Jill Rowe’s creative journey is anything but conventional—and that’s what makes it powerful. She began her career in fashion, modeling for iconic photographers such as Herb Ritts and David Bailey, before transitioning into New York’s downtown art world, where she worked with visionaries like Keith Haring and Ed Ruscha. Her curiosity led her to film production, then to the kitchen, where she discovered a love of feeding others, hosting intimate farmhouse dinners, and eventually opening her southern-inspired restaurant.

She spent eight years running Danny Meyer’s Union Square Cafe, honing her skills in service, leadership, and connection. Ready for a return to entrepreneurship, Jill moved to the Hudson Valley and met photographer and author Matthew Benson, who had already transformed Stonegate Farm into a biodiverse, organic estate. Together, they launched Cultivate Apothecary, crafting potent skincare and wellness products from the botanicals already thriving on the land, while adding new plantings known for their potent efficacy.

In today’s episode, Nada and Jill discuss her various careers as a model, restaurateur, and farmer, and how each path eventually led to co-founding a beauty brand. Jill describes developing an early interest in skincare while living abroad, and later developing a knack for food during her time in Manhattan. Once she moved to small-scale farming, she began creating with nature’s bounty. Jill shares what it’s like being partnered in both life and business with her co-founder, as well as the joy of fully discovering herself in the middle third of her life.

Check out Cultivate Apothecary for more information on Jill’s beauty products. Follow on Instagram @thejillrowe, @stonegatefarmny, and @cultivateapothecary.
Please follow us at @thisislibertyroad on Instagram; we want to share and connect with you and hear your thoughts and comments. Please rate and review this podcast. It helps to know if these conversations inspire and equip you to consider your possibilities and lean into your future with intention.

Mandy Lehto is an ex-investment banker turned executive coach. She has coached, facilitated, and trained hundreds of senior leaders (many in Fortune 500 companies) over the past 17 years. She has a doctorate from Cambridge, is a Fellow of the Association for Coaching, and has been featured in Forbes, The Times, Fast Company, Psychologies, Inc., and on CNBC. Her show, Enough, the Podcast, also ranks in the global top 2%. She lives in Wimbledon with her husband, teenage kids, and her toy poodle, Herbie.

In today's episode, Nada and Mandy discuss career coaching, "Mandyisms," and the concept of  "enoughness." Mandy shares how her shifting purpose in life led to several vastly different careers, and how she honed her personal and professional values into catchy mantras along the way. After identifying her coaching superpower, she was able to help others unlock theirs to find their purpose. Nada and Mandy reflect on what it means to be enough and how the 13 Sucky Commandments prevent us from seeing our wholeness.
Learn more about Mandy's work at www.mandylehto.com. Follow on Instagram: @mandylehto. And check out Bronnie Ware's book, The Top Five Regrets of the Dying. And as promised, The Thirteen Sucky Commandments of Chronic Not-Enoughness:

1.   I must fixate on my mistakes and even point them out to others.

2.   I must disbelieve compliments. They’re just being nice. Or they want something.

3.   I must constantly feel like I don’t fit in.

4.   I must avoid burdening anyone with my requests for help and support.

5.   I must stay in perpetual busyness to avoid irrelevance.

6.   I must avoid rest and relaxation – or at least feel twisted with guilt whilst doing it.

7.   I must be excellent, but never enjoy or celebrate any wins. Next!

8.   I must find constant fault with my appearance and fixate on my flaws.

9.   I must put myself under extreme pressure to be exceptional, to outrun ordinariness and mediocrity. But (see 7) it’s a game I’ll never win.

10. I must find others' shares of vulnerability endearing and human, but the same rules do not apply to me. Heavens, no!

11.  I must defer happiness to the future, for when I’ve earned it. That’s code for ‘never,’ but yeah, tough...

12. I must avoid the frivolity of feelings, especially anger (so unbecoming.)

13. I must constantly compare myself to others and obsess on all the ways in which I’m losing. And a loser.

Please follow us at @thisislibertyroad on Instagram; we want to share and connect with you and hear your thoughts and comments. Please rate and review this podcast. It helps to know if these conversations inspire and equip you to consider your possibilities and lean into your future with intention.

Azin Radsan Van Alebeek is a co-founder and managing partner at Emmeline Ventures. This early-stage fund invests in and supports female-led start-ups in tech-enabled, FemTech, FinTech, and Sustainability sectors. With over 30 years of experience as an executive and board-level advisor, she leverages her strategic planning and coaching skills to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses, achieve their goals, and create returns for investors.

Azin is passionate about empowering women to achieve financial sovereignty and make a positive impact in the world. She volunteers regularly to mentor other women on financial literacy, angel investing, and playing big.  

