Femme Force

What if the spaces we live and work in could actually make us better? On this episode of Femme Force, we sit down with Balsam Madi, architect, urbanist, and founder of an international design practice spanning Dubai and Berlin.

Balsam shares her journey from architecture student to global entrepreneur, and how she designs beyond aesthetics; blending architecture, biophilic design, and intuition to create spaces that support wellbeing, creativity, and productivity. We talk about navigating a male-dominated industry, mentoring the next generation of women in design, and where architecture is headed as technology and sustainability reshape our cities. This conversation is a reminder that great design isn't just about buildings, it's about the lives lived inside them.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when the systems meant to protect you fail you instead? On this episode of Femme Force, we sit down with Elizabeth Mikotowicz, author of No Justice, Just Us, advocate, artist, and entrepreneur, whose story moves through domestic violence, addiction, incarceration, and now legislative advocacy. Elizabeth speaks candidly about surviving abuse, being failed and discredited by institutions meant to help her, and what she witnessed inside the federal prison system. We talk about the link between trauma and addiction, why survivors are so often disbelieved, and how she turned her story into a memoir and a mission for reform. This is a conversation about resilience, accountability, and what it means to reclaim your life after the unimaginable. This episode discusses domestic violence, trauma, addiction, and incarceration. Listener discretion is advised.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Femme Force, Rachael Paskvan sits down with Brianne Valentino, artist, muralist, photographer, and creative entrepreneur, to explore creativity, career pivots, healing through art, and building a life around passion and self-expression. Brianne shares how a career that began behind the camera, shooting weddings, automotive work, and travel photography, gave her a foundation in storytelling and perspective long before she picked up a paintbrush. After navigating two cancer diagnoses within her family in 2019, Brianne reevaluated her priorities and made the leap from photography to painting full-time, eventually building a thriving mural, fine art, and paint-and-sip business. Together, they discuss the emotional impact art has on our homes and workplaces, how photography and painting inform one another, and why creativity remains one of the most powerful tools for processing emotion and healing through difficult seasons. Brianne also shares advice for anyone who feels stuck creatively, afraid to pursue a passion, or convinced they are simply "not creative," along with what is next for her business and artistic vision.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the art world isn't as intimidating as it seems? We sit down with Joana P. R. Neves — curator, writer, and founder of Exhibitionistas; to pull back the curtain on contemporary art.Joana shares her journey into the art world, debunks the tortured-genius myth, and introduces Art Wonderment, her philosophy of trading universal answers for curiosity, personal interpretation, and comfort with discomfort. We also look ahead at how technology and a new generation are reshaping galleries, artists, and audiences. Whether you've never set foot in a gallery or live for art fairs, this episode will change how you see contemporary art.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What does it really take for women to thrive in today's workplace? In this episode of Femme Force, Rachael Paskvan sits down with Brikkelle Thompson, HR leader, author, and advocate for equity and inclusion, to explore the realities women face in professional environments and what it takes to move beyond the glass ceiling. Drawing from years of experience in human resources and leadership, Brikkelle shares insights into workplace dynamics, career advancement, allyship, sponsorship, and the hidden barriers that continue to impact women across industries. Together, they discuss the power of intersectionality, the role neuroscience plays in confidence and decision-making, and why understanding how we're conditioned can be a game changer for personal and professional growth. Brikkelle also offers practical advice for identifying true allies, investing energy strategically, and creating workplaces where women can succeed without sacrificing who they are.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when the life you've worked so hard to build no longer feels aligned?In this episode of Femme Force, Rachael Paskvan sits down with Ashley Langham, former investment banking compliance professional turned mentor, psychic healer, and guide for high-achieving women seeking a different path. After experiencing burnout, anxiety, depression, and the pressure of constantly performing, Ashley made the courageous decision to leave corporate life and redefine success on her own terms. Together, they explore why so many ambitious women struggle with burnout, the hidden cost of achievement culture, and why healing cannot be approached like another goal to conquer. Ashley shares insights on nervous system regulation, intuition, emotional resilience, and her Five-Body Healing Framework designed to help women feel safe, grounded, and empowered in their lives.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the most powerful marketing tool for your business isn't social media, it's your inbox? In this episode of Femme Force, Rachael Paskvan sits down with Melissa Seideman, CEO of a successful email marketing agency, former teacher, speaker, and entrepreneur who transformed a side hustle into a thriving business. After leaving the classroom and navigating the realities of rising childcare costs and family responsibilities, Melissa built a business that now serves clients around the world while giving her the flexibility she once dreamed of.

Together, they discuss career pivots, entrepreneurship, leadership, and why email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to build trust, grow revenue, and create lasting customer relationships. Melissa shares the strategies behind her impressive email marketing results, lessons learned while growing a team, and practical advice for business owners looking to strengthen their marketing efforts. This conversation is for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and anyone looking to build a business that creates both impact and freedom.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Femme Force, Rachael Paskvan sits down with entrepreneur, real estate professional, and event founder Jenny to discuss career reinvention, burnout, identity shifts, and finding your creative muse after life's biggest challenges. After navigating layoffs, a divorce, multiple career pivots, and the uncertainty that comes with rebuilding, Jenny chose to create a new path rooted in purpose, wellness, and community. Together, they explore the emotional reality of career transitions, the struggle of separating your identity from your job title, and the courage it takes to begin again. Jenny shares the inspiration behind the Desert Muse Festival, a wellness experience designed to help women reconnect with themselves, embrace creativity, and rediscover joy. They also discuss burnout, healing, entrepreneurship, and why some of life's greatest setbacks can become the catalyst for transformation.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Femme Force, Rachael Paskvan sits down with entrepreneur and operations strategist Kaitlyn Spinney to discuss the systems, structure, and support required to build a sustainable business. With more than five years of experience helping digital entrepreneurs streamline operations, improve communication, and scale their teams, Kaitlyn shares the behind-the-scenes realities most people never see. Together, they explore the challenges entrepreneurs face when transitioning from solopreneur to CEO, the importance of building systems before chaos sets in, and why hiring the right people can be a game changer. Kaitlyn also shares insights on self-regulation, business audits, team culture, and balancing creativity with execution. Rachael opens up about building her podcast and personal brand while maintaining a corporate career, highlighting the realities of growth from both sides.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Femme Force, Rachael Paskvan sits down with copywriter and messaging strategist Kayla Dean to discuss reinvention, resilience, and the courage to evolve. After navigating a year filled with personal and professional challenges, Kayla found herself questioning everything—from her business model to her messaging and future direction. Instead of walking away, she chose to rebuild. Together, they explore the realities of entrepreneurship, navigating uncertainty, refining your personal brand, and finding your voice during seasons of change. Kayla shares how she reimagined her business, shifted her messaging, and emerged with a stronger sense of clarity and purpose. Rachael and Kayla also discuss the emotional side of entrepreneurship, the pressure to pivot, and why growth often requires letting go of old identities.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.