Driven by Dreamz

Jessica Yahfoufi turned a creative instinct into a writing career that sells, and she breaks down exactly how she did it. From self-publishing a children’s book that has now moved more than 34,600 copies to building a business-minded path back into full-time writing, this conversation is packed with the practical and the personal. Anishka talks with Jessica about the unlikely route from cognitive science and marketing into books, startup life, and back again. Jessica shares how a story for her family became a bestseller, why she chose self-publishing over traditional publishing, and how she applies a startup mindset to writing, revising, and building an audience.

High achievement can look like success and still feel empty. Judy Tsuei shows why the real shift is not doing more, but reprogramming the unconscious patterns that keep you chasing approval, safety, and the wrong definition of success.As a mindset architect, certified NLP master practitioner, founder of Judy Tsuei Coaching, and creator of the Inner Blueprint Method, Judy blends identity work, healing, and practical tools for people who are ready to stop living by inherited scripts. She shares how becoming a mother, leaving a traditional path, and building a life that included a camper van, Kauai, Austin, and eventually selling her branding agency all reshaped what success means.

In this episode of Driven by Dreamz, we sit down with Sandy Basaka, co-founder and CEO of Our Yard, to talk about entrepreneurship, resilience, and building with purpose. Sandy shares how she started her first business in high school, why she chose business over pre-med, and how being a refugee and immigrant from Iraq shaped her approach to leadership and risk.

Watch Kelly Chewning on Driven by Dreamz as she explores how visionary leadership can transform businesses through authentic employee ownership. Discover how aligning shared values and a collective mission can boost performance and community impact. Kelly shares practical steps for transitioning to employee ownership and highlights future trends shaping this model. Perfect for entrepreneurs and leaders, this episode offers strategies to align business growth with social impact.

Join branding strategist Allie Gibson as she reveals how storytelling and strategy can transform your brand. Discover how to avoid common pitfalls like vague messaging and outdated visuals. Allie shares her journey from corporate marketing to founding a purpose-driven brand agency. Learn to align your brand with core values and attract your ideal clients. This episode is packed with practical advice for entrepreneurs seeking to build a compelling and authentic brand identity.

This episode dives into the evolving industry landscape and how women can navigate and thrive in it, from choosing the right financial advisor to understanding the diverse roles within the CFP community. Felicia Gopaul shares her insights on why the industry still underrepresents women and how the future is bright with more women leading the charge. Plus, practical tips on how to protect your financial health early, like establishing emergency funds, appropriate insurance, and starting small with investments.Whether you're at the beginning of your financial journey or seeking strategies to overcome emotional barriers, this conversation leaves you with clear, actionable steps to take control. Felicia’s journey, resilience, and proven advice make this episode a must-listen for women who want to be confident, prepared, and in charge of their financial destinies.

In this insightful interview, Ashley Feuerman, an attorney and entrepreneur, shares her journey of helping female entrepreneurs protect their businesses through strategic legal planning. She discusses common legal pitfalls, the importance of community, and how to build long-term wealth while staying compliant.

What does it really take to turn your inner calling into a meaningful life and business? In this powerful episode, Anishka sits down with Debra Valentina, a “soul project catalyst” with over 35 years of experience helping women unlock their true purpose. From leaving a successful healthcare executive career to building a global coaching practice, Debra shares deep insights on intuition, overcoming self-doubt, and creating a life aligned with authenticity. If you’ve ever felt stuck, uncertain, or disconnected from your purpose, this conversation will inspire you to listen within and take action.

What really drives people’s decisions and how can we uncover the truth behind the data? In this episode, Anishka sits down with Natalia Tafur, founder of Keyhole Research & Consulting, to explore the art and science of understanding human behavior. From running focus groups to leveraging AI thoughtfully, Natalia shares how qualitative insights reveal the “why” behind consumer choices. Learn how to balance data with storytelling, avoid bias, and think like a true researcher in a world overflowing with information.

What does it take to turn bold ideas into global impact? In this episode, Anishka sits down with award-winning social entrepreneur Julia Skupchenko to explore her journey from early entrepreneurial sparks to co-founding Alter Contacts, a global think tank for sustainable development. From navigating corporate life to launching initiatives recognized by the United Nations, Julia shares powerful insights on innovation, leadership, and resilience. Discover how she scaled the Lockdown Economy Initiative across 42 countries, why failing fast matters, and how young entrepreneurs can start creating meaningful change right now.