In today’s episode, Azin shares how an invitation to do something she knew little about led to betting on herself and ultimately becoming an investor in women’s health, wealth, and overall well-being. Azin breaks down her role as Co-founder of Emmeline Ventures and the firm’s focus on improving women’s lives. She describes the meandering journey that took her career from consultant to PTA leadership to firm partner. Azin offers a digestible overview of venture capital, helping us identify who can benefit from VC support and who is better off without it.

Check out Emmeline Venture’s website and the resources Azin mentioned: I Relaunch, Golden Seeds, Portfolia, How Women Invest, and Show Her the Money. Follow on Instagram: @azinradvan.

Please follow us at @thisislibertyroad on Instagram; we want to share and connect with you and hear your thoughts and comments. Please rate and review this podcast. It helps to know if these conversations inspire and equip you to consider your possibilities and lean into your future with intention.

To find out more about Mendocino Farms, check out their ⁠⁠website⁠⁠. Follow on Instagram: ⁠⁠@ell.c.chen⁠⁠.

Please follow us at ⁠⁠@thisislibertyroad⁠⁠ on Instagram; we want to share and connect with you and hear your thoughts and comments. Please rate and review this podcast. It helps to know if these conversations inspire and equip you to consider your possibilities and lean into your future with intention.

Kate Waitzkin is a mother of three, yoga and meditation teacher, writer, mentor, and Founder of The Shala and The Shala Online. She has taught yoga and meditation for nearly two decades and is recognized for her accessible and potent approach to teaching. 

In addition to The Shala Online, Kate has shared her expertise with goop.com, the Yoga Wake Up app, and CamilleStyles.com. In 2019, Kate led breathwork and meditation classes at goop league - goop’s first-ever fitness experience in Austin, Texas. Her writing has appeared in Magnolia Journal, Texas Highways, goop.com, camillestyles.com, and teach.yoga. 

In today’s episode, Nada sits down with Kate for a discussion packed with practical tips and advice for those looking to branch out in a new direction. Kate opens up about various career pivots informed by life circumstances and intentional reflection. The two discuss her forthcoming book, and the process and challenge of writing and getting published. Kate offers advice for those looking to launch an online presence, encouraging us to just get started!

To find out more about all that Kate has to offer, check out her website. And to get in touch with Suzanne Kingsbury’s Gateless Writing community, visit her website. Follow on Instagram: @katewaitzkin and @suzannekingsbury.

Please follow us at @thisislibertyroad on Instagram; we want to share and connect with you and hear your thoughts and comments. Please rate and review this podcast. It helps to know if these conversations inspire and equip you to consider your possibilities and lean into your future with intention.

Bonnie Wan is the creator and author of The Life Brief, a simple yet profound action-driving practice that helps people navigate life’s big decisions with clarity, creativity, and courage. The Life Brief applies the art and science of brand strategy to how we live our lives.

As a 30-year career Brand Strategist turned Life & Leadership Strategist, Bonnie not only helps some of the world’s most iconic companies innovate from a place of purpose, but also guides everyday people to live with greater intention and imagination. She has been named “Chief Strategy Officer of the Year” and “One of 100 Women to KNOW in America”.

In today’s episode, Nada sits down with Bonnie to discuss her book, “The Life Brief,” and the practice of finding our inner unicorn. Bonnie shares how her career as a brand strategist created a framework for reordering the personal and inner chaos she was experiencing. She and Nada dive into the three parts of the book (the messy, getting clarity, and taking action) in order to discover and pursue the essence of who we are. The two reflect on the restlessness and wisdom that lead so many of us into a new sense of purpose in our middle third. 

Connect with Bonnie and find her book on The Life Brief website. Follow on Instagram: @bonniewanofficial

Please follow us at @thisislibertyroad on Instagram; we want to share and connect with you and hear your thoughts and comments. Please rate and review this podcast. It helps to know if these conversations inspire and equip you to consider your possibilities and lean into your future with intention.

An award-winning lifestyle expert, Belinda Chang specializes in making epic moments of everyday occurrences through dynamic activations in the food and wine world. Prior to entering the life of a small business owner, Belinda managed the legendary wine and service teams at Charlie Trotter's in Chicago, The Fifth Floor in San Francisco, Danny Meyer's The Modern in NYC, and more. While at The Modern, she was honored with James Beard Awards' "Outstanding Wine Service" in 2011 - the first and only time this award has been given to a BIPOC woman. 

Belinda's production team, Studio 8h Productions, has a client roster that includes 80 Fortune 500 companies. Her team has produced over 200 global virtual experiences to date. When she is not creating the food world's buzziest IRL and virtual events, you can find Ms. Chang on local and national outlets like The New York Times, Food and Wine, Forbes, CNBC, Fox, ABC, and more.

