Finding Fearless

In this episode of Finding Fearless, Madeline talks with Natalie Roberts, certified exit planning advisor and founder of iKadre. They delve into the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and how women entrepreneurs can navigate this space to build their business legacies. Natalie shares her extensive background in global M&A, highlighting her work at companies like Ernst Young and HP. The conversation explores the emotional aspects of exiting a business, the importance of early education and planning, and ways to maximize business value before selling. Natalie also discusses her nonprofit initiatives aimed at educating women business owners. The episode offers valuable insights into transitioning from founder-operated businesses to strategic exits, ensuring that these transitions are empowering and intentional.

00:00 Introduction to Finding Fearless

00:42 Guest Introduction: Natalie Roberts of iKadre

01:33 Natalie's Background and Journey

02:21 Accounting Software Recommendation

03:12 In-Depth Conversation with Natalie

06:55 Navigating Mergers and Acquisitions

11:02 The Importance of Early Education

15:04 Transitioning and Exiting a Business

29:28 Using Business as a Tool for Legacy

40:09 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

46:12 Outro and Final Remarks

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, Madeline interviews Charlie Sprinkman, the founder of 'Everywhere is Queer,' a platform aimed at mapping queer-owned businesses worldwide. Charlie shares their journey from growing up in conservative Wisconsin to founding a resource that now lists over 12,000 queer-owned businesses. They discuss the inspiration behind the platform, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the recent launch of their mobile app. The episode also delves into the importance of community support, the impact of visibility for queer individuals, and the evolution of Charlie's brand. Additionally, Madeline and Charlie talk about the upcoming projects and future visions for 'Everywhere is Queer,' including a newly launched job board and plans for further expansion into various community resources.

00:00 Introduction to Finding Fearless

00:51 Meet Charlie Sprinkman: Founder of Everywhere is Queer

03:04 Charlie's Journey and Inspiration

04:34 The Birth of Everywhere is Queer

05:29 Challenges and Experiences on the Road

07:55 Building the Everywhere is Queer Community

14:41 Monetization and Growth Strategies

19:10 The Importance of Supporting Queer-Owned Businesses

25:33 The Importance of Visibility and Representation

26:42 Personal Stories and Legal Challenges

27:56 Celebrating Queer Spaces Across the Globe

29:34 Navigating Burnout and Entrepreneurship

32:43 Building a Supportive Entrepreneurial Community

40:42 Future Visions and Expanding Resources

41:42 Closing Remarks

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 talks with Dr. Dee Frayne, a life and business coach with over 20 years of experience in building and strengthening communities. They discuss the power of channeling anger to enact positive change in the world and delve into Dr. Frayne's journey of transformation from working in non-profits and higher education to coaching individuals to achieve their world-changing goals. The episode explores themes of human-centric leadership, entrepreneurship, radical social change, and confronting systemic issues rooted in capitalism and patriarchy. Dr. Frayne shares insights on overcoming personal and societal challenges by aligning actions with values, and the importance of community in fostering change. Additionally, the episode touches on resisting capitalist work norms and the potential for creating systemic change through individual actions and collective efforts.

00:00 Welcome to Finding Fearless: Leadership, Ambition, and Entrepreneurship

00:36 The Best Accounting Software for Scaling Businesses: A FreshBooks Review

01:29 Special Guest Dr. Dee Frayne: Harnessing Anger for Positive Change

01:39 Dr. Dee Frayne's Journey: From Nonprofit Leadership to Empowering Coach

06:44 Breaking Down the Nonprofit Sector: Insights and Realizations

17:15 Transitioning to Coaching: A Personal and Professional Pivot

21:43 The Misalignment of Values and the Impact on Health

24:52 Exploring Alternatives to Traditional Banking with Relay Financial

25:42 The Journey to Self-Healing and Empowering Others

27:01 Challenging Organizational Cultures and Capitalism

33:10 Envisioning a Post-Capitalist Business Model

37:10 Navigating Anger and Entrepreneurship

39:26 Harnessing Anger for Positive Change

44:02 The Power of Community in Overcoming Challenges

49:24 Avoiding the Pitfalls of Cancel Culture and Performative Allyship

52:56 Empowerment Through Action: Overcoming Apathy and Perfectionism

58:42 Finding Fearless: Courage in the Face of Fear

01:06:08 Building a Supportive Community for Entrepreneurs

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, Madeline sits down with Kelly George, a black Latinx queer bipolar neurodivergent, founder and CEO of Real Resilience Coaching and Consulting, and a pioneering coach in neurodivergence and mental health. They discuss the importance of empowering neurodivergent leaders to create business models that align with their strengths and advocate for their needs. George shares her journey from growing up in Brooklyn with Caribbean parents, through her challenges and experiences of neurodivergence during her education and early career, to founding her coaching business focused on inclusivity for neurodivergent individuals. The conversation also covers the impact of neurodivergence on mental health, the workplace, and how businesses are evolving to become more inclusive. Additionally, Kelly highlights her contribution to the anthology 'Our Stories Belong in History' and her plans for future initiatives to support the neurodivergent community.

00:00 Welcome to Finding Fearless: A Deep Dive into Neurodivergence and Leadership

00:32 Meet Kelly George: A Trailblazer in Neurodivergent Leadership

03:07 Kelly's Personal Journey: From Brooklyn to Neurodivergent Advocacy

05:02 Navigating College and the Realization of Neurodivergence

11:39 The Turning Point: From Personal Struggle to Empowering Others

19:51 Real Resilience: Building a Business Around Neurodiversity

23:27 The Future of Neurodivergent Leadership in the Workplace

30:09 Exploring Virtual Workspaces and Inclusivity

31:10 The Shift from Accommodation to Support in Work Environments

33:01 Post-Pandemic Workplace Changes and Neurodiversity

36:51 Building Business Models for Neurodivergent Strengths

37:34 Leveraging Tools and Technology for Diverse Learning Styles

45:05 The Future of Entrepreneurship and Inclusivity

49:55 Finding Fearlessness in Entrepreneurship and Life

54:56 Reflections and Closing Thoughts


Connect with Kelly:

• https://www.instagram.com/real_resilience_/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-george-pmp-6bb4a471/

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. 

This episode features a powerful, raw and authentic conversation between Madeline and multidisciplinary artist and activist Alex Jamieson, who discusses her journey of using art as a vehicle for social change, especially focusing on reproductive rights. Raised by politically active hippies, Alex's upbringing infused her with the drive to use creativity against societal and political norms. Throughout the interview, Alex shares her path from starting a zine in college to confronting crisis pregnancy centers, to her involvement in the documentary 'Super Size Me.' She dives deep into her evolution as an artist and activist, detailing her projects such as the provocative abortion trading cards and upcoming fascism tarot deck, aiming to educate and inspire action on reproductive rights and freedom. The discussion also covers challenges artists face from censorship and backlash, emphasizing the importance of community support and resilience in activism.

00:00 Welcome to Finding Fearless: Featuring Alex Jamieson

01:02 The Roots of Rebellion: Alex's Journey from Hippie Child to Activist Artist

06:44 The Power of Personal Experience: From Vegan Chef to Documentary Star

10:43 Evolving Identities and the Impact of Art on Culture

13:55 Navigating Change: Personal Growth and Public Perception

23:13 Art, Activism, and the Abortion Trading Cards Project

29:32 Personal Stories of Choice and the Complexity of Abortion

32:42 A Personal Journey Through Parenthood Decisions

34:16 The Importance of Choice and Access to Abortion

35:05 Exploring the Impact of Legislation on Personal Safety

36:09 Introducing Abortion Trading Cards: A Creative Activist Project

41:35 Art as Rebellion and a Tool for Social Change

44:23 The Economic Power of Art and Overcoming the Starving Artist Myth

48:09 Art, Activism, and Facing Fear in Creative Expression

51:50 Building Community and Resilience Through Art

53:59 The Future of Art in the Age of AI and Digital Creativity

58:00 Finding Fearlessness Through Art and Activism

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 Madeline talks to Meredith Fennessy Witts, founder of Le Chéile, about one of the most important and ignored topics while building businesses: Financial Fluency. They cover topics such as the accidental path to becoming an entrepreneur, the importance of community and mentorship, financial fluency for business owners, and the challenges and strategies of scaling a business. Meredith shares her personal story, including her background, how she navigated the transition from corporate roles to founding her own company, and the lessons learned along the way. The discussion also touches Meredith’s experiences working with clients on navigating them through financial fluency and making a safe space for founders to talk about their shortcomings with their business finance goals and grip. Meredith emphasizes the importance of making informed decisions, trusting the process, and ensuring that the business serves the life you want to live.

00:00 Welcome to Finding Fearless with Meredith Fennessy Witz

00:27 The Entrepreneurial Journey: Meredith's Story

04:22 Navigating the Path of Entrepreneurship

09:28 Building Leschelles: A Mission-Driven Agency

11:42 The Importance of Financial Fluency for Entrepreneurs

40:05 Community and Growth: The Evolution of Le Chéile

54:01 Finding Fearlessness in Entrepreneurship

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, Madeline converses with an absolute badass, Martha Shaughnessy of the The Key PR, discussing her unconventional path to becoming a founder, her experiences navigating the tech industry as a woman, and managing work-life integration as a mom. Martha's background in cultural anthropology and sports shaped her unique perspective on team dynamics and storytelling in marketing and communications. The discussion also touches on the importance of mental and physical health, the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance in the face of societal and business pressures, and the transformative power of showing vulnerability in leadership. Both the host and Martha share insights on navigating the complexities of leading businesses in a patriarchal society, the impact of acknowledging one's limitations, and the significance of genuine connections in professional settings.

00:57 The Genesis of The Key: From Cultural Anthropology to Tech

03:37 The Power of Sports: Lessons from the Soccer Field

07:24 Navigating Parenthood and Professional Ambitions

12:25 The Role of Coaching in Founding and Running a Business

14:23 Navigating the Pandemic: Leadership and Adaptability

20:21 The Balancing Act: Tactics for Managing Work and Life

29:57 Storytelling and Creativity in Business

30:40 The Art of Storytelling in Business and Personal Life

31:35 Navigating Corporate Cultures with Anthropology

32:19 The Challenges of Communication in Tech and Personal Finance

35:08 The Journey of Entrepreneurship and Female Solidarity

35:56 Embracing Matriarchal Leadership in a Patriarchal Business World

40:48 Navigating the Complex Landscape of Modern Business

54:54 Finding Fearless: Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity

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, Madeline chats with McKenna Haz, the founder of Seaav, a sustainability-focused activewear brand, born from McKenna's passion for the ocean and sustainability. Growing up on Vancouver Island, Canada, McKenna was motivated by the Fukushima earthquake's environmental impact to take action. She launched Seaav from her college dorm, combining her interests in activewear, the ocean, and sustainability. McKenna discusses the challenges of balancing college, sports, and starting a business, the importance of pitch competitions and grants in her early success, and the evolution of her company's mission and strategies. She emphasizes the significance of core values, the role of networking and mentorship, adapting to the changing landscape of social media marketing, and the focus on collaborative collections with influencers for future growth. McKenna shares her commitment to sustainability, her learning journey as a young entrepreneur, and her strategies for maintaining well-being through journaling and running.

00:00 McKenna's Entrepreneurial Journey Begins

00:19 From Childhood Passion to Entrepreneurial Venture: The Birth of Seaav

01:41 Juggling College, Sports, and Starting a Company: The Early Days of Seaav.

04:09 The Growth of Seaav: Building a Sustainable Fashion Brand

04:54 Understanding Core Values and Building a Team

08:47 Expanding the Team and Overcoming Challenges

15:15 Learning from Mistakes: Navigating Team Dynamics and Remote Work

21:32 The Evolution of Seaav's Fashion Line and Understanding the Core Customer

31:07 Navigating the Greenwashing Landscape

33:06 The Journey of Attracting Investors

37:19 Leveraging Networking for Business Growth

46:19 Mastering Social Media and Influencer Marketing

55:18 Looking Ahead: 2024 Brand Strategies and Personal Growth

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 Today’s episode, Madeline is in conversation with Belinda Ephraim, the founder of Katalyst Point Advisors. Belinda shares her personal journey into entrepreneurship, starting from her early days in Nigeria. Her experiences working as a senior analyst with a wealth advisor during the AOL & Time Warner Merger intrigued her about the potential of mergers and acquisitions (M&As), which led her to establish her own firm. She outlines the importance of preparing business owners for M&As and also touches on her other entrepreneurial venture - a luxury skincare brand named KOKOBERNA. Through her professional journey, Belinda has adopted a strategic approach to business, focusing on its long-term prospects and planning for an exit strategy well in advance. The conversation also covers the state of the current M&A market, the importance of comprehensive due diligence, and the potential pitfalls for unprepared sellers.

00:00 Introduction and Getting to Know the Guest

00:29 Belinda's Journey to Self-Discovery

00:59 Belinda's Career Path in M&A

06:21 Belinda's Personal Struggles and Triumphs

10:01 Belinda's Unique Approach to Mergers and Acquisitions

14:29 The Importance of Exit Strategy in Business

15:13 Key Factors to Make a Business Exit Ready

28:35 The Importance of Succession Planning

29:28 Understanding Business Perception vs Reality

31:49 The Role of Personal and Financial Standpoints in Business

32:19 The Challenges of Minority-Owned Businesses

34:55 The Impact of Certifications on Business Value

35:39 The Influence of Founding a Brand on Business Advising

41:09 The Trends and Future of Mergers and Acquisitions

50:54 The Role of Fearlessness in Entrepreneurship

53:48 Connecting with Catalyst Point Advisors

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 today’s episode, Madeline converses with Podge, a Notion consultant, Fractional COO, and the founder of Small Business Co-Pilot. Podge narrates how her journey as a founder, is informed by the awareness of her ancestors' struggle for rights and freedoms she now enjoys, and how she's motivated and humbled by the privilege to live and work in the way she does today. In conversation, Madeline & Podge also delve into her freelance journey and how colonialism and imperialism can manifest within the workplace. Podge emphasizes the importance of developing atmospheres of transparency, collaboration, and learning in the workplace instead of siloed and controlling environments. She further shares her approach to reframing work as a place where individuals learn and grow instead of focusing purely on productivity. Finally, Podge discusses a new guide she has developed that focuses on employee stewardship, hiring, onboarding, managing, and separating as a means to decolonize the workplace.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

00:29 Guest's Personal Journey and Ancestry

02:25 Emotional Break and Regrouping

03:27 Guest's Perspective on Privilege and Disadvantage

03:52 Impact of Colonialism and Imperialism on Work Culture

05:33 Guest's Transition from Traditional Employment to Entrepreneurship

06:00 The Role of Notion in Creating Transparent and Collaborative Work Environments

06:16 Discussion on the Need for Change in the Business World

06:53 Critique of Capitalism and Profitability Models

08:20 Challenges with the Traditional 40-hour Work Week

11:05 The Importance of Thought and Discussion in the Workplace

13:37 Decolonizing the Workplace: An Introduction

14:06 Practical Steps to Decolonize the Hiring Process

23:18 Reimagining Power Dynamics in Business

28:46 Transforming the Workplace into a Learning Place

30:27 Aligning Personal Passion with Company Mission

30:54 Creating a Culture of Perfection vs. Learning

31:42 Reframing Work as a Place for Growth

33:00 Rethinking Turnover and Embracing Change

33:40 The Importance of Dignity in Employee Separation

34:09 Employee Stewardship and the Impact on Business

35:20 The Balance of Vulnerability in Leadership

38:04 The Struggles of Fem Identified Leaders

41:21 The Power of Clear Communication and Boundaries

51:58 Decolonizing the Workplace: A Vision for the Future

52:37 The Role of Operations in Employee Stewardship

55:23 Finding Fearlessness in Rest and Reflection

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.