How Women Inspire: Invest, Lead, Give

As technology advances quickly, it can be hard for regulation to keep up with innovation. So what are developing technology companies to do when regulations are so vague, and standards are yet to be developed? One answer is to work on self-regulation. Jessica Nall is here to talk about her work as a lawyer whose mission is to defend and support tech companies, founders, CEOs, and more! This week’s episode 139 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about balancing technological innovation with responsibility! 

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Jessica Nall shares the importance of self-regulation and consumer consent in the tech industry and the actionable steps you can take right now to diversify your thoughts and perspectives in driving innovation. 

Jessica Nall is a technology investigations partner practicing at the forefront of government enforcement in the technology industry. Jess leads Baker McKenzie's investigations and compliance practice on the West Coast. For more than two decades, Jess has defended companies and individuals in government investigations and conducted internal investigations involving cutting-edge technology issues, including AI, cybersecurity, and alleged misuse of all kinds of data. Jess has defended companies and individuals across the Asia Pacific region since the first DOJ Antitrust cartel investigations in 2003 and has a deep understanding of cultural issues impacting investigations in that region and across the globe.

Some of the talking points Julie and Jessica go over in this episode include:

• The intersection of tech innovation and government regulations.
• The role of board members in managing AI and emerging technologies.
• Self-regulation and consumer consent in maintaining trust and control.
• The potential of new tech tools to disrupt the traditional legal industry and create more inclusive and effective practices.

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One of the most powerful tools you can have as you navigate your career is a well-rounded network. The relationships you build with mentors and colleagues have a massive effect on your trajectory, and few know this better than Shannon Nash. Shannon is here today to offer us her insights on the power of relationships, the value of diverse perspectives in the boardroom, and the importance of following your passions, and to offer inspiration and practical wisdom for aspiring leaders across industries. This week’s episode 138 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about mentorship, resilience, and the power of relationships! 

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Shannon Nash is sharing the importance of being present and fully committed to various aspects of life, including work, family, and personal interests, and actionable steps you can take right now to explore relationship-building in your career.

Shannon Nash is a seasoned global leader, financial expert, attorney, and CPA. She serves as an independent director on the boards of NetScout Systems (Audit Committee), SoFi Bank (Risk and Chair, Compensation Committees), and Lazy Dog Restaurants (Chair, Audit Committee). Shannon brings CFO expertise from Wing (an Alphabet company), Reputation.com, and Inside Source. Recognized for her leadership, she has been honored by Accounting Today as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting, Diversity Woman Magazine’s Elite 100, and Silicon Valley's 100 Most Influential Women. Shannon holds a degree in accounting and a JD from the University of Virginia. She is also an award-winning documentary film producer and co-produced "OnBoard," the story of Black women on boards, which debuted at Tribeca.

Some of the talking points Julie and Shannon go over in this episode include:

• The importance of finding something you're passionate about outside of work.
• Mentorship as a two-way street and the value of investing time in relationships.
• Diversity and inclusion in corporate leadership, especially in the boardroom.
• Investing in women-led businesses to create a better future for future generations.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast 

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OnBoard: The Film

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There has been a significant increase in women-led venture firms, going from 12 in 2010 to nearly 300 in 2020, emphasizing the potential for women to manage $30 trillion in wealth by 2030. And despite women-founded companies outperforming their male counterparts, they received only 1.8% of venture funding last year. But as women have more control over money and assets, we can demand and bring about change. Mandy Bynum is here today to share her journey into investing in women, the need for women to take control of their financial decisions, seeking funds that align with your values, and more. This week’s episode 137 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about unlocking the wealth and influence of women! 

This episode was created in partnership with the Nasdaq Foundation. Together, we are working to educate, inspire, and engage women from diverse backgrounds on venture investing and entrepreneurship. Did you know that only 2% of venture funding goes to women-led companies? Together, we are working to show that women are the new face of venture investing.

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Mandy Bynum shares the importance of women demanding change and performance in the venture capital market and actionable steps you can take right now to expand your professional opportunities through investing in venture funds. 

Mandy Bynum is a highly sought-after super-connector. A skilled strategy consultant and advisor, she helps individuals and organizations build capacity and valuable relationships with people and the communities that matter to them. Blending her experience in venture capital, startup, and nonprofit leadership, Mandy advises a wide range of companies on how to build authentic relationships with different audiences, as well as professionals looking to integrate their creative pursuits, increase revenue streams, and advance social activism in order to design meaningful, impactful, and sustainable multidimensional careers. 

