In this episode, Ivy Slater shares her valuable insights on setting a vision for 2030, creating specific, achievable goals for the coming year, and the importance of consistency and community in achieving success. In this episode, we discuss:

• How to set and achieve goals

• What to focus on for 2025

• The importance of deadlines

• Key elements of success

• Self-care and enjoyment

• What inspired the podcast

Ivy Slater is a professionally certified business coach, speaker, best-selling author and podcast host. After owning and operating a 7-figure printing business, having been in the industry for 20 years, she started Slater Success which focuses on developing great leaders and facilitating business growth and expansion. Ivy holds masterminds and retreats with her private client base and corporate training on communication and strategic planning. She speaks nationwide on the topics of leadership, sustainable growth, relationships and sales.

Best Selling Author of From the Barre to the Boardroom

Website: https://slatersuccess.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivyslater/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slatersuccesscoaching

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivyslaterssc/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/slatersuccess/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SlaterSuccessCC

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ8b1sGnADlpFE2NrqUfToQ?view_as=subscribe

This week Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Karen Schub Epstein. The two talk about the transition from corporate to nonprofit work, the innovative volunteer model of PennPAC, strategies for scaling nonprofit operations, and the importance of professional development and networking for nonprofit leaders. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• How PennPAC engages volunteers and nonprofits

• What types of projects PennPAC volunteers are involved in

• Why infrastructure development is crucial for PennPAC’s growth

• What PennPAC is and how it operates

• How networking plays a vital role in success

Karen Shub Epstein-Executive Director of PennPAC

Karen Schub Epstein spent 12 years in the private sector, starting her career in public accounting at Ernst and Young. She then joined Interpublic where she focused on mergers and acquisitions, investor relations, financial analysis, human resources, systems implementations, business development and strategy.

In 2005, Karen transitioned to the nonprofit world. She spent the next 10 years at the Growth Philanthropy Network, an organization focused on building a capital marketplace for high-performing organizations that serve at-risk populations. Her work there focused on evaluation, program design, strategy, and operations. 

In 2019, Karen joined PennPAC, a nonprofit that mobilizes Penn alumni to strengthen other nonprofit organizations.  As the Executive Director, Karen oversees the strategic direction of PennPAC as well as the fundraising and finances.  During her 5 year tenure, the organization has grown its programming, expanded geographically, and strengthened its infrastructure.  She is also on the Board of Directors of Youth Action YouthBuild where she serves as Treasurer and Finance Chair.

Karen graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania with degrees in accounting from the Wharton School of Business and psychology from the College of Arts & Sciences.  She has an MBA from the Executive program at Columbia University where she graduated with honors.

Website:  https://pennpac.org/

Social Media Links: 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennpac-pro-bono-alumni-consulting-/

https://www.facebook.com/PennPAC/

https://www.instagram.com/pennpac/

This week Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Nina Guralnick. The two talk about how NYICFF curates the best films for children globally to foster empathy, understanding, and awareness. They also discuss the organization’s impactful programs, from the annual New York festival to national tours and educational initiatives, and offer insights into the unique challenges of running a nonprofit.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Nina learned about the NYICFF opportunity and decided to explore it, leading to her current role.

• The mission of the NYICFF and why it is so important.

• The impact of film on children.

• An overview of the festival's major programs including the annual New York festival, the national touring program, and educational field trips.

• Nina’s vision and future goals for the festival.

Nina Guralnick is the Executive Director of New York International Children’s Film Festival (NYICFF), an arts organization dedicated to building understanding, promoting empathy, and amplifying voices that bridge a global divide through film. With comprehensive operational expertise and a background in creating deeply engaging arts events, she has transformed NYICFF from a beloved annual event to an industry leader with year-round programming for kids, families, classrooms, filmmakers, and cultural organizations across the United States. Nina’s leadership is built on strong and strategic fiduciary oversight and consistent attention to the needs of the communities she serves. Her decision-making is informed by a desire to use art to create lasting change among young audiences and society at large.

Website: www.nyicff.org

Social Media Links: @nyicff on Instagram 

This week Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Suzanne Stone. The two talk about  the critical role of physical activity in cancer recovery through the Livestrong at the Y program, the importance of scaling nonprofit efforts for greater impact, and the challenges of maintaining an organization's mission amidst public controversies.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How transferable skills from early career experiences can impact nonprofit leadership roles.

• What the 12 week Livestrong at the Y program entails and its significance on focusing on long term health for cancer survivors.

• Why post-treatment movement is essential for both physical and mental health.

• How Suzanne transitioned from volunteer roles in Texas to leading Livestrong.

• Why collaboration, partnership and building a network for scalable change

are key to making a significant impact.

• Why the focus on quality of life beyond survival is important for young cancer survivors.

Suzanne Stone President and CEO of Livestrong

Suzanne is a graduate of Texas Christian University and a native of Louisiana. Her career began in the television industry in Dallas, earning a regional Emmy Award for her work.  She eventually traded producing television for teaching it in the non-profit sector in 1998, working in public access television both in Naperville, Illinois, and then in upstate New York. After enjoying her four-year tenure as Head Coach of the local New York community college women’s basketball team while running the station, she headed back to Texas. Since arriving, she’s worked and led local non-profits around the state like Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and Children’s Miracle Network, Lake Travis Education Foundation, and Susan G. Komen Greater Central and East Texas.  Continuing to look for ways to scale social impact, she joined Livestrong to lead their mission initiatives in 2019.  In November of 2023 she became President & CEO where she leads the team to ensure anyone affected by cancer has the resources and tools they need to have the highest quality of life possible.

This week Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Kris Hoellen. The two talk about the historical significance of the B&O Railroad Museum, its transformational impact on the Baltimore community, and the innovative programs they’ve implemented such as workforce development and sensory-friendly initiatives for children on the autism spectrum. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Kris's career path led to her current role

• What the B&O Railroad Museum represents

• When the Museum's 200th Anniversary celebration will take place and the preparation leading up to it

• The importance of staying open to new opportunities

• The role and impact of the board in a nonprofit

• How the museum is impacting the community, especially in the offering of sensory awareness programs for neurodivergent children

• Surprises in the journey

Kris Hoellen- Executive Director at B&O Railroad Museum

Entrepreneurial, trusted executive with over 25 years' non-profit and for-profit management experience. Primary attributes include highly entrepreneurial, collaborative, and results-oriented leader. Transferable skills include: fundraising/new business development, strategic planning, advocacy, engagement, and staff mentoring. She has experience in the following industries: transportation, destination management, conservation (terrestrial/marine), sustainability, and community economic development.

Website:

https://www.borail.org/

This week Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Nancy Economou. The two talk about the power of local leadership, the importance of financial literacy in breaking the cycle of poverty, and the remarkable ripple effects of providing sustainable solar lighting solutions.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Nancy Economou started Watts of Love and the inspiration behind it

• Nancy’s belief that providing light also meant providing self-worth and financial freedom.

• Success stories of women who have used the principles taught to elevate their families economically.

• Design solar light features, like hands-free functionality and durability for harsh conditions.

• A franchise model that emphasizes local leadership and the importance of community involvement.

• The importance of taking the first step and not getting bogged down by the enormity of a vision.

Nancy Economou – Founder/CEO Watts of Love

Inventor-USPTO Patent Holder

Public Speaker 

Recipient of the 2024 Red Cross Global Citizenship Award, Nancy Economou is a leader, CEO, inventor, and public speaker. Nancy is the founder and CEO of Watts of Love, a global nonprofit with a mission to break the cycle of poverty through financial literacy and solar light to the nearly 1 billion people living without electricity. 

Nancy identified a surprising and simple solution to end poverty. She designed and patented a unique, durable, and long-lasting solar light. With an education model that teaches how this light is the key to unlocking self-worth and financial freedom, Watts of Love shows third-world communities how this solar light and financial literacy training can alleviate poverty in one generation.

Website: wattsoflove.org

Social Media Links:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nancy-economou-40477b63

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nancy.economou.24?mibextid=LQQJ4d

In this episode, we discuss:

• How nonprofits operate as businesses and the ways in which they conduct their activities differently.

• The kickoff of the seventh annual nonprofit series on the Her Success Story podcast.

• The nonprofit series begins during Thanksgiving week and continues through the holiday season. Her Success Story episodes are released every Monday morning.

• The importance of sharing the stories of nonprofit leaders to inspire listeners and encourage them to contribute in various ways.

Ivy Slater is a professionally certified business coach, speaker, best-selling author and podcast host. After owning and operating a 7-figure printing business, having been in the industry for 20 years, she started Slater Success which focuses on developing great leaders and facilitating business growth and expansion. Ivy holds masterminds and retreats with her private client base and corporate training on communication and strategic planning. She speaks nationwide on the topics of leadership, sustainable growth, relationships and sales.

Best Selling Author of From the Barre to the Boardroom

Website: https://slatersuccess.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivyslater/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slatersuccesscoaching

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivyslaterssc/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/slatersuccess/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SlaterSuccessCC

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ8b1sGnADlpFE2NrqUfToQ?view_as=subscribe

This week Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Angela Cross. The two talk about the critical role of visibility for women leaders, and how Angela helps executives manage and enhance their reputations, even in challenging situations. Additionally, they explore Angela's passion for empowering women to be more visible in leadership roles and offer actionable tips for overcoming common barriers to visibility.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How to transition a corporate career into entrepreneurship.

• What are the key initial steps for starting a business: Collaborating with former colleagues or clients and utilizing existing networks for initial support and cash flow.

• When to pivot or expand a business focus.

• Understanding the importance of knowing one's "why" for staying committed to visibility and leadership goals.

• Addressing disparities in visibility between male and female leaders.

• Why supporting women in leadership roles matters

Angela Cross, reputation strategist, pilotPR

With more than two decades in corporate PR and crisis and issues management, I've led reputation programs for multinational businesses, built thought leadership strategies for businesses and leaders, and been the driving force behind the successful creation of CEO and executive profiles. Today, I apply the asset-based approach to reputation I utilized with my corporate clients to deliver results-focussed, multi-platform reputation strategies for two types of clients: businesses that deserve recognition but don’t have it yet, and leaders who deserve a space as a thought leader and want to be visible with ease and purpose.

Website: pilotPR.com.au 

Social handles - 

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelarcross/

Instagram @pilotpr_au

This week Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, David Grossman.The two talk about David’s inspiring journey from a finance and law career to impactful ventures in Nicaragua and Panama. Learn how he’s making a global ecological and social impact by farming sea cucumbers.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Learn how leveraging sustainable business practices can help preserve our planet and its ecosystems.

• From a career in finance and law to living his entrepreneurial dream, David’s story is an incredible adventure of passion and purpose.

• David’s decision to stay and work in Nicaragua after a mountain biking trip.

• David’s philosophy on taking leaps and inspiring others.

• The definition of an aquaculture company.

David Grossman, CEO of Immortal Oceans and PanaSea Aquaculture, has launched multiple sustainable aquaculture ventures in Latin America. He is a leading entrepreneur in bridging science and business to create successful global impact ventures.

PanaSea was created to meet the global demand for depleted sea cucumbers due to overfishing. Dave has dedicated fifteen years to developing unique aquaculture technology to become the first sea cucumber hatchery in the Americas. Today, the PanaSea hatchery can regenerate up to ten million local sea cucumbers a month, providing numerous environmental benefits and economic opportunities to Panama's impoverished Caribbean region.

After successfully creating PanaSea, Dave launched Immortal Oceans in 2023 to develop proprietary marine compounds sourced from sustainable sea cucumbers, creating a line of nutraceuticals for living a better life and making a difference in the fight against climate change.

A native New Yorker, Dave arrived in Latin America in 2010 for a long-range biking trip through the region as a personal reward for having just completed law school. Instead, he put down roots in Nicaragua by opening a seaside boutique hotel and starting up a successful furniture company.

Dave’s ventures have benefited from the personal relationships he made during his college days. Several of the investors and partners in his entrepreneurial projects date back to friendships made at Northwestern University.

Website: https://www.panasea.io/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-grossman-91000110/

This week Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Dr. Abbey Wick. The two talk about Abbey’s career transitions, her dedication to raising her son with profound dyslexia, and how she navigates her professional life with core values of happiness and freedom. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Learn how Abbey carved out her place in a predominantly male industry and why her nurturing approach adds unique value.

• Abby's journey demonstrates the power of perseverance and adaptability from mine reclamation to a university professorship and finally to her current role at Syngenta.

• As a single mother of a nine-year-old with profound dyslexia, Abby shares how her career choices are not just professional milestones but pivotal for her family's well-being.

• The power of knowing your worth in job negotiations.

• When Syngenta’s Chief Soil Scientist said, “Be a mom first,” it resonated deeply. Companies that genuinely support work-life balance do exist.

Dr. Abbey Wick is a soil scientist and global upskilling and outreach program lead at the Syngenta Group (a large agricultural technology company).  She is tasked with developing innovative training programs in soil health for 60,000 employees and information related to regenerative agriculture for customers in over 100 countries.  She is also the founder of Wick Consulting LLC, which has resulted in the development of professional relationships with global value chain companies and other non-governmental organizations.  But these roles do not define her.  

She is committed to her personal happiness and freedom, focused on raising her nine year old son with profound dyslexia and has ambitious goals of influencing agriculture in a sustainable way on a global scale.   As a result of her ability to work remotely for a global company with a strong commitment to family and personal well-being of their employees, she and her son recently moved from North Dakota to Colorado for her son to receive a specialized education for dyslexic thinkers.  They both live a life of gratitude as they are exactly where they need to be!

Prior to joining Syngenta, she was an Associate Professor at North Dakota State University.  She is an elected member of the US National Committee for Soil Sciences within the National Academy of Sciences.  She is also a board member for Hayley’s Hope Dyslexia Learning Center.  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbeywick/