Award-winning marketing strategist and entrepreneur Sacha Awwa (Founder, SAMG; Co-founder, My Marketer Mentors) joins Anusha Harid-Paoletti to demystify why marketing feels complicated—and how to make it simple, measurable, and effective. Drawing on 22 years across the New York Times and high-growth startups, Sacha lays out a foundation-first approach: clarify mission/vision, nail the Four W’s (why, who, way, what), define accurate ideal customer profiles, and build customer-market fit before spending a dollar on channels. She shares a right-sized MarTech stack (GA/Search Console, CRM/ESP) and how to use AI tools (ChatGPT, Claude) to accelerate research and planning. We dig into B2B vs. B2C nuances, community-building that beats tiny ad budgets, and two unforgettable war stories, one about scaling customer service with moms, another about founders getting in their own way. If you’ve ever wondered where your ad dollars go, or whether you even need ads yet, this episode gives you the roadmap to market smarter, not louder.

3 Takeaways

• Don’t buy tactics; build the foundation first.
• Prioritize customer-market fit and community over low-budget ads.
• Use AI + lean tools to research, test, and measure before you scale.

Thank you to our Sponsors Gies College of Business.

In this thought-provoking episode, host Anusha Harid-Paoletti sits down with Dr. Camille Preston, business psychologist and author of Living Real, to explore how leaders can navigate disruption, grief, and the “shallowing” of modern life. Drawing from her own journey through profound loss, Camille shares how avoiding hard conversations not only limits our resilience but also our joy. Together they discuss practical ways to rethink energy, resist digital distraction, and embrace radical presence in leadership and life. With wisdom forged at the intersection of psychology and business, Camille offers listeners a blueprint for leading with authenticity, compassion, and strength in times of uncertainty.

Thank you to Gies College of Business for sponsoring this podcast. 

Want to be considered for the podcast? Send an email to [email protected] with your topic focus and a short bio.

To learn more about Ellevate Network and how we’re building a community that supports women+ at every stage of their careers, visit ellevatenetwork.com or reach out to [email protected]

.

Katy Brodsky Falco is the Founder and Executive Director of the Foundation for Women's Health. She comes to this work through an equity lens, having worked in criminal justice reform for 20 years. After surviving both HELLP syndrome and breast cancer, Katy was horrified to learn about the long history of inequities in rigorous research of women’s health. Seeing how clearly the public sector failed to close the gender equity gap in health for decades across both democratic and republican administrations, she created the Foundation for Women’s Health as a private sector solution to not only equalize research funding for diseases across gender, but also across disease. Katy has built and managed non-profit research organizations for leading academic institutions for the past decade. She was the Executive Director of NYU School of Law's Criminal Justice Lab, and prior to this, she was Executive Director of Crime Lab New York, a criminal justice research organization based at University of Chicago. She was also Executive Director of Reentry Services at the NYC Department of Corrections and a staff attorney at Legal Aid Society in the Criminal Defense Division. Katy attended Harvard University for her BA and NYU School of Law for her JD.

Podcast Alert! 🎙️

🎧 In this episode of the Ellevate Podcast: Conversations With Women Changing the Face of Business, host Anusha Harod-Paoletti sits down with Anne Fulenwider and Monica Molenaar, the powerhouse co-founders and co-CEOs of Alloy Women’s Health, for a candid and insightful conversation about the state of menopause care and the future of women’s health.

Drawing from their own personal experiences: Anne’s pivot from award-winning magazine editor to health advocate after the sudden loss of her mother, and Monica’s journey through surgical menopause following a BRCA gene diagnosis, they share what inspired them to build Alloy: a science-backed, digital platform designed to bring credible information, compassionate care, and community to women navigating perimenopause and beyond.

This episode explores why menopause has long been ignored by the medical system and society at large, how women are reclaiming agency over their health, and what it means to lead a purpose-driven business aimed at disrupting outdated norms. It’s a conversation about truth-telling, trailblazing, and the fundamental belief that women deserve to feel well, informed, and empowered at every stage of life.

Whether you’re navigating menopause yourself or championing better health outcomes for others, this episode is a must-listen.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

·      Women over 40 have earned the right to feel fantastic.

·      Menopause has been historically misunderstood and stigmatized.

·      Access to accurate information about menopause is crucial.

·      Empowerment and agency are essential for women in health decisions.

