When Laurel discovered that diverse founders deliver 25% higher returns despite receiving less than 2% of global venture funding, she knew she'd found her mission: transforming this disconnect into opportunity. 👍
On Episode 114 of the Opportunity Knocks podcast, I sat down with venture capitalist and entrepreneur Laurel Mintz for an eye-opening conversation about the untapped potential in diverse-led businesses and the surprising data that should be reshaping the investment landscape. 🌟
Today, as a high-achieving business leader, VC specialist, and two-time founder, Laurel shares new potential and opportunities with underrepresented minority groups who are ready to make their mark on the world. 🌍
And we discuss exactly how she does this in the episode. 
We also discussed... 

💡 How historically underserved founders have developed unique strengths through resourcefulness 
💪 The compelling business case for investing in diverse-led companies 
🌍 Creating new models that combine profit with purpose 
📈 Breaking down the barriers for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ community members and other underrepresented minority groups as they access venture capital 
💗 How doing good and doing well can perfectly align in venture investing
...and much, much more. 🔎
🎧 Ready to discover the future of venture capital? Tune in today!

Happy, happy Thanksgiving Week! 🦃

I just had the best conversation with Cory Richards, renowned National Geographic photographer, mental health advocate, and professional climber on Episode 113 of the Opportunity Knocks Podcast 🎧

As I sit here sharing this episode, I just have to share that I’m constantly blown away with gratitude for the opportunities I have to meet amazing people like Cory—who transform and inspire the lives they touch (very possibly without them knowing it). 

From the day we met, I knew we had a kindred connection, and I am so excited to share that here with you today. 🌟

Here’s a little bit about the episode ❣️

After being the first and only American to climb the 8000m Gasherbrum II in Pakistan, Cory soon received the designation of National Geographic Adventurer of the Year in recognition for his documentation and photography work on his summit. This eventually led to him summiting Mount Everest with his partner, Adrian Ballinger. ⛰️

These accomplishments are just the tip of the iceberg, however. Cory is a mental health advocate that has been breaking barriers and starting conversations for thousands around the world, prompted by his bipolar diagnosis at 14 to the recent release of his new book: The Color of Everything: A Journey to Quiet the Chaos Within. 📖

 Diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 14, Cory has navigated the challenges and triumphs of hypomania while building a career that reflects his passion for authenticity and curiosity. He cuts to the core of the toughest mental health discussions we’re facing to date, detailing his experience as he broke free from the “brokenness” he felt at the time of diagnosis. 🧠

Cory has discovered that the diagnosis is just the start of the journey, rather than its endpoint. Rather than live in that definition of our bodily “data,” he believes that we can learn to thrive and rise above it—finding supportive tools and inspiration of our own making on our individual journeys…and that we can become better people as a result. 💪

Our conversation touched on several other powerful topics and questions, including: 

💡 The cultural patterns that could be limiting our views about the potential to thrive in the aftermath of a mental diagnosis 
🛑 The dangers and opportunities that come from black-and-white thinking—and the freedom that comes from going deeper into “shades of gray.” 
🌍The satisfaction that comes from a quiet rebellion of NOT chasing “more,” across contexts 
👏 The power of experiential learning and of reframing personal contexts and stories 
💗 The fact that we simply are enough, as we are—and the power that comes from holding this belief as a core value in our lives
…and much, much more. 🔎

Cory’s can’t-miss reflections on living authentically, breaking free from your limitations, and mental health are now available and LIVE on Episode 113 of Opportunity Knocks—now streaming! 🎙️

Let’s get pumped for Episode 111 of Opportunity Knocks “Building Strength through Teamwork and Community” featuring Lisa Solomon, the Founder of The Studio (MDR), a Lagree studio with five locations in LA and a sixth coming in 2025. 

This is a special episode, given that it is 111 - an angel number representing good luck, opportunity, confidence and profound transformation. Such a perfectly fitting number for my dear friend Lisa, who I had the joy of facilitating with at an incredible Women's Wellness Event here in LA last week. 

After falling in love with the Lagree method workout and out of love with her career as an executive in the music industry, Lisa opened The Studio (MDR) during the peak of the recession. They beat all the odds and have been booked and busy since day one, more than a decade ago.

There are many golden nuggets from my chat with Lisa, including:

💪The difference between Pilates and lagree 
🤩 Why self-motivation is the key to success for entrepreneurs 
💯 Leading with purpose and making an impact 
📈 How she decided to expand 
🙏 Knowing your strengths and weaknesses and not forcing yourself to do it all

Enjoy my conversation with my friend Lisa Solomon of The Studio (MDR), Episode 111 of Opportunity Knocks. 😇

Tamalin Srisook Polo joins me for Episode 112 of Opportunity Knocks: "Be In the Know. Bespoke. Be Open." 

