chantal Rochelle on Instagram: @chantalrochelle
• Learn more about Where Did Grandma Go?
• Follow the show on Instagram: @dreamsindrive

Subscribe & Leave a Review: If this episode resonated with you, let us know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more Dream Drivers discover the show

In this special bonus after-show segment from episode 425, our conversation with Kristen Carter continues as she shares an intimate and powerful tool she uses to stay grounded and joyful—her personal Joy List. In this short conversation, Kristen breaks down how she created her list, why it matters, and how you can start building your own.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply in need of a pick-me-up, this quick episode will inspire you to reconnect with what truly brings you joy. Listen in and be inspired to create your own joy list today.

JOIN THE WEEKLY DREAMS IN DRIVE NEWSLETTER:www.dreamsindrive.com/join

FIND KRISTEN ON: Instagram: @kristenvcarter @trustyourmagic

FIND RANA ON SOCIAL: Instagram:  @rainshineluv @dreamsindriveWeb: www.dreamsindrive.com

FIND DREAMS IN DRIVE ON:Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dreamsindrive Twitter: http://twitter.com/dreamsindrive Web: https://www.dreamsindrive.com

Toay we’re welcoming back a very special guest: executive producer, entrepreneur, and educator Kristen Carter! If you haven’t already, make sure to check out episode 156 for Kristen’s powerful story on how she got her start in media and carved her unique path in the industry.

Since we last spoke, Kristen has continued to break creative ground — most recently serving as Showrunner and Executive Producer for the PBS gospel concert special GOSPEL Live! Presented by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., featuring performances from John Legend, Erica Campbell, and Anthony Hamilton.

In this episode, Kristen opens up about navigating unplanned life changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, the emotional toll of loss, and the challenges of working in the media industry. She also shares her powerful decision to choose joy, and how that intentional choice led her to deeper healing, purpose, and transformational growth.

We also discuss:

• Embracing new creative territories

• The impact of loss on one’s dreams

• Letting go of toxic love and its lasting effects

• The importance of mentorship and community

• Trusting your magic and saying YES to joy

Kristen’s vulnerability and strength remind us that sometimes, the key to moving forward is letting go of what no longer serves us. Her journey will inspire you to keep dreaming — and to do it with intention and heart.

Let’s get into it.

JOIN THE WEEKLY DREAMS IN DRIVE NEWSLETTER:www.dreamsindrive.com/join

FIND KRISTEN ON: Instagram: @kristenvcarter

FIND RANA ON SOCIAL: Instagram:  @rainshineluv @dreamsindriveWeb: www.dreamsindrive.com

FIND DREAMS IN DRIVE ON:Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dreamsindrive Twitter: http://twitter.com/dreamsindrive Web: https://www.dreamsindrive.com

Discover how micro dreams—small, focused goals—can help you build your vision without burnout. Start making real progress with less pressure.

We’re often told to go big or go home — but what if the real power move is thinking smaller?

In this solo episode, host Rana Campbell explores the concept of micro dreams — the bite-sized, focused goals that help keep momentum alive without overwhelming your spirit. Whether you’re stuck in perfection paralysis, burnt out from hustle culture, or simply unsure of your next step, this episode will help you reframe how you define progress.

Rana shares:

• What micro dreams are (and how they differ from big goals)
• Why this mindset is essential in today’s high-pressure world
• How small wins build real, lasting confidence
• Her personal reflections on embracing the micro-dream journey

If you’ve been feeling the weight of your ambitions or unsure how to move forward — this episode is your permission to take one intentional step at a time. Because micro doesn’t mean minimal. Micro means meaningful.

Listen now and discover why scaling down your dream might be the very thing that helps it grow.

Follow Rana on Instagram: @rainshineluv

• Join the Dreams In Drive community: www.dreamsindrive.com/join
• Subscribe & leave a review if this episode resonates!

Customer service isn’t just for business owners — it’s about how you show up.

In this episode, I share a simple story that made me rethink consistency, accountability, and the small moments that shape how others experience us. Whether you’re building a brand or navigating your 9–5, this is your reminder: Soft skills are power moves.

_____ We often hear, “Don’t do too much.” But what if doing a little extra is exactly what sets you apart?

In this episode of Dreams In Drive, I share a story about my son’s weekly piano lessons — and how one small, consistent gesture (a reminder call from his school) completely changed the way I think about customer service, personal branding, and how we show up in the world.

From that “annoying” phone call to the soft skills that leave a lasting impression, we dive into why being memorable is a strategy, not a burden.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, climbing the corporate ladder, or simply building your dream, how you make people feel matters. From how you send emails, greet coworkers, or finish a project — those “soft skills” are your secret sauce. This episode will help you:

• Reframe what it means to “go the extra mile”
• Understand how good service builds trust (and retention!)
• Recognize the everyday ways your presence is part of your brand

Because being likable, thoughtful, and consistent? That’s not extra — that’s the real flex.

This episode is your reminder that going the extra mile isn’t extra... it’s strategy.

How you show up in the world matters. So, be intentional!

*SUBSCRIBE TO THE ROAD TRIP NEWSLETTER: http://www.dreamsindrive.com/join

*Follow Dreams In Drive on Social: *http://twitter.com/dreamsindrive *http://instagram.com/dreamsindrive

*Follow Rana on Social: *http://instagram.com/rainshineluv *http://twitter.com/rainshineluv

What does it really take to chase a big dream? In this raw solo episode of Dreams In Drive, host Rana Campbell opens up about the often hidden side of dream chasing — from navigating burnout and loneliness to rediscovering purpose and breakthrough.

If you’ve ever felt like giving up, this episode is for you.

Rana shares the emotional and unexpected detours along her own journey, including the impact of the pandemic and becoming a mother. She dives deep into what burnout really feels like, the cost of trying to do it all without help, and the silent struggles so many dreamers face behind the scenes.

But this episode isn’t just about pain — it’s about rising. It’s about the breakthrough after the breakdown. About rediscovering your “why,” investing in your wellness (yes, therapy is part of the dream work!), and giving yourself permission to rest without quitting.

If you're a creative, entrepreneur, or purpose-driven woman who’s ever asked, “Why is this so hard?” — hit play. You’ll leave feeling seen, empowered, and reminded that even when the road gets messy... the dream never dies.

*SUBSCRIBE TO THE ROAD TRIP NEWSLETTER: http://www.dreamsindrive.com/join

*Follow Dreams In Drive on Social: *http://twitter.com/dreamsindrive *http://instagram.com/dreamsindrive

*Follow Rana on Social: *http://instagram.com/rainshineluv *http://twitter.com/rainshineluv

After hosting over 400 conversations on Dreams In Drive and navigating my own journey through the twists and turns of corporate America, I’ve learned a thing or two about what it really takes to build a fulfilling and impactful career as a millennial.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing 8 career tips that have transformed not only my own path but also reflect the powerful lessons I've learned from the many dream drivers who’ve graced this show. These are the things I wish I knew sooner — insights that blend real-world corporate experience with the entrepreneurial drive we all need to succeed in today’s world.

Whether you're feeling stuck, just starting out, or ready to level up, this episode is for you.

Let’s get into it.

*SUBSCRIBE TO THE ROAD TRIP NEWSLETTER: http://www.dreamsindrive.com/join

*Follow Dreams In Drive on Social: *http://twitter.com/dreamsindrive *http://instagram.com/dreamsindrive

*Follow Rana on Social: *http://instagram.com/rainshineluv *http://twitter.com/rainshineluv

We all have something that makes us unique - but how can we truly embrace these differences to win along the dream driving journey? Listen in as I share why I had to confront what I didn't like about myself - and how doing and embracing that thing has led me to personal confidence and success.

*SUBSCRIBE TO THE ROAD TRIP NEWSLETTER: http://www.dreamsindrive.com/join

*Follow Dreams In Drive on Social: *http://twitter.com/dreamsindrive *http://instagram.com/dreamsindrive

*Follow Rana on Social: *http://instagram.com/rainshineluv *http://twitter.com/rainshineluv

There’s this thing that is here to say. AI — artificial intelligence. It's taking over the world, our lives, and our futures. What better than to have Adamma Ihemeson - founder of the Automated CMO on the show?! On a mission to make AI Marketing more accessible, Adamma shares her journey building her career in AI and how we as dream drivers can use it to advance our own dreams and lives. 

Aside from my Chat GPT obsession, I don’t know much about AI and just all that it can do - so this was a truly eye opening conversation! Definitely make sure to listen to the full episode to be inspired and get educated on how to leverage this tech in real life!

So here’s a little more about our guest:

Adamma Ihemeson is a seasoned marketer with 8+ years of experience in product marketing, growth hacking, marketing automation, & GTM strategy. She is the founder of The Automated CMO, an AI marketing education hub on a mission to make AI marketing more accessible. Adamma was first introduced to AI at a live webinar hosted by Jasper AI back in 2021, and was instantly hooked. Since then, she has created 30+ custom prompts for product launch campaigns, built low-code AI marketing systems, and became certified as an AI developer through MindStudio. Now, she's teaching marketers how to start confidently adopt AI as an assistant, not a replacement.

Adamma doesn't hold back on sharing all the tools you need so make you take notes!

There’s so much in this episode that we explore. Make sure you’re following us on social @dreamsindrive and share if you enjoy the episode! 

FIND ADAMMA ON:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamma-ihemeson/

FIND RANA ON SOCIAL: Instagram:  @rainshineluv @dreamsindriveWeb: www.dreamsindrive.com

FIND DREAMS IN DRIVE ON:Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dreamsindrive Twitter: http://twitter.com/dreamsindrive Web: https://www.dreamsindrive.com