·      The importance of community and connection in navigating menopause.

EXPLORE KEY SEGMENTS

·      00:00 The Journey Begins: Meeting and Partnership

·      03:57 Understanding Menopause: The Hidden Truths

·      15:51 Cultural Shifts: Changing the Conversation Around Menopause

·      19:33 Innovative Products: Addressing Women's Needs

·      27:28 The Beauty of Aging: Redefining Standards

·      31:40 Final Thoughts: Empowerment and Agency in Health

Alloy’s message is clear: menopause is not a medical footnote or a personal burden to bear in silence. It’s a powerful, transformative life stage that deserves better care, deeper understanding, and far more respect. Through evidence-based solutions, accessible healthcare, and honest conversation, Alloy is not just treating symptoms. They’re restoring agency, dignity, and vitality to women in midlife and beyond. Their work is a reminder that every woman has the right to feel fantastic, informed, and in control of her health no matter her age.

Download the Ellevate Network Podcast, Conversations with Women Changing the Face of Business, on your favorite platform or 🎧listen now to be inspired by Anne, Monica and all the extraordinary women changing the face of business.

Episode produced by BGoodPartners

Podcast Alert! 🎙️

🎧 In this episode of the Ellevate Podcast: Conversations with Women Changing the Face of Business, host Anusha Harid-Paoletti, CEO of Ellevate Network, sits down with Mary Beech, Chief Growth Officer at Thorne, for a candid, compelling conversation that weaves together career milestones, personal transformation, and the evolving nature of leadership.

Mary’s remarkable professional journey includes senior leadership roles at some of the world’s most iconic brands: Ralph Lauren, Scholastic, Kate Spade, and The Walt Disney Company. Yet what sets her apart is not just her resume but her unwavering commitment to storytelling with purpose. From fashion and publishing to wellness and biotechnology, Mary has brought empathy, creativity, and vision into every chapter of her career.

In this episode, Mary opens up about how a life-altering health scare reshaped her approach to wellness, work, and what it means to lead. She shares insights on building purpose-driven brands, leading with empathy, and why personal branding is no longer optional. You’ll hear reflections on the intersection of consumer trust and company responsibility, how modern storytelling, from TikTok to newsletters, has democratized who gets heard, and why curating your “next act” requires deep honesty about joy, talent, and timing.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

·      Storytelling is a powerful tool in marketing and consumer engagement.

·      Purpose-driven companies can provide deeper meaning to work.

·      Mary's personal health journey reshaped her perspective on wellness.

·      Empathy in leadership enhances consumer relationships.

·      Consumers today expect brands to be accountable and responsible.

·      Personal branding should reflect the whole person, not just the professional.

EXPLORE KEY SEGMENTS

·      00:00 The Journey of Mary Beech

·      02:50 The Power of Storytelling and Purpose

·      06:04 Personal Health Journey and Its Impact

·      08:39 Empathy in Leadership

·      11:50 Consumer Relationships and Brand Responsibility

·      14:41 Content Consumption and Personal Branding

·      17:47 Planning the Next Act of Your Career

Mary’s message is a powerful reminder that leadership grounded in empathy, purpose, and personal authenticity isn’t just aspirational, it’s essential. In a world where professional and personal boundaries are increasingly blurred, Mary shows us the strength in embracing our whole selves, honoring our lived experiences, and using storytelling as a bridge between brands and the people they serve. Her journey challenges us to be intentional about the impact we make, the joy we pursue, and the legacy we leave behind, not just in our careers, but in how we live and lead every day.

Download the Ellevate Network Podcast, Conversations with Women Changing the Face of Business, on your favorite platform or 🎧listen now to be inspired by Mary and all the extraordinary women changing the face of business.

*Episode produced by BGoodPartners LLC

Podcast Alert! 🎙️

🎧 In this episode of the Ellevate Network Podcast: Conversations with Women Changing the Face of Business, Tammy Williams welcomes Regina Linke, a former tech executive who boldly stepped away from a thriving career in marketing technology and information systems to follow a creative calling rooted in heritage and heart. Now a celebrated artist and storyteller, Regina is the creator of The Oxherd Boy, a webcomic turned book that blends Eastern philosophy with modern storytelling and has resonated with over half a million followers worldwide.