All of these words really embody not only who Tamalin is, but the work she does with her incredible boutique experiential marketing and events production business, Savior Agency. 

As a young, single mother also at the beginning of  her career, Tamalin knew the power of taking risks and chose courage early and often, starting her own business. She began her career in tech sales, and while she was a high performer, the lack of purpose was something she could no longer continue on with.

She’s now been producing high-end experiences and events for major brands for more than 20 years. The name of her business, Savior (French), means to “be in the know,” and that’s who Tamalin is through and through — someone with their finger on the pulse of trends, but also deeply with herself.

This episode features a great conversation with the highlights:

💯 Using your strengths and following your passion and skill
💪 The Power of listening to your body and having the tools to be in tune with it 
😵‍💫 Why stress management and body work are vital to long term success
🩷 The importance of being in touch with your own intuition and trusting it

I absolutely loved this conversation with Tamalin and can’t wait to hear what you think! Listen to Episode 112 ft. Tamalin Srisook Polo on Apple Podcasts or Spotify now.

Hiya! Happy Friday! Our audience has been loving these mini pods because they’re bite-size information on brilliant topics! Your host, Michelle Valenzuela Wolf, here with a new mini-episode reflecting upon the importance of connection, especially in midlife. So let’s dive in!

The kids are dropped off at school and you are finding yourself looking in now what?

Last week I published a New blog post entitled “Empower Yourself: Midlife Reflection on Connection,” on this very topic amd one of my favorites C-O-N-N-E-C-T-I-O-N and today’s mini-side gives you more nuggets!

I recently returned from a bucket list trip to the South of France with dear friends of 15+ years. It was such a magical time, not only because of the incredible setting, but truly we had the gift of time. Time to listen, receive and be present with one another. To listen to one another dreams and goals for our lives.

It was also a pivotal experience personally, an opportunity to connect with myself as well. I am one of those rare people who love long airplane rides, I do my best thinking and writing. I took a leap and then did it again. 

Listen to learn:
🛝The importance of play 
👯‍♀️ Why women are happier in midlife  
3️⃣ ways to expand in midlife 

Listen to my latest mini-episode, “Reflections on Mid-life Connection” and let me know if it resonates with you! Remember, community and connection are core and keys to success.

Do you believe money is energy? 💰Do you have a healthy relationship with money - whether that be earning, spending, saving or accruing more financial success? 🤔

One thing we know for sure is that money buys us FREEDOM and access. 💯 It doesn’t buy us happiness. This topic has been a consistent theme in my coaching practice over the last 4 years. 

My guest on Episode 109 of Opportunity Knocks “Financial Freedom for Women,” Heather Pulier, Founder of Outset Financial, found herself divorcing and in debt of $12 million. She’s come out the other side and is now empowering women and their finances. 👩🏻‍🏫💰💪

Heather built a successful career in talent at the world-famous CAA before deciding to leave the workforce and become a stay at home mom. As she headed the household, she gradually became less involved in the finances. 

After her divorce, she set out to make a change for herself and others. Not only did she become a therapist, she became a financial wellness expert, helping women heal their relationships with money and make choices that will improve their lives. 

Money and love are complicated. For women, both are even more complicated by generational and societal norms. Our money stories are deeply rooted. I loved getting into all of this with Heather. 

Our conversation touches on: 
👩🏻‍🏫 Financial education for women 
🤝 Marriage as a business agreement 
🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Generational impact of money and gender roles 
🫣 Financial infidelity 
🤔 Psychological relationship with money 
📗 Money story and beliefs 
❤️‍🩹Financial self-forgiveness 

This episode is a must-listen for every woman who cares about her relationships and finances—so all of us! Enjoy Episode 109 of Opportunity Knocks, “Financial Freedom for Women,” ft. Heather Pulier! 🎙️🎧

I’m back with the second mini solo episode of Opportunity Knocks! The first, “Embracing Fear and Finding Freedom” was so well received that we have our second one coming out! Mini Pod ✌️lots of good quick nuggets.

Episode 108 “Empowering Your Leader Within: Leading with Confidence” is all about tapping into the leader we all have inside.👏🙌👑

In this 10-minute episode, you will learn:
🛠️ The tools it requires to be a great leader 🤗 How to embrace your inner leader
👂Why listening is key to leading
🤓 How learning is tied to leading 
🪞 The importance of reflection 

When I was younger, I wanted to be a backup singer — not the lead singer 🎤 As the youngest of three girls, I was used to following my sisters’ lead and didn’t see myself as a a leader. 

As I grew, evolved and gained confