It Just Got Real

What does it mean to design your life? In this episode, Denisha Kuhlor, founder and CEO of Stan, shares her journey of embracing uncertainty, taking risks, and redefining her path. Through introspection and experimentation, she discovers the importance of pausing to reflect on one's true desires and the confidence that comes from learning through triumphs and setbacks.

Denisha's story of leaving the comfy world of venture capital and startup banking to start her own company rooted in her wildest dreams is a testament to the power of intentionality and adaptability. Get ready to be inspired and challenged to redesign your own life on your own terms.

Shyvonne lands in Bali, and things immediately get Very Real. With various challenges and unexpected situations, Shyvonne shares how she chose to embrace the moment and make the most of it: shifting from what was going wrong to embracing the abundance of life and living each day to the fullest. We talk trusting ourselves, what it means to take a calculated risk, and ultimately – transformative experiences. We also get into the practical and how Shyvonne Does It All by treating her life like a lesson plan – including the importance of rest. We also touch on 'Cowboy Carter' (because of course!) and Beyoncé’s celebration of Black country music culture.

On this episode, Snigdha Sur, founder of The Juggernaut, discusses the decision to raise prices and the challenges faced in a tough funding environment. As a community-driven platform focused on people largely underrepresented in the media space, this was a challenging balancing act. How do you focus on representation while leaving space for critique? How do you invite criticism of yourself while dealing with trolls and negativity? How do you make a business sustainable while trying to make sure it’s accessible and representative of people who feel deeply connected to the mission? We dive into all of this and more - including a slightly shady encounter with Priyanka Chopra Jonas on this episode.

In this episode, Cheraé shares a vulnerable moment at a team dinner that could’ve went entirely left. The tension between her current role in venture capital and her previous work building her startup were at a fever pitch and spilled over in a way she did not anticipate. After being gathered by a couple of her closest friends and confidantes, her perspective shifts dramatically and some incredible things start to happen. Han and Cheraé discuss the stories we tell ourselves in work and how they can be similar to the stories we tell ourselves in relationships and family. They also explore the importance of observation and how it contributes to the creative process. The record scratch takes us to SXSW and the famous Atlanta strip club Magic City. This episode is all about the power you have over your own narrative, releasing stories and expectations, and anchoring in yourself on the journey.

In this episode, Mallory Contois, Head of Community at Mercury and Founder of The Old Girls Club, shares her journey of navigating the challenges and pressures of being a woman in tech, from raising a $25 million Series A round for a gaming startup to grappling with the immense responsibility and isolation that came with her role as COO. The conversation delves into the themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the creation of a supportive community that empowers women to voice their struggles and triumphs.

We discuss the sometimes problematic dynamics of mentorship, the significance of creating spaces for honest dialogue, and how a LinkedIn rage post can be the start of something big. The episode is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the power of connecting with others who share similar experiences.

Subscribe to "It Just Got Real" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to your podcasts. Stay tuned for more episodes that dive deep into the real stories behind the successes and challenges of those making an impact in the tech world.

From sleeping in gym clothes to the profound impact of spiritual journey’s, this episode with Sugar Living CEO Fatima Choice, is a testament to the resilience required to succeed in the startup world. Her transition from Jetpack to Sugar, a community-enhancing tech platform, illustrates the importance of community and connection in both business and personal growth. This episode not only explores the highs and lows of startup life but also delves into the broader implications of our current societal and political climate, emphasizing the significance of community, mental health, and the delicate balance of pursuing entrepreneurial dreams while maintaining personal well-being.

In this conversation, Cat Middleton, General Partner at The Venture Collective, shares a vulnerable moment when she questions her place in venture capital. She discusses her motivation to make a difference and create a more inclusive environment. While charing her unlikely journey to VC, she addresses imposter syndrome, the fear of failure and success, and how she sees the value of authentic connections and humanizing interactions as one of the major keys to the game.

From how she assess early-stage founders to AI to healthcare and working moms, we cover a lot of ground and show why unexpected paths are necessary for change.

Let’s talk navigating career transitions! Han shares her post-acquisition story from where we left off in the last season when her company was acquired. We cover fitting into boxes (or not), taking advice (or not), and going from being a generalist to a specialist in a career transition. We also talk about the importance of approaching learning with a growth mindset and “time boxing”. With plenty of practical takeaways for anyone navigating a job shift right now, we’re keeping it real with a throwback episode with just the two of us where we even end up talking Air Jordans.

Whether intentional or not, shifts are a constant. JZ is a master of the career pivot, and is here to tell us all about it, how she’s (impressively) navigated them to here current role as COO at Charm. But this is It Just Got Real, and so of course, we’re gonna get into it :) We also talk regretful decisions, missed opportunities, the complex experience of being a minority that is often labeled “successful, “unknown” unknowns, affirmative action, and the need for true allyship.

9 lives isn’t even the beginning of what Karina has lived in her impressive career. From the military to banking to tech to coaching and so much more, throughout it all Karina Cares About The Humans. In this show we get into what it really means to be a “leader”? And how do you unleash potential in others as a manager? Karina brings the goods, smashing up our traditional (aka patriarchal) notions of leadership and teaches us how to be a “multiplier”. In true coach form, by the end of this episode Karina is not-so-sneakily coaching all of us, and we’re in complete awe.