Regina opens up about what it truly means to redefine success, navigate imposter syndrome, and build something meaningful from scratch while balancing motherhood and personal growth. She shares how reconnecting with her Taiwanese roots in adulthood sparked an artistic transformation and how she uses the ancient Chinese gongbi painting style, fused with digital tools, to bring timeless wisdom into today’s world.

The conversation explores the value of representation in children’s literature, the power of embracing cultural identity, and the quiet confidence that comes from aligning your work with your values. Regina also offers grounded advice for women considering a pivot toward purpose-driven careers—emphasizing the importance of having a safety net, trusting your inner voice, and honoring your pace.

Whether you're an aspiring creative, a seasoned professional contemplating change, or simply in search of inspiration, Regina’s journey is a testament to the strength it takes to reinvent yourself—and the joy that comes from telling stories that matter.

.KEY TAKEAWAYS

·      Regina Link transitioned from a tech executive to a full-time artist.

·      The Oxherd Boy addresses life questions through storytelling.

·      Imposter syndrome can be mitigated by adopting a beginner's mindset.

·      Representation in children's literature is crucial for diverse voices.

·      Balancing motherhood and creativity can fuel artistic expression.

EXPLORE KEY SEGMENTS

·      02:57 From Tech Executive to Artist: A Bold Leap

·      05:52 Navigating Cultural Identity and Imposter Syndrome

·      09:03 The Birth of The Oxherd Boy: Art as a Reflection of Life

·      20:51 Balancing Motherhood and Artistic Pursuits

·      23:33 Empowering Asian Voices in Literature

·      26:49 Advice for Women Seeking Purpose and Passion

Regina’s message is a powerful reminder that reinvention isn’t recklessness, it’s resonance. In this episode, she invites us to rethink success not as status, but as alignment. With quiet courage and creative clarity, Regina unpacks the fears that come with change, the freedom that comes from honoring your roots, and the beauty of building a life guided by meaning over metrics. From digital brushstrokes to ancient philosophy, she challenges us to create with purpose, live with presence, and tell stories that reflect both who we are and who we’re becoming.

Don’t miss this one. Download the Ellevate Network Podcast, Conversations with Women Changing the Face of Business, on your favorite platform or 🎧listen now https://feeds.podetize.com/ep/6UlAhGYLz/media to be inspired by Regina and all the extraordinary women changing the face of business.

Episode produced by BGoodPartners

Podcast Alert! 🎙️

🎧 Tune in to an inspiring and timely episode of the Ellevate Network Podcast, “Conversations with Women Changing the Face of Business.” In this conversation, Dr. Erin Wilson, leadership strategist, rest advocate, and CEO of Design Ideal Consulting, joins Tammy Williams to challenge the toxic hustle narrative and reimagine what effective leadership truly looks like.

Erin emphasizes that leadership isn’t just about managing tasks; it’s about managing energy and relationships. She introduces the concept of relationship intelligence and explains how understanding what drives people, fostering collaboration, and navigating conflict with grace are critical to building high-performing, connected teams.

Together, they explore the transformative power of strategic rest, not as a luxury or reward, but as a vital leadership tool that fuels clarity, creativity, and long-term impact. Erin shares actionable insights on how self-awareness, motivation, and boundaries can reshape how leaders show up for themselves and others.

Whether you’re burned out, on the brink of a breakthrough, or simply ready to lead with more intention, this episode invites you to pause with purpose and reconsider what it really means to thrive in leadership and life.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

·      Leadership is about managing energy and relationships, not just tasks.

·      Relationship intelligence is crucial for effective leadership.

·      Strategic rest is essential for resilience and innovation.

·      Rest should be viewed as a performance tool, not a reward.

·      Understanding motivation styles can improve team dynamics.

·      A culture of kindness and grace in leadership can transform workplaces.

EXPLORE KEY SEGMENTS

·      02:46 Understanding Relationship Intelligence in Leadership

·      09:01 The Importance of Conflict in Team Dynamics

·      11:49 The Concept of Strategic Rest in Leadership

·      20:11 Reframing Rest as a Leadership Tool

·      27:16 The Impact of Rest and Relationship Intelligence on Leadership

·      30:48 Closing Thoughts and How to Connect with Erin

Erin’s message is a powerful reminder that rest isn’t weakness, it’s strategy. In this episode, she reframes leadership as an act of relationship stewardship, not relentless output. With clarity and conviction, Erin unpacks the myths of hustle culture, the hidden cost of burnout, and the profound impact of self-awareness and boundaries. From boardrooms to burnout recovery, she challenges us to lead with intention, nourish what matters, and build a culture where well-being fuels performance, and where rest becomes a radical act of leadership. Don’t miss this one. Download the Ellevate Network Podcast, Conversations with Women Changing the Face of Business, on your favorite platform or 🎧listen now to be inspired by Erin and all the extraordinary women changing the face of business.

Episode produced by BGoodPartners

🎧 Tune in to an inspiring and timely episode of the Ellevate Network Podcast, “Conversations with Women Changing the Face of Business.” In this episode, host Tammy Williams sits down with Jennifer Tardy, recruiter turned advocate, and the visionary Founder & CEO of Jennifer Tardy Consulting. With nearly two decades of experience in talent acquisition and diversity strategy, Jenn brings both passion and precision to the conversation around equity in the workplace.

Together, they unpack the persistent biases baked into hiring systems and the need for a shift from “bias-free” ideals to bias-aware practices that actually drive change. Jenn shares her professional journey from the corporate recruiting world to launching her own consulting firm, fueled by a mission to create inclusive spaces where everyone has a fair shot at opportunity.

A central focus of their dialogue is Jenn’s groundbreaking framework of Lived Experience Intelligence (LEI), a concept that recognizes the value of nontraditional knowledge gained through life experience and its impact on hiring and retention. She also offers candid insights into the challenges job seekers from underrepresented backgrounds continue to face, and the role leaders must play in dismantling those barriers.

From sourcing strategies to creating cultures of belonging, this conversation is filled with actionable takeaways for organizations serious about not just attracting—but retaining—diverse talent. Jenn also shares her vision for the future of DEI, one where organizations are held accountable not just for what they say, but for the impact they deliver.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to building workplaces where equity is not just an initiative, but a mindset.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

·      Diversity is a collective responsibility, not an individual trait.

·      Resistance to inclusive hiring practices often stems from a lack of understanding.

·      Language matters: using 'diverse' as an adjective can create barriers.

·      Lived experience intelligence adds unique value to organizations.

·      Job seekers must navigate biases while demonstrating their skills.

·      Retention is as important as recruitment; belonging is key.

EXPLORE KEY SEGMENTS

·      00:00 Introduction to Diversity and Inclusion in Business

·      06:09 Understanding Diversity: A Collective Responsibility

·      09:03 Challenging Assumptions in Diversity Recruiting

·      16:11 Lived Experience Intelligence: Valuing Unique Perspectives

·      21:13 Navigating Biases as Job Seekers

·      27:02 Retention Strategies for Diverse Talent

Jennifer’s message is a powerful reminder that equity isn’t a checklist. It’s a commitment to disrupting the status quo. In this episode, she sheds light on the silent assumptions shaping hiring decisions, the weight of navigating bias, and the courage it takes to challenge systems from the inside out. From corporate recruiter to equity advocate, Jennifer shares hard-earned wisdom on lived experience, belonging, and why inclusive workplaces require more than good intentions, they demand bold, sustained action.

Don’t miss this one. Download the Ellevate Network Podcast, Conversations with Women Changing the Face of Business, on your favorite platform or 🎧listen now to be inspired by Carrie and all the extraordinary women changing the face of business.

Episode produced by BGoodPartners

Podcast Alert! 🎙️

🎧 Tune in to an inspiring and timely episode of the Ellevate Network Podcast, “Conversations with Women Changing the Face of Business. In this powerful episode, Tammy Williams sits down with Carrie Bates, a three-time Olympic gold medalist who has boldly redefined success beyond the podium. Carrie shares her remarkable journey, from elite athletic achievement to personal transformation as an advocate for recovery and mental wellness.

With striking honesty, Carrie opens up about the interplay between trauma, identity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. She reflects on the cost of high performance, the internal battles she faced, and the moment she chose to live her recovery out loud. Since 2012, Carrie has been using her voice to challenge stigma, build awareness, and inspire systemic change in how we approach substance use disorder.

Together, Tammy and Carrie explore the critical gaps in access to treatment, especially for women, and the societal norms that still glamorize alcohol while overlooking its deeper impacts. Carrie underscores the role of employers and communities in creating supportive environments where healing is possible.

Now serving as Director of Strategic Growth and Advocacy at Caron Treatment Centers, Carrie continues to advocate for meaningful, person-centered change. Her message is clear: recovery is not only possible, it’s powerful. And when we create space for vulnerability, connection, and support, we change lives.

This episode is a must-listen for leaders, caregivers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the intersection between performance, purpose, and healing.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

·      Carrie's journey from Olympic success to addiction recovery is inspiring.

·      Success can come with hidden struggles and trauma.

·      Recovery requires vulnerability and honesty about one's struggles.

·      Women face unique challenges in seeking treatment for addiction.

·      Addiction is a brain disease, not a moral failing.

·      Hope exists on the other side of addiction, and recovery is possible.

EXPLORE KEY SEGMENTS

·      00:00 The Journey of an Olympian: From Gold to Advocacy

·      02:58 The Cost of Excellence: Identity and Trauma

·      05:48 Rebuilding After the Fall: The Path to Recovery

·      09:11 Living Recovery Out Loud: Embracing Vulnerability

·      12:04 Understanding Addiction: A Brain Disease

·      14:56 Advocacy in Action: Supporting Women in Recovery

·      21:03 Cultural Shifts: Rethinking Alcohol in Society

·      23:47 Hope and Healing: The Future of Recovery

·      26:59 Connecting and Supporting: Resources for Recovery

Carrie’s message is a powerful reminder that recovery isn’t weakness, it’s courage in action. In this episode, she opens up about the hidden cost of excellence, the weight of stigma, and the strength it takes to live your truth out loud. From Olympic glory to addiction advocacy, Carrie shares lessons on resilience, identity, and why workplaces must play a role in supporting mental wellness and recovery.

Don’t miss this one. Download the Ellevate Network Podcast, Conversations with Women Changing the Face of Business, on your favorite platform or listen now to be inspired by Carrie and all the extraordinary women changing the face of business.

Episode produced by BGoodPartners

Podcast Alert! 🎙️

🎧 Tune in to an inspiring and timely episode of the Ellevate Network Podcast, “Conversations with Women Changing the Face of Business. In this powerful episode, host Tammy Williams sits down with Melody Wilding, an acclaimed executive coach, speaker, and author of Managing Up. Together, they dive into a compelling conversation about the art of managing workplace relationships, building self-confidence, and crafting a career path that is both fulfilling and sustainable.

Melody shares her personal journey, offering invaluable insights into the complexities of workplace dynamics, leadership communication, and professional growth. She breaks down the psychology behind self-doubt, exploring how high achievers can reframe their mindset and advocate for themselves more effectively. The discussion delves into the nuances of managerial styles, equipping listeners with practical strategies to communicate with different leadership personalities, set boundaries, and earn trust and respect in professional spaces. 

A key theme throughout the episode is the role of allies, mentors, and self-advocacy in career advancement. Melody and Tammy discuss the importance of identifying the right support systems, mastering negotiation techniques, and creating opportunities to lead with confidence—no matter your position. Whether you're an emerging leader or navigating complex workplace relationships, this episode offers actionable strategies to elevate your career and take charge of your professional trajectory. 

Tune in to this insightful conversation and discover how to strengthen your influence, overcome workplace challenges, and thrive in leadership. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

·      Understanding your own psychology is crucial.

·      Different managerial styles require different approaches.

·      Effective communication can ease workplace frustrations.

·      Setting boundaries is essential for mental health.

·      Allies and mentors can provide critical support.

·      Focus on solutions rather than past grievances.

EXPLORE KEY SEGMENTS

·      00:00 Introduction to Managing Up

·      04:14 Understanding Workplace Dynamics

·      08:04 Decoding Managerial Styles

·      11:53 Effective Communication Strategies

·      15:47 Setting Boundaries and Saying No

·      25:04 Navigating Career Transitions

Melody's message is a reminder that navigating workplace relationships isn’t just about adapting—it’s about owning your value, setting boundaries, and leading with confidence. Her insights reinforce the importance of self-advocacy, understanding different leadership styles, and cultivating mentors and allies to propel career growth. Don’t miss out! Download the Ellevate Network Podcast, Conversations with Women Changing the Face of Business, on your favorite platform or 🎧 listen now https://feeds.podetize.com/ep/gcloL5_kr/media to get inspired by this and all our empowering conversations!

Episode produced by BGoodPartners.