Inspiring Women with Betty Collins

“Challenges Faced by Female Entrepreneurs”: “Women-owned businesses are growing at 2 times the national average. Yet on the flip side, women are, female entrepreneurs are denied 3 times more often than men for commercial loans.”— Ilaria Rawlins

We have an incredibly insightful episode featuring Ilaria Rawlins, the CEO of Fortuna Bank, a pioneering, women-owned bank in central Ohio.

With over 30 years in the banking industry, Ilaria brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the challenges women face in accessing capital and climbing the corporate ladder. In this episode, we explore Ilaria’s passion for female-focused services, the criticality of networking and mentorship, and how Fortuna Bank is breaking the mold by prioritizing relationship-building and personalized financial solutions.

We also talk more about the significant issues women entrepreneurs face, from harmful debt to understanding their financial potential, and unpack the pivotal role of diversity in decision-making boardrooms. Plus, you won’t want to miss Ilaria discussing her exciting upcoming partnership with Columbus and the unique economic opportunities on the horizon.

Inspiring Moments

05:54 Instrumental in product development, honing leadership skills. CEO offer from former client in 2021.

Inspiring Takeaways

The Power of Networking and Mentorship: Ilaria emphasizes the essential role of building strong networks and finding mentors who can guide you through the complexities of the business world. She highlights that women often thrive when supported by a community of like-minded individuals.

Personalized Banking Experiences: Unlike larger banks that are increasingly moving towards automation, Ilaria believes in the power of community banks to offer personalized services. Fortuna Bank is committed to relationship-building and providing tailored financial solutions that can make a significant difference for women entrepreneurs.

Understanding Financial Literacy: Betty Collins and Ilaria stress the importance of understanding your personal balance sheet and business plan before seeking capital. Proper financial planning can prevent harmful debt and improve your chances of securing loans.

Bridging the Gender Gap in Banking: Fortuna Bank is leading the charge in improving gender diversity in boardrooms and decision-making processes. With 8 out of 12 board members being women and a leadership team that is predominantly female, Fortuna Bank is setting a new standard for inclusivity in the financial sector.

Educational Initiatives: Fortuna Bank is not just a financial institution; it’s a learning center. They plan to offer classes and seminars on various financial topics tailored to the specific needs of women, aiming to educate and empower female entrepreneurs.

Empowering the Next Generation: In a move to nurture future leaders, Fortuna Bank is creating an advisory board to mentor up-and-coming entrepreneurs. This initiative is designed to help more women qualify for board positions and elevate their career trajectories.

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social and political achievement. Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women’s Initiative. Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

Living with purpose and leaving a legacy. What do these concepts mean to you personally, and how do you strive to implement them in your life or career?

We continue our conversation with the remarkable Lubna Najjar. In part two of our interview, Lubna talks about the profound impact of her book, which offers in-depth case studies on mass market manufacture, direct-to-consumer retail, marketing, and best practices in e-commerce. Together with Betty, they explore Lubna’s unwavering commitment to ethical clothing manufacturing, empowering underprivileged girls, and her philanthropic endeavors.

The Importance of Sharing Failures: “I was hesitant to share these at the conference because there were so many eyes on it. And sometimes you don’t wanna share your failures, but I do think it’s important to share them, one, not for others to just hear so that they know it’s good to fail because you keep going, but also for yourself to hear it.”— Lubna Najjar

Lubna shares heartfelt experiences from pivotal conferences and emphasizes the significance of social media in promoting community causes. We also get an exclusive look into her latest project in downtown Columbus, supporting local fashion designers through the innovative Common Thread Shops on 3rd initiative. Lubna opens up about the trials and triumphs she faced along her journey, from leaving her corporate job to navigating the complexities of the fashion industry.

As they wrap up, Lubna and Betty underline the importance of living with purpose, leaving a legacy, and inspiring women everywhere to pursue their dreams.

Inspiring Moments

00:00 As a leader, what questions drive you?

Inspiring Takeaways

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social and political achievement. Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women’s Initiative. Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

How can consumers make more ethical choices when it comes to their clothing purchases to combat overconsumption?

In this two-part interview, we have a special guest, Lubna Najjar, the entrepreneurial powerhouse behind Ilmoda Brands, a boutique agency in Columbus that bridges the gap between fashion concept and market. Lubna brings a wealth of experience as a woman navigating the design and fashion industry, balancing creative prowess with corporate acumen.

The Challenges of Business Ownership: “It’s never on cruise control because there’s always something. You’re always developing new. You’re always trying to figure out something that can be better and greater.”— Lubna Najjar

In this first part of our conversation, we learn more about Lubna’s journey, discussing the challenges and high expectations tied to her consulting roles and board seats, and the immense pressure to consistently perform at the highest level. Lubna shares her insights on the importance of self-care, emotional balance, and the necessity for resilience. With a focus on ethical fashion, Lubna talks about her doctoral pursuits in business, analyzing consumer behavior, the impact of fast fashion, and her mission to drive sustainable and ethical practices in the industry.

Betty and Lubna also explore the need for disruptors and ongoing improvement within their fields, finding inspiration in their cross-disciplinary approaches.

Join us as we uncover the story of a hometown hero and role model, Lubna Najjar, and learn about her endeavors in mentoring, community involvement, and her commitment to fostering the next generation of women leaders.

Inspiring Moments

05:57 Self-made and successful, formed strong relationships.

Inspiring Takeaways

Gender Disparity in Fashion Industry**: Lubna Najjar highlights the gender disparity within the fashion industry, noting that while women dominate the creative side, men are more prevalent on the corporate and retail side.

Pressure and Expectations**: Both women discuss the immense pressures and high expectations associated with consulting and holding board seats. The need to perform at all times, without the luxury of having an off-day, is a significant challenge.

Importance of Self-Care**: Collins and Najjar stress the importance of maintaining emotional balance, self-care, and allowing time for rest and recovery to sustain long-term performance.

Resilience and Strategic Planning**: They talk about the importance of resilience and the ability to say no, with Collins contemplating her next decade at the age of 60, emphasizing forward-looking strategic planning.

Ethical Fashion and Consumer Behavior**: Lubna Najjar, who is pursuing a doctorate in business focused on ethical fashion, discusses the impact of fast fashion on overconsumption and the environmental consequences of inexpensive materials.

Environmental and Labor Impacts**: Najjar underscores the negative impacts of waste from fast fashion, including effects on the ozone layer, water quality, and labor practices. She advocates for ethical and sustainable product development processes.

Community Involvement and Mentorship**: Lubna’s involvement with nonprofit work, such as the Women’s Small Business Accelerator, and her dedication to mentorship and community support, highlight the importance of giving back and empowering others in business.

Continuous Growth and Development**: The necessity of continuous personal and professional growth and development is a recurring theme. Najjar and Collins acknowledge the ongoing struggle and dedication required in entrepreneurship.

Role Models and Inspiration**: Part 1 of this conversation concludes with a mutual acknowledgment of the inspiration and support both women draw from each other’s work, exemplifying the power of role models and the positive influence they can have within their industries.

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social and political achievement. Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women’s Initiative. Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

How powerful do you think mindset shifts can be in facing life-threatening illnesses or other significant challenges?

We continue our conversation with Bess Hagans, the remarkable recipient of the Brady Ware Woman of Excellence Award, and founder of Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer.

Bess’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, but she has turned that challenge into a beautiful and impactful mission. Through her nonprofit, Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer, Bess has devoted herself to supporting others who are navigating similar journeys.

Bess shares the raw and heartfelt moments from her diagnosis, the panic and uncertainty she faced, and how she transformed fear into purpose. She built and continues to build a community that became her lifeline and the practical steps she took to start a nonprofit while still fighting her battle.

Bess’s story is a testament to the strength and resilience that can arise from life’s toughest challenges. Listen in for insights on finding your own community, turning adversity into action, and the lessons Bess has learned that could help you on your journey.

Inspiring Moments

05:58 Nurse navigator provided crucial support during diagnosis.

Inspiring Takeaways

– Life can present unexpected challenges, like a breast cancer diagnosis. Embracing these changes and adapting is crucial.

– Regular self-examinations and awareness can lead to early detection, which is key in managing health conditions like cancer.

– Building a support system and finding a community of people who understand your journey can provide immense emotional and practical support.

– Turning challenging life experiences into a driving force for positive change, as Bess did with her nonprofit, can be incredibly impactful.

– Sharing your personal story and experiences can inspire others and bring attention to important causes.

– Developing resilience and learning to cope with overwhelming situations, like a cancer diagnosis, can lead to personal growth and transformation.

– Seeking professional mental health support, especially during tough times, can help process emotions and provide strategies for coping.

– Engaging with and contributing to a broader community can create a network of support and amplify your efforts.

– Taking proactive steps, regardless of the size, can allow individuals to regain a sense of control and purpose in their lives.

– Educating others about health, wellness, and early detection can have a widespread and lasting impact on the community.

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social and political achievement. Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women’s Initiative. Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

How did our guest’s personal experience of dealing with infertility, giving birth, and a cancer diagnosis shape her perspective on the importance of storytelling and advocacy for young women?

We begin a profound and emotional two-part series featuring Bess Hagans, a remarkable woman who has navigated the harrowing journey of breast cancer while balancing the joys and challenges of motherhood.

She is the winner of the 2024 Brady Ware Women of Excellence Award.