Some of the talking points Julie and Mandy go over in this episode include:

• The significant wealth and influence of women, with American women expected to manage at least $30 trillion by 2030.
• The value of following curiosity and building a network to find the right investment opportunities.
• The benefits of being a limited partner over directly investing in a company.
• Aligning your investments with your values, and making your own decisions as an accredited investor.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast 

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Everyone has a different path and purpose in life, and those on the entrepreneurship journey often feel it most. But fighting loneliness by building community with and supporting other women and women entrepreneurs leads to incredible collaboration, better health, and lasting societal change. Dr. Keera Godfrey is here today to talk about the importance of investing in women, choosing the path that’s right for you, and more! This week’s episode 136 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about leaving normal and embracing change! 

This episode was created in partnership with the Nasdaq Foundation. Together, we are working to educate, inspire, and engage women from diverse backgrounds on venture investing and entrepreneurship. Did you know that only 2% of venture funding goes to women-led companies? Together, we are working to show that women are the new face of venture investing.

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Dr. Keera Godfrey shares the importance of a supportive ecosystem for founders and entrepreneurs, and actionable steps you can take right now to support other women on their entrepreneurial journeys. 

Dr. Keera Godfrey is the CEO and Founder of Naris Communications and the Naris Leadership Academy. Dr. Keera helps global organizations with a focus on digitization and digital transformation to define and align their workforce culture to embrace new ways of working bringing her 25 years of experience as a communications and change strategist, activating performance strategies for the U.S. Army, global manufacturers, healthcare systems, and non-profit organizations. She is a trusted advisor, change management consultant, speaker, and author utilizing emotional intelligence, strategic communications, and performance improvement techniques to maximize business results.

Some of the talking points Julie and Keera go over in this episode include:

• The value of diverse contributions in all areas of society and how it will shape the future.
• The emotional and financial benefits of investing in women-led businesses.
• Integrating family and work instead of a “work-life balance”.
• How community, support, and validation in women’s professional and personal lives changes the game.

To get Dr. Keera’s book, Leaving Normal: How to Let Go and Move The Heck On, you can head over to Amazon.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast 

CONNECT WITH DR. KEERA GODFREY:

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Women currently own 52% of wealth but receive only 2% of venture funding, despite returning 34% more to investors. It’s our mission here at How Women Lead to lift each other up in every way we can, including funding women startups and business owners looking for funding. Because when we invest in our values and put our money into what we believe in, everyone wins. This week’s episode 135 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about leveraging venture investing for impact! 

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Gaby Darbyshire is sharing the importance of having a diverse investment portfolio and actionable steps you can take right now to leverage your investments to also make more philanthropic donations. 

This episode was created in partnership with the Nasdaq Foundation. Together, we are working to educate, inspire, and engage women from diverse backgrounds on venture investing and entrepreneurship. Did you know that only 2% of venture funding goes to women-led companies? Together, we are working to show that women are the new face of venture investing.

Gaby Darbyshire is a global executive and entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience building tech and media businesses in London, San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles.  In her current role as General Partner at Dangerous Ventures, an early-stage VC fund, Gaby is focused on investing in solutions to the world’s most pressing climate challenges, a lifetime interest that dates back to building an electric car when she was 16 years old. Born in Beirut and raised in London, Gaby began her career as a barrister, practicing environmental and criminal law and working pro bono on death row appeals. After leaving the Bar, she spent several years as a management consultant, developing strategies in the tech, utilities, financial services and pharmaceutical industries.

Some of the talking points Julie and Gaby go over in this episode include:

• The benefits of investing in climate solutions.
• The role of philanthropy in complementing for-profit investments.
• How being a generalist with a wide array of interests benefits you in investing.
• Closing the wealth gap by teaching women to start investing early.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast 

CONNECT WITH GABY DARBYSHIRE:

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Women CEOs are incredible - they have to be to get to the top - so it only makes sense that their companies outperform others in the stock market. So why aren’t more people actively investing in women? Patricia Lizarraga is here today to talk about raising visibility and funds for women-led companies that consistently outperform in all different markets. This week’s episode 134 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about investing in Women CEOs!

This episode was created in partnership with the Nasdaq Foundation. Together, we are working to educate, inspire, and engage women from diverse backgrounds on venture investing and entrepreneurship. Did you know that only 2% of venture funding goes to women-led companies? Together, we are working to show that women are the new face of venture investing.

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Patricia Lizarraga is sharing the importance of giving everyone the opportunity to invest in companies led by women CEOs and actionable steps you can take right now to start investing today. 

Patricia Lizarraga is the managing partner of Hypatia Capital and the issuer of the 
Hypatia Women CEO EFT, an actively managed Exchange Traded fund that invests in all publicly traded American companies that have female Chief Executive Officers. Patricia founded Hypatia over 15 years ago, when she'd already been working in finance as an investment banker for 20 years, committed to investing in women in leadership. 

Some of the talking points Julie and Patricia go over in this episode include:

• Making investing in women accessible to everyone, regardless of their investment amount.
• The numerous studies by major institutions that show the outperformance of women in both public and private markets.
• The need for AI and large language models to recognize and promote women CEOs more effectively.
• Educating women about investing, starting at a young age.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast 

CONNECT WITH PATRICIA LIZARRAGA:

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The importance of getting more women involved in venture and angel investing cannot be understated. As more women earn more money, the value of getting women seats at the table and in positions that decide what their money is being used for grows. Marcia Dawood is here today to share with us how we can be more involved in investment decisions, combat bias in finance, and more. This week’s episode 133 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about how you can do good while doing well! 

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Marcia Dawood is sharing the importance of understanding your investment options and actionable steps you can take right now to diversify your investment portfolio. 

Marcia Dawood is an early-stage investor who serves on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee. She is a venture partner with Mindshift Capital, a member of Golden Seeds, and the Chair Emeritus of the Angel Capital Association (ACA), the global professional society for angel investors. In 2022, Marcia spoke at TEDx Charlotte and she currently hosts The Angel Next Door Podcast. 

Some of the talking points Julie and Marcia go over in this episode include:

• Investing in early-stage companies that make a positive impact.
• The transparency and democratization of information on crowdfunding platforms.
• How philanthropic dollars can be directed to for-profit companies, providing a triple win of social impact, financial returns, and tax deductions.
• The value of cheerleading and social media support for entrepreneurs and offering expertise, networks, and mentorship.

You can find Marcia’s book, “Do Good While Doing Well” wherever you get your books, or by visiting her website!

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast 

CONNECT WITH MARCIA DAWOOD:

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It feels like AI has taken over the world since Open AI released ChatGPT at the end of 2022. The widespread use of large language models, however, has shown a great deal of bias and misinformation, in addition to being less than intuitive. So how do we create better AI? Ewa Ding is here this week to share her thoughts and mission to make AI more human-friendly! This week’s episode 132 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about designing human-centered AI! 

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Ewa Ding is sharing the importance of understanding AI's capabilities, limitations, and ethical considerations. and actionable steps you can take right now to educate ourselves about AI and its uses. 

Ewa Ding is a product and design leader on a mission to make AI more human-friendly and genuinely useful. As the founder of UX4AI, she blends her passion for impactful experiences with expertise in human-centered AI strategies, digital transformation, product strategy, and UX design. 

Some of the talking points Julie and Ewa go over in this episode include:

• Understanding AI's capabilities and limitations as we reach a peak in its use.
• The challenges of applying human-centered design principles to AI.
• The need for AI to be designed with user needs, values, and ethical considerations in mind.
• Encouraging women to become involved in AI development and to demand safe and privacy-protecting AI tools.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast 

CONNECT WITH EWA DING:

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Women’s voices have been and continue to be culturally dismissed and discouraged. Women are very rarely quoted in science and financial journals, as well as make up only about 25% of all of the people who are quoted as experts in the news media. The fourth element of our credo at How Women Lead is to Be Unabashedly Visible, and today, Julie is sharing her journey to be more visible. This week’s episode 131of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the fourth tenet of ouw How Women Lead Credo: being unabashedly visible! 

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams is sharing the importance of public speaking in creating change and actionable steps you can take right now to be visible and take up space. 

Some of the talking points Julie goes over in this episode include:

• The cultural narratives that hold women back that we have heard from a young age.
• Embracing your power and influence, and overcoming self-doubt.
• How public speaking can create change, and how you can improve your public speaking skills.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast 

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Every woman has an instance in her childhood where her voice was ignored. Maybe she was told to be seen and not heard, maybe she was looked over in class to speak, or maybe she was told to take up less space. This cultural bias against women’s voices needs to be put to an end, and it starts with us supporting one another and speaking up to affirm another woman and make her voice heard. This week’s episode 130 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about the third tenet of the How Women Lead Credo: reinforcing other women’s voices when they speak up! 

In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams shares the importance of supporting other women when they speak and actionable steps you can take right now to open opportunities for women’s voices to be heard. 

Some of the talking points Julie goes over in this episode include:

• Women being ignored is a cultural problem, not an isolated incident.
• How Harvard Business School documented gender bias that kept women from reaping the full benefits of attending the school.
• All women have been told to be seen and not heard as children; this carries over well into adulthood.
• Steps we can take to open doors and create opportunities for ourselves and the women around us. 

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast.

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