Finding Fearless

In this episode of Finding Fearless, Madeline sits down with Virginia Klausmeier, the President and CEO of Sylvatex, a climate tech company. Together, they explore Virginia's journey of founding and scaling an impact-driven business and her mission to create a more sustainable future.

Key themes include:

• Virginia’s path to founding Sylvatex and the unique challenges of scaling a climate tech company.
• The essential need to secure the right investors who are aligned with your company’s mission.
• The vital importance of a strong support system for female founders navigating a male-dominated industry.
• The significance of trusting one's intuition and the power of perseverance in the face of entrepreneurial challenges.
• The energy implications of technological advancements and the necessity of building sustainable solutions.

00:00 Introduction to Finding Fearless

00:39 Guest Introduction: Virginia Klausmeier of Sylvatex

02:52 Virginia's Journey and Vision for Sylvatex

06:26 Challenges and Insights in Climate Tech

13:58 Navigating the Investment Landscape

23:39 Balancing Growth and Values

30:45 Navigating Hardships as a Minority Leader

32:40 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

35:40 Building a Support System

38:08 The Importance of Community and Mentorship

43:48 Advice for Aspiring Founders

50:00 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Connect with Virgina:

For more information about Sylvatex and their work in sustainable battery materials, visit sylvatex.com or connect with Virginia on LinkedIn.

Connect with Fearless Foundry:

• Fearless Foundry
• Madeline Reeves

Finding Fearless is an exploration of human-centric leadership and a celebration of ambition,  releasing every other week on Wednesdays, 6AM PST.  If you liked the show, please rate, review, and share! You can also visit our website to learn more about how to become a sponsor of Finding Fearless!

Finding Fearless is produced by Fearless Foundry, a creative consultancy focused on advancing ambitious humans from around the globe to amplify their impact through branding, marketing, and business development. You can contact us at [email protected] if you are interested in our services and can follow us on all social media @fearlessfoundry.

Season 4 music is by Premium Beats. All audio is recorded and owned by Fearless Foundry. 

In this insightful episode of Finding Fearless, Madeline Reeves sits down with Guy Pearson, the founder and executive director of Ignition. Together, they explore their parallel journeys from the traditional accounting world to tech entrepreneurship, driven by a shared mission to build businesses that create positive change.

Key themes include:

• Guy’s entrepreneurial journey and the challenges and triumphs of scaling Ignition.
• The critical importance of building a business that is deeply aligned with your personal values.
• His approach to leadership, emphasizing the creation of meaningful teams and a culture of diversity and inclusion.
• The power of mission-driven leadership and the impact of prioritizing positive change over pure profit.
• The vital role of self-care and authentic leadership in navigating the entrepreneurial path.

00:00 Introduction to Finding Fearless

00:42 Meet Guy Pearson: From CPA to Tech Entrepreneur

01:45 The Birth of Ignition: Solving a Personal Problem

05:52 Challenges and Strategies in Scaling a Business

08:02 The Importance of Team Building and Leadership

11:38 Maintaining Standards and Accountability

19:29 Personal Growth and Leadership Evolution

29:57 Balancing Leadership and Self-Care

38:00 Balancing Work and Personal Life

38:59 Finding Equilibrium Through Hobbies

39:56 The Importance of Taking True Days Off

40:58 Transitioning Leadership Roles

43:11 Supporting Women in Male-Dominated Industries

44:40 Personal Backstory and Influences

49:28 Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

01:00:27 Advice for Founders and Building a Positive Company Culture

01:05:04 Closing Remarks and Reflections

Connect with Guy:

If you're interested in Guy's work around values-based leadership and building purpose-driven organizations, you can find him on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/guypearson1/. 

For Ignition, check out ignitionapp.com and follow @ignitionHQ. 

Connect with Fearless Foundry:

• Fearless Foundry
• Madeline Reeves

Finding Fearless is an exploration of human-centric leadership and a celebration of ambition,  releasing every other week on Wednesdays, 6AM PST.  If you liked the show, please rate, review, and share! You can also visit our website to learn more about how to become a sponsor of Finding Fearless!

Finding Fearless is produced by Fearless Foundry, a creative consultancy focused on advancing ambitious humans from around the globe to amplify their impact through branding, marketing, and business development. You can contact us at [email protected] if you are interested in our services and can follow us on all social media @fearlessfoundry.

Season 4 music is by Premium Beats. All audio is recorded and owned by Fearless Foundry. 

In this liberating episode of Finding Fearless, Madeline Reeves sits down with her friend Jordan Maney, a radical joy coach and the creator of Rest Lab. Together, they explore why rest, joy, and grief are essential, especially for women and people of color.

Key themes include:

• Jordan's personal journey from a highly regimented life to one rooted in rest and joy.
• The vital importance of prioritizing rest in a culture that values constant productivity.
• The powerful connection between collective grief and the capacity for joy.
• Jordan's work in creating safe spaces for people to be present with their emotions and prioritize well-being.
• The societal issues of loneliness and the need for stronger, joy-filled communities.

00:00 Introduction to Finding Fearless

00:41 Meet Jordan Maney: Radical Joy Coach

04:16 Jordan's Journey: From Rigid Success to Radical Joy

07:28 The Turning Point: Embracing Vulnerability and Change

09:06 The Final Wedding: A Pivotal Experience

09:48 From Burnout to Boundaries: The Path to Rest Coaching

22:43 The Intersection of Boundaries, Joy, and Identity

31:13 The Burden of Performance: Gender and Racial Contexts

32:45 Exploring Loneliness and Self-Care

33:30 The Journey of Self-Realization

35:30 The Importance of Community

37:53 Navigating Relationships and Boundaries

43:03 The Role of Joy and Grief in Community

52:16 The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

55:21 The Power of Rest and Community

01:01:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Jordan:

• Website: jordanmaney.com 
  Instagram: @jordanmaney
• LinkedIn: Jordan Maney

Work with Jordan: Jordan offers coaching for progressive leaders, service providers, and change makers who want to learn the radical practice of rest to reclaim their joy and sustain their advocacy. Through her coaching and Rest Lab community, she provides the tools and support needed to build sustainable practices that prioritize well-being alongside impact.

Connect with Fearless Foundry:

• Fearless Foundry
• Madeline Reeves

Finding Fearless is an exploration of human-centric leadership and a celebration of ambition,  releasing every other week on Wednesdays, 6AM PST.  If you liked the show, please rate, review, and share! You can also visit our website to learn more about how to become a sponsor of Finding Fearless!

Finding Fearless is produced by Fearless Foundry, a creative consultancy focused on advancing ambitious humans from around the globe to amplify their impact through branding, marketing, and business development. You can contact us at [email protected] if you are interested in our services and can follow us on all social media @fearlessfoundry.

Season 4 music is by Premium Beats. All audio is recorded and owned by Fearless Foundry. 

In this restorative episode of Finding Fearless, Madeline Reeves sits down with Monica Le Baron, a bestselling author, sleep expert, and creator of Sleep Simplified. Together, they explore how prioritizing rest can profoundly transform your career, relationships, and overall well-being.

Key themes include:

• Monica's personal journey from corporate burnout and insomnia to becoming a sleep expert.
• The essential connection between self-love, self-care, and achieving quality rest.
• Monica's unique four-step framework designed to simplify the path to better sleep.
• The power of breathwork and mindful routines in preparing your body for rest.
• Practical, actionable advice for listeners to immediately improve their sleep habits.