In this first part, Bess shares her personal story of being diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer amidst the whirlwind of infertility treatments and new motherhood. She talks about the creation of her nonprofit organization, Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer, designed to support young women, ages 21 to 40, diagnosed with breast cancer at any stage.

We discuss the vital financial assistance her organization provides, the crucial mental health support programs they offer, and the importance of advocating for oneself within the healthcare system.

Bess also touches on the essential nature of collaboration over exclusivity in partnerships and how setting personal and professional boundaries can foster success and well-being.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration or practical advice, this conversation is filled with resilience, purpose, and actionable insights for making a real difference.

Inspiring Moments

05:43 Facing unexpected serious illness shifts life fundamentally.

Inspiring Takeaways

The importance of organizations dedicated to supporting young women (ages 21 to 40) diagnosed with breast cancer by providing financial aid, mental health programs, and other essential resources.

Financial stipends offered to women making less than $155,000 annually to help offset cancer treatment costs without requiring receipts, emphasizing trust and ease.

The value of mental health programs that include both in-person and virtual support groups, licensed therapists, and upcoming one-on-one therapy options to ensure holistic care for cancer patients.

The critical need for individuals to advocate for themselves in the healthcare system to ensure they receive adequate medical attention and understand their risk factors.

The importance of non-exclusive collaborations with other organizations and avoiding partnerships with big pharmaceutical companies to maintain integrity and patient-first values.

Strategies for dealing with criticism while staying true to the mission, vision, and goals of one’s organization, and managing personal well-being.

Highlighting that making a positive impact doesn’t necessarily require founding an organization; volunteering and contributing to existing initiatives can also drive significant change.

The value of educating young women on self-advocacy, specifically the importance of breast exams and understanding their health to prevent delayed diagnoses.

Encouragement to use personal platforms and gifts, even something as simple as resharing a social media post, to support and amplify important causes for young women with breast cancer.

We journey through some of the most impactful lessons I’ve learned over my 40-plus-year career, thanks to five remarkable men who shaped my path.

From the unwavering core values of Austin Swallow to the employee-centric approach of Randy Nipps, and from the empowering challenges posed by Gary Brown to the innovative insights of Brian Carr and Jim Kiser, each of these men has contributed to my growth in unique and invaluable ways.

I’ll share how their belief in my potential pushed me beyond my comfort zone and helped me achieve success both personally and professionally.

Let’s recognize the importance of recognizing and nurturing your core beliefs, valuing employee potential, and tapping into diverse skill sets. But, perhaps the most crucial lesson learned is the one from within: learning to see and believe in your potential.

“Don’t let someone else see what you need to be. You see what you need to be.”— Betty Collins

Inspiring Moments

03:41 Young, inexperienced woman hired based on character.

Inspiring Takeaways

1. – Your fundamental values and beliefs influence every decision and action you take.

We continue our conversation with Penny Zenker, The Focusologist, a distinguished author, and keynote speaker.

After exploring impactful life lessons and personal strategies in part one, this episode focuses shifts to the concept of “gatekeepers” in our lives, how we can establish personal rules, and filters, and optimize our environment to enhance productivity and well-being.

Penny draws from her extensive experience and insight to discuss how strategic thinking when combined with behavior modification, can lead to remarkable results both personally and professionally.

We explore her books, particularly “The Productivity Zone” and “The Reset Mindset,” which offer frameworks for managing time and energy more effectively.

Simplifying Complex Challenges: “It’s not about how complex the things are around us. It really comes down to how simply we learn to approach it.”— Penny Zenker 

Penny’s Productivity Tips And Tools are mentioned in the podcast.

Inspiring Takeaways

Rules as Gatekeepers**: Setting specific rules can help minimize decision fatigue by predetermining actions based on one’s values and priorities, such as deciding not to eat after a certain time for better health management.

Filters for Reduced Distractions**: Utilizing filters, whether they are people (like a supportive spouse) or technological tools (like app restrictions), can shield individuals from unnecessary distractions and help maintain focus on essential tasks.

Optimal Environment**: Structuring one’s environment to support desired outcomes is crucial. Accessibility to resources like water or technology can influence behavior significantly, encouraging healthier habits or reduced screen time, respectively.

Self-Tracking and Accountability**: The use of tools like time tracking in professional settings or fitness trackers personally can provide insights into how one spends time and energy, fostering better planning and prioritization.

Importance of Energy Management**: The podcast discusses recognizing and managing one’s energy as foundational, even before time management. Understanding one’s physical and mental readiness each day can influence productivity and general well-being.

Impact of Internal Communication**: How individuals talk to themselves influences their mindset and behavior significantly. Reframing internal dialogue from passive (“worked for”) to active and inclusive (“worked with”) can empower and shift perspectives toward more collaborative and positive interactions.

Utilizing Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)**: NLP techniques can aid in understanding and improving the connections between thought processes, linguistic patterns, and behaviors, leading to more effective personal and professional interactions.

Inspiring Moments

05:57 Realizing screen time usage is eye-opening.

We’re diving into focus and resilience with our distinguished guest, Penny Zenker, The Focusologist, an internationally acclaimed speaker, business strategy coach, and bestselling author.

In this episode, Penny shares her transformative journey from a career in accounting and finance into the realms of technology and entrepreneurship. We explore her pivotal “reset moments,” including a profound life change at the age of 19 and the influential “80-20 Rule” she learned, which emphasizes concentrating on the 20% that makes 80% of the difference in our efforts.

Applying the 80/20 Rule to Reset and Refocus:** “What’s that one thing that is gonna be the most important thing, the most impactful thing that’s going to make 80% of the difference?”— Penny Zenker

Penny explains the decision matrix of effort versus impact, a crucial tool for identifying where to focus your energies to maximize impact. We’ll also discuss strategies for managing overwhelming circumstances, balancing responsibilities across different life stages, and prioritizing tasks effectively.

This episode is packed with actionable insights on minimizing distractions and resetting priorities to navigate the complexities of life and work dynamically.

Inspiring Takeaways

The 80/20 Rule (Pareto Principle)**: Penny Zenker emphasizes how concentrating on the 20% of tasks that produce 80% of the results can significantly enhance productivity and outcome.

Effort vs. Impact Decision Matrix**: This tool helps in identifying tasks that require minimal effort but have maximum impact, aiding in better priority setting.

Reset Moments**: Recognizing moments that require stepping back to reassess and reset goals based on current needs and priorities, as discussed by Penny following a significant personal loss.

Distraction Quiz**: A practical approach to understanding and managing distractions by identifying key areas contributing to inefficiency and stress, leading to more focused work sessions.

Dynamic Reassessment**: Both speakers underscore the importance of continually reassessing and adjusting priorities throughout the day to cope with changing circumstances and ensure focus on what truly matters.

Embracing Change in Process**: Adapting to change as part of daily routines rather than resisting it, which can lead to improved resilience and flexibility in both personal and professional settings.

Inspiring Moments

05:43 Reflect, gain perspective, and realign for focus.

Welcome back to “Inspiring Women with Betty Collins.” This episode will introduce you to the incredible journey of Mari Cruz-Uribe from Brady Ware. She is a true testament to the power of impactful moments and life lessons shaping our paths.

As we reflect on the valuable insights from our previous guest, Lisa Gutierrez, Mari sheds light on her experiences and growth. With a candid discussion on giving ourselves grace and the ripple effects of our actions, this conversation promises to inspire and encourage you to recognize and leverage the ripples that you’re creating in your own life.

Mari shares her transformative experience from a taxing challenge to a rewarding career in accounting and as we talk about the subtle yet profound ways we can impact others in the ordinary course of our lives.

Empowering Women in Business: “I love that we all get together. We all get a chance to meet each other, to talk to each other, to communicate, and it’s so impactful in the future and in your work life because then you know these people.”— Mariana Cruz-Uribe

1. **Embracing Life Lessons**: Recognizing the importance of sharing experiences and the lessons learned from them can be powerful and positively impact others who might be navigating similar challenges.

00:00 Learn from others, share your own lessons.

I have an incredible guest, Lisa Gutierrez, who turned her and her husband’s vision into a reality by launching a humble food truck business that would eventually become a local sensation. Lisa’s story isn’t just about entrepreneurship—it’s about passion, resilience, and the tenacity to build something remarkable from the ground up.

As a former manager at The Cheesecake Factory and through her husband’s experiences with Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, Lisa brought a wealth of industry knowledge to their venture. However, their path wasn’t paved with ease. Bootstrapping their way from a borrowed truck to a powerhouse with multiple locations and nearly a hundred employees, Lisa’s tale is a masterclass in navigating the business landscape with determination and grace.

From branding mishaps to challenges in securing capital, Lisa candidly shares the lessons she has learned and emphasizes the importance of building a solid team, understanding your “why,” and the value of community involvement in business growth.

Hear how Lisa’s entrepreneurial drive and her commitment to her staff and community have made Dos Hermanos Taco Truck a thriving brand and a source of inspiration for all.

The Power of Entrepreneurial Support Networks: “You know there’s always someone in those organizations that you can reach out to. There’s always information there and it’s a safe place which I think is amazing.”— Lisa Gutierrez 

00:00   Lessons learned in life shape giving back.

1. **Embrace Lessons Learned**: Recognizing the value of the lessons you’ve learned through your journey and sharing them with others can inspire and help them navigate similar situations.