Guest Linda Mbagwa moved to London from Nigeria at the age of six, where she and her six siblings and mother faced some financial and mental health hardships. At eight, Linda decided she needed to become rich to take care of her family and herself. After university, Linda achieved phenomenal financial success in a record-breaking six months, which demonstrated her determination and independence. Linda’s intuition – fostered by beginning to meditate at eleven - has been the bedrock of her decisions and self-confidence. To take care of her family, Linda learned to see criticism not as personal. She knows she is good enough but that the sometimes-unconscious bias limits how women of color’s capabilities are seen. Supportive female friends, family, coaches, meditation, and living by the ocean are how Linda takes care of herself.

Guest Kirsten Hund Blair enjoyed a culturally diverse and racially aware upbringing. Her parents modeled how to help people in different ways. Kirsten’s parents moved for her father’s work to Taiwan from the ages of 3 to 7. Kirsten understood that she didn’t fit in Taiwan, yet she benefitted from the culturally diverse community of support that her parents created. To this day, Kirsten is most at home in diverse settings. She seeks the contributions of different people to problem solve. Risk for Kirsten is offset by a deep, long-term commitment to make a difference in the world. Kirsten, like her parents, is invested in the education and empowerment of how people take care of themselves. She draws her support on the difficult days from her husband, family, friends, and the collaboration she obtains from the teams she builds.

Guest Samantha Lee’s father had epilepsy which prevented him from driving; as a young girl, Sam and her father talked about how automobile technology could change his life. Sam’s early independence and her drive to learn new things – even those not available to her – paved her journey to become an entrepreneur. Two years ago, Saw realized her mission was to help people who are not autonomous; she founded Meili Technologies. Sam’s stubbornness to figure things out on her own results in her obtaining the resources and networks she needs to meet challenges. Expanding her areas of expertise mitigates her fear of failing or not being smart enough in the room. When she is overwhelmed, Sam resets by learning how to be kind to herself, letting others help her, and being with friends, and her dog.

Guest Denetrias Charlemagne grew up in a non-traditional household of immigrant parents and strong female role models who valued education. At 13 Dee was accepted to an elite boarding school. There she experienced homesickness, in part because she didn’t always fit in with her peers. Dee’s determination to not be labeled means she doesn’t dwell on her or others’ differences. Instead, her innate enthusiastic curiosity for new people and experiences allows her to flow in and out of groups. Dee’s pursuit of independence led her to start her own business and, even if, for the first time, her success is not a guarantee. Dee’s passion for work is fueled by wanting to help close the black female gap. Her love for her family, the appreciation of the sacrifices made by her immigrant mother and grandmother push Dee to look forward.

Guest Amanda Hamilton left a successful 10-year career in Corporate Retail when she understood that she wanted to be more authentic and control her work. Amanda’s search for independence was tested when her new business website debuted the first month of the pandemic. Her remembering mitigates the risk that she has always been able to figure things out. Amanda also draws strength in her 27-member team at work. On those days where self-doubt crops up, her team’s support and reliance on her give her a sense of purpose and confidence. Her sometimes struggle with loneliness is also on the mend as she has learned to take care of herself with meditation and make time for friends and family.

Guest Sara Stender Delaney’s family lived in Anguilla for a year, where Sara remembers being the only white student in her classroom. Early diverse experiences shaped Sara’s awareness of being different from others. After a traumatic event in college, Sara saw a film on genocide and rape in Rwanda. Lost and unfulfilled by her traditional business degree Sara moved to Rwanda to open a restaurant with war survivors. Their warmth and inclusiveness, “no matter who you are,” made an impact on Sara. She returned to the States a year later, gave her first Ted Talk on hope and resiliency, and founded a non-profit to raise money for trauma survivors in Africa. Sara’s commitment to mental health and trauma evolved into her second company, “3Mountains.” Family, supportive, open colleagues and, a healthy lifestyle inside and out all contribute to how Sara takes care of herself and those around her.

Guest Kristin Lust figured out early that she yearned to be an entrepreneur. Always a self-starter and driven to do things her way, Kristin began a dog walking business as a young girl. Her independence and determination were tested when she first went to law school and nearly risked losing her hard-won scholarship by a falling GPA. Kristin realized that she did not want to work for a traditional law firm in her first law firm. Kristin’s strategy for her success is to stay true to her independent perspective to resolve conflict for others. As a female business leader, she shares the importance of choosing to do what you love, not what is expected of you.

Guest Angie Conley knew from childhood that she wanted to do something meaningful. Her father, a cardiologist, fostered an interest in science and biology and helping people. Angie realized in her first medical device consulting job that she thrived when challenged, not when she stood still like “a cog in a wheel.” Five years ago, Angie founded Albitech Medical, which helps people with disabilities live better lives with artificial devices. Angie’s long-term social capital skills enable her to ask for help when she needs it, and it makes her resourceful. When faced with the imposter syndrome, Angie tries to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Family, dear friends, a supportive husband, professional groups for women in medicine are all ways in which Angie enjoys her life.

Guest Alexa Hampton has always invested in doing hard things that she knew she wouldn't fail. A successful ten-year run in venture capital gave Alexa the "applause" she worked for, and it "made her look good on paper." In 2021, Alexa was ready for a new challenge and became a co-founder of SelfMade. In this new role, Alexa realized for the first time in her professional life that she chose a demanding role in which she is not guaranteed to succeed at. When Alexa is overwhelmed by things she doesn't know how to do, she focuses on the company's mission: to sell beauty products that are good for mental health. Alexa's passion for this mission fuels her desire to make the world a better place for the next generation, including her two small children. 

Guest Zahra Al-Harazi’s inspiring childhood instilled an early need to find her path. Born in Uganda as an only child and raised in Yemen to a Yemeni father and an Indian mother, fostered a sense of deep loneliness and an outsider. It never occurred to Zahra that she would remain an outsider. Each new experience was an opportunity to try to fit in, even at the expense of breaking the rules. A marriage allowed Zahra to move to Canada, and, suddenly, a path came forward, which she took to find her life’s passion and independence. Zahra’s determination was not about courage but about what she knew she needed for her story to be complete. Family, dear friends, philanthropy, cooking, and eating well are ways that Zahra enjoys her life.