In today's episode, Nada sits down with Belinda to talk about wine and luxury experiences and her newest venture, nail art. Belinda is a true multi-hyphenate in every sense of the term. She describes how she's brought her varied expertise to life and shares the through-line that connects her respective careers. Belinda talks about recognizing your assets, being fearless, and learning to trust yourself. She also offers some advice for wine lovers in their middle third who are growing less tolerant but still want to enjoy an occasional glass. 

Find out more about Belinda’s work as a sommelier and luxury event creator at her website. Be sure to check out Belinda’s nail art on her Instagram: @belinda_chicago. 

Please follow us at @thisislibertyroad on Instagram; we want to share and connect with you and hear your thoughts and comments. Please rate and review this podcast. It helps to know if these conversations inspire and equip you to consider your possibilities and lean into your future with intention.

Dr. Vonda Wright is a practicing double-boarded Orthopaedic Sports Surgeon, Author, Speaker, Researcher, and Innovator whose work stands at the intersection of Longevity | Women’s Health | Performance. Dr Wright is a frequent media and conference expert widely recognized for her thought leadership. Her innovative science-based approach is changing the lives of millions in midlife.

In today’s episode, Nada sits down with Dr. Wright for an education on women’s musculoskeletal health during perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Wright shares her breadth of knowledge on the interaction between estrogen, exercise, diet, and physiology. She explains a few key components of a successful diet and exercise plan and provides several resources to get us up and going. Her conviction that women are strong and can do hard things will motivate each of us to seek healthy longevity.

Be sure to check out Dr. Vonda Wright’s website for links to her socials, books, and other great resources. Read her article on musculoskeletal syndrome in menopause. And follow the five accounts she recommends on Instagram: @haileyhappensfitness, @theliftedmethod, @chalenejohnson, @jj.virgin, and @billcampbellphd, as well as her own @drvondawright.

Please follow us at @thisislibertyroad on Instagram; we want to share and connect with you and hear your thoughts and comments. Please rate and review this podcast. It helps to know if these conversations inspire and equip you to consider your possibilities and lean into your future with intention.

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Kelly Nutt is an interior designer based in Corona del Mar, California, and has immersed herself in various aspects of the interior design business for over two decades. It wasn't until her late forties that she took on a few small projects that eventually launched her design firm. While she's busy managing her team and running a business, you can still find her weaving together old and new objects with various materials and patterns to create inviting and personalized environments.

In today's episode, Nada sits down with Kelly to discuss the slow and steady process of growing her interior design brand. Kelly shares the challenges she encountered early on as her business started to expand and how she went from working in her bedroom to moving into an official office and managing a team. The two discuss the importance of building professional relationships, remaining flexible no matter your industry, and trying things out to find a vocational fit. 

Check out Kelly’s work at her website and follow on Instagram: @kellynuttdesign

Please follow us at @thisislibertyroad on Instagram; we want to share and connect with you and hear your thoughts and comments. Please rate and review this podcast. It helps to know if these conversations inspire and equip you to consider your possibilities and lean into your future with intention.

Kaye Kramer and Catherine McCord are taking their years of collected experience to help female founders launch and grow their businesses through Founder Launch Lab. The program is designed to bring together a dynamic cohort of like-minded peers along with the experience, mentorship, and personalized coaching that Kaye and Catherine bring to the table. The 9-month program supports founders in mastering business fundamentals, refining growth strategies, and optimizing operations.

Kay Kramer is an entrepreneur, founder, senior executive, non-profit board member, and certified career coach specializing in leadership, executive strategy, and career transitions. Kaye’s experience in the entertainment industry includes representing talent at United Talent Agency, overseeing production as a movie executive at Interscope Films, and leading Nielsen Entertainment as Executive Vice President. Her entrepreneurial ventures include serving as COO of The Babybox Co., co-founding Nursery Works, and founding Step Up Women’s Network, where she also served as CEO.

Catherine McCord is the founder of the popular website Weelicious.com. McCord has authored several books, including Smoothie Project, Weelicious, Weelicious Lunches, and Meal Prep Magic. She has appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America, the Kelly Clarkson Show, the Food Network’s #1 rated Guy’s Grocery Games, and is a regular on the NBC Emmy Award-winning show Naturally, Danny Seo. 

In today’s episode, Nada sits down with Kaye and Catherine to talk about their partnership serving entrepreneurs. They believe female founders are uniquely suited to launch successful businesses but lack the space to ask, learn, and connect. The two offer two key pieces of advice when starting a business or partnership and share a belief that age is not a limitation; it’s an asset. 

For more information, check out their website. Be sure to listen to Kaye’s earlier Liberty Road Podcast Episode, How to Delegate Your Vision for Success. Follow on Instagram: @kayepkramer and @weelicious.

Please follow us at @thisislibertyroad on Instagram; we want to share and connect with you and hear your thoughts and comments. Please rate and review this podcast. It helps to know if these conversations inspire and equip you to consider your possibilities and lean into your future with intention.