00:00 Introduction to Finding Fearless

00:39 Meet Monica Le Baron: Sleep Expert and Author

02:28 Monica's Journey: From Burnout to Sleep Queen

06:24 The Importance of Quality Sleep

11:42 Challenges and Breakthroughs in Sleep Therapy

22:30 Self-Love and Sleep: A Deeper Connection

28:50 The Importance of Self-Care and Setting Standards

29:47 Navigating Relationships and Self-Worth

31:07 Cultural Shifts in Self-Care Practices

33:02 The Rise of Simple, Effective Wellness Routines

34:46 Introducing the Sleep Simplified Framework

36:39 The Power of Breath Work

40:28 Incorporating Yoga and Wellness into Daily Life

49:34 Personal Transformation Through Wellness

52:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Monica:

• Instagram: @MonicaLeBaron  
• Website: MonicaLeBaron.com 
• Email: [email protected] 

Connect with Fearless Foundry:

Fearless Foundry

Madeline Reeves

Finding Fearless is an exploration of human-centric leadership and a celebration of ambition,  releasing every other week on Wednesdays, 6AM PST.  If you liked the show, please rate, review, and share! You can also visit our website to learn more about how to become a sponsor of Finding Fearless!

Finding Fearless is produced by Fearless Foundry, a creative consultancy focused on advancing ambitious humans from around the globe to amplify their impact through branding, marketing, and business development. You can contact us at [email protected] if you are interested in our services and can follow us on all social media @fearlessfoundry.

Season 4 music is by Premium Beats. All audio is recorded and owned by Fearless Foundry. 

In this episode of Finding Fearless, I sat down with Francesca Phillips, founder of The Good Space. We dove into her journey from the music industry to becoming an advocate for purposeful living and creativity. Francesca shared her powerful experiences with depression and discovering her ADHD, and how these realizations shaped her unique approach to work and life.

We discussed the pervasive "hustle mindset" and why it's so difficult to let go of.  A core theme of our conversation was the vital importance of aligning your work with your personal values to create a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Key Themes:

• Francesca's pivot from music industry management to nurturing creatives.
• Overcoming the societal pressure to constantly "hustle."
• The transformative power of understanding your own mental health and neurodivergence.
• How AI can free up time, and the importance of using that time for creativity and connection.
• Strategies for building a life and career that are truly aligned with your deepest values.

00:39 Meet Francesca Phillips

02:38 Francesca's Journey to The Good Space

04:34 The Power of Morning Routines

06:43 Overcoming Depression and Finding Purpose

08:47 Challenging the Hustle Culture

15:05 Cultural Differences in Work-Life Balance

23:52 Redefining Value and Ambition

32:43 Discovering Personal Values

33:21 Aligning Work with Values

34:00 Experimenting with Nervous System Regulation

35:06 Challenging Capitalist Conditioning

39:31 Embracing Neurodiversity

47:13 Creating a Supportive Routine

50:52 Unplugging from Social Media

Get ready for the Advisory Amplified Tour!

I'm hitting the road this fall, with FinTech and accounting innovators for a high-impact, one-day event in six cities. We're diving into the future of advisory—think AI, automation, pricing, payroll, and people-first leadership. 

If you're a modern firm owner aiming to grow your impact, streamline services, or connect with peers, you can't miss this! Join us in Seattle, LA, Chicago, Austin, Atlanta, or Boston. Tickets are just $99. 

Visit to  www.advisoryamplified.com register now!

Connect with Francesca's Work:

• The Good Space Substack Newsletter
• Website: findyourgoodspace.com 
• Personal site: francescaphillips.co 

Connect with Fearless Foundry:

• Fearless Foundry
• Madeline Reeves

Finding Fearless is an exploration of human-centric leadership and a celebration of ambition,  releasing every other week on Wednesdays, 6AM PST.  If you liked the show, please rate, review, and share! You can also visit our website to learn more about how to become a sponsor of Finding Fearless!

Finding Fearless is produced by Fearless Foundry, a creative consultancy focused on advancing ambitious humans from around the globe to amplify their impact through branding, marketing, and business development. You can contact us at [email protected] if you are interested in our services and can follow us on all social media @fearlessfoundry.

Season 4 music is by Premium Beats. All audio is recorded and owned by Fearless Foundry. 

In this enlightening episode of Finding Fearless, Madeline explores "Fearless Finance" with Martin Kamenski, CEO and founder of Revel CPA. Together, they delve into Martin's unique journey bridging the worlds of theater and finance, and his powerful mission to break down barriers to generational wealth for underrepresented communities.

Key themes include:

• Martin's unconventional career path, spanning performing arts and the financial sector.
• His dedicated mission to build generational wealth, particularly for underrepresented communities.
• The critical importance of aligning core behaviors and values to forge a robust company culture.
• How authenticity in leadership leads to sustained success for both entrepreneurs and their teams.
• Insights into financial empowerment and the evolving landscape of the accounting industry.

00:00 Introduction to Finding Fearless

00:39 Exploring Fearless Finance with Martin Kamenski

03:04 Martin's Unique Journey: From Theater to Finance

05:18 The Intersection of Creativity and Business

09:51 Rebranding and Niche Focus

16:13 Core Behaviors and Company Culture

23:24 Mission of Financial Empowerment

31:00 Challenges Faced by Underrepresented Founders

33:18 Barriers in the Accounting Industry

36:18 Creating Inclusive Work Environments

41:06 The Importance of Authenticity in Business

46:43 Martin's Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

50:23 Conclusion and Resources


Get ready for the Advisory Amplified Tour!

I'm hitting the road this fall, with FinTech and accounting innovators for a high-impact, one-day event in six cities. We're diving into the future of advisory—think AI, automation, pricing, payroll, and people-first leadership. 

If you're a modern firm owner aiming to grow your impact, streamline services, or connect with peers, you can't miss this! Join us in Seattle, LA, Chicago, Austin, Atlanta, or Boston. Tickets are just $99. 

Visit to  www.advisoryamplified.com register now!

Connect with Martin:

Follow him on LinkedIn

Check out his firm revelcpa.com and @revelCPA. 

Martin also created a business value assessment that helps you understand how your company stacks up in the key areas that drive business value.

You can take it for free here.

Connect with Fearless Foundry:

• Fearless Foundry
• Madeline Reeves

Finding Fearless is an exploration of human-centric leadership and a celebration of ambition,  releasing every other week on Wednesdays, 6AM PST.  If you liked the show, please rate, review, and share! You can also visit our website to learn more about how to become a sponsor of Finding Fearless!

Finding Fearless is produced by Fearless Foundry, a creative consultancy focused on advancing ambitious humans from around the globe to amplify their impact through branding, marketing, and business development. You can contact us at [email protected] if you are interested in our services and can follow us on all social media @fearlessfoundry.

Season 4 music is by Premium Beats. All audio is recorded and owned by Fearless Foundry. 

In this inspiring episode of Finding Fearless, I sit down with Henna Pryor, a workplace performance expert, award-winning author, and keynote speaker whose journey from corporate conformity to entrepreneurial authenticity challenges everything we think we know about professional success.

Key themes we explored:

• Henna's bold leap from Big Four accounting to founding her own venture
• Why traditional definitions of success are failing us
• The revolutionary power of embracing professional awkwardness
• How personal experiences shape our willingness to take career risks
• Strategies for practicing effective vulnerability in professional settings
• Building a sustainable, energizing career that aligns with your values

00:00 Introduction to Finding Fearless

00:38 Guest Introduction: Henna Pryor

01:51 Henna's Career Journey

05:35 The Call to Entrepreneurship

11:34 Defining Success and Mindset Shifts

18:07 Embracing Awkwardness: Henna's Book

28:34 Understanding Burnout and Energizers

28:52 Identifying What Energizes You

29:24 The Clock-Watching Test

30:21 Adjusting Your Workload

32:04 Balancing Multiple Passions

33:01 The Importance of Charging Your Worth

33:49 Trial and Error in Business

35:07 Diversifying Your Business

36:31 The Reality of Hustle Culture

38:25 The Myth of Overnight Success

39:20 Authenticity and Vulnerability in Business

41:01 The Power of Vulnerability

46:02 The Value of Lifelong Learning

52:28 Redefining Success on Your Own Terms

54:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Henna's Work:

• Website
• Henna’s Book: ‘Good Awkward’
• LinkedIn: Henna Pryor
• Instagram: @hennapryor 
• Facebook

Connect with Fearless Foundry:

• Fearless Foundry
• Madeline Reeves

Finding Fearless is an exploration of human-centric leadership and a celebration of ambition,  releasing every other week on Wednesdays, 6AM PST.  If you liked the show, please rate, review, and share! You can also visit our website to learn more about how to become a sponsor of Finding Fearless!

Finding Fearless is produced by Fearless Foundry, a creative consultancy focused on advancing ambitious humans from around the globe to amplify their impact through branding, marketing, and business development. You can contact us at [email protected] if you are interested in our services and can follow us on all social media @fearlessfoundry.

Season 4 music is by Premium Beats. All audio is recorded and owned by Fearless Foundry. 

In this introspective episode of Finding Fearless, Madeline Reeves and Jamie Engelhardt explore the essence of human-centric leadership and the critical alignment of mission, values, and actions in business.

Madeline introduces a new segment, "Tea with the Team," featuring a candid conversation with CMO Jamie. Together, they delve into:

• The common inconsistencies found within "mission-driven" organizations.
• The challenges and vital importance of cultivating authentic brand values.
• The necessity of establishing a clear and actionable mission statement.
• The role of powerful guiding questions in fostering true alignment.
• Reflections on personal experiences and the significance of being an "integrated entrepreneur."
• A critique of superficial marketing strategies and the emphasis on genuine accountability in leadership.

00:00 Introduction to Finding Fearless

00:40 New Season, New Ideas: TEA with the Team

01:44 Mission-Driven Organizations: A Deep Dive

03:03 Meet Jamie: Fearless Founder Team Insights

03:50 The Importance of Mission-Driven Work

05:20 Challenges and Realities of Mission-Driven Organizations

06:38 The Concept of Brene Washing

07:20 Spilling the Tea: Real Stories from Fearless

14:28 The Evolution of Fearless Foundry's Mission

23:32 The Energy of Alignment and Values

25:46 Addressing Energy and Mission Focus

26:21 The Pitfalls of Rebranding

28:04 Living Out Your Values

31:04 The Importance of Guiding Questions

32:52 Red Flags in Organizations

40:47 Mission-Driven Decisions

43:00 Engage with Us

45:23 Conclusion 

Connect with the Fearless Foundry team:

Fearless Foundry

Madeline Reeves

Jamie Engelhardt

Finding Fearless is an exploration of human-centric leadership and a celebration of ambition,  releasing every other week on Wednesdays, 6AM PST.  If you liked the show, please rate, review, and share! You can also visit our website to learn more about how to become a sponsor of Finding Fearless!

Finding Fearless is produced by Fearless Foundry, a creative consultancy focused on advancing ambitious humans from around the globe to amplify their impact through branding, marketing, and business development. You can contact us at [email protected] if you are interested in our services and can follow us on all social media @fearlessfoundry.

Season 4 music is by Premium Beats. All audio is recorded and owned by Fearless Foundry. 

In this episode of Finding Fearless, Madeline Reeves sits down with Catherine Perez and Marianna Di Regolo, the queer married founders of FAMM. Together, they explore their professional journeys and their mission to build a thriving, inclusive queer economy that challenges traditional business networks.

Key themes include:

• The systemic barriers and funding challenges faced by LGBTQ+ professionals and entrepreneurs
• Their commitment to community-driven solutions and the creation of FAMM
• How intentional spending and mutual support can transform economic landscapes
• The launch of FAMM Connect - the first social network designed for LGBTQ+ professionals
• The vital importance of safety, visibility, and resilience in building inclusive platforms

00:00 Introduction to Finding Fearless

00:38 Meet Catherine Perez & Marianna Di Regolo

03:14 Catherine & Marianna’s Professional Journeys

08:10 The Love Connection

15:09 Building FAMM: The Origin Story

19:32 The Power of Branding

23:40 Overcoming Barriers as LGBTQ+ Founders

30:25 The Power of Barter Systems

32:05 Networking vs. Genuine Connections

34:20 Navigating Visibility and Safety

39:00 Introducing FAMM Connect

42:36 Building a Community-Centered Platform

50:07 Future Vision and Impact

54:26 Event Announcements and Closing Remarks

Connect & Learn More

Here's how you can engage with Cat & Marianna’s work:

Website: heyfamm.com  

FAMM Connect: www.heyfamm.com/famm-connect 

Follow @hey_famm on Instagram, TikTok, and Threads

Connect with Fearless Foundry:

Fearless Foundry

Madeline Reeves

Finding Fearless is an exploration of human-centric leadership and a celebration of ambition,  releasing every other week on Wednesdays, 6AM PST.  If you liked the show, please rate, review, and share! You can also visit our website to learn more about how to become a sponsor of Finding Fearless!

Finding Fearless is produced by Fearless Foundry, a creative consultancy focused on advancing ambitious humans from around the globe to amplify their impact through branding, marketing, and business development. You can contact us at [email protected] if you are interested in our services and can follow us on all social media @fearlessfoundry.

Season 4 music is by Premium Beats. All audio is recorded and owned by Fearless Foundry. 

In our latest episode of Finding Fearless, we had the privilege of speaking with Tricia M. Taitt, CEO of FinCore and fractional CFO who's transforming how women entrepreneurs approach their finances. Her journey from Wall Street executive to financial empowerment advocate offers powerful insights into building a sustainable, values-driven business.

Key themes include:

• The critical importance of financial literacy for entrepreneurial success
• Why less than 2% of women-owned businesses reach seven figures in revenue
• Strategies for overcoming financial fears and scarcity mindsets
• The difference between revenue and take-home pay (and why it matters)
• How childhood money lessons shape our business decisions
• Practical steps for scaling beyond six figures with intention

00:00 Introduction to Finding Fearless

00:39 Meet Tricia Taitt of FinCore

01:02 Tricia's Background and Achievements

02:11 The Importance of Financial Education

03:52 Tricia's Journey to Financial Consulting

07:14 Challenges and Mindset Shifts for Women Entrepreneurs

11:16 Setting Financial Goals and Overcoming Scarcity

17:14 Practical Steps to Financial Success

21:14 The Importance of Knowing Your Numbers

27:58 Understanding Revenue vs. Take Home

28:47 Coaching in Girl Bossy Spaces

30:08 The Reality of Business Debt

31:49 Perception of Wealth and Social Media

32:35 Childhood Money Lessons

40:46 Values and Money Management

48:28 Connecting with Tricia and Upcoming Events

51:31 Final Thoughts and Outro


Offerings & upcoming events with Tricia:

• 45-60 minute Financial Strategy call w/ Tricia  M Taitt - CEO, FinCore
• FinCore's Pay Yourself More Calculator
• How to be a Financially Resilient & Fearless CEO in Uncertain Times Virtual session w/ Madeline Reeves & Tricia M Taitt 
• Luminary Live Small Business Summit in Chicago 

Connecting with Tricia-  IG (@fincorestrong) or on Linked In 

Finding Fearless is an exploration of human-centric leadership and a celebration of ambition,  releasing every other week on Wednesdays, 6AM PST.  If you liked the show, please rate, review, and share! You can also visit our website to learn more about how to become a sponsor of Finding Fearless!

Finding Fearless is produced by Fearless Foundry, a creative consultancy focused on advancing ambitious humans from around the globe to amplify their impact through branding, marketing, and business development. You can contact us at [email protected] if you are interested in our services and can follow us on all social media @fearlessfoundry.

Season 4 music is by Premium Beats. All audio is recorded and owned by Fearless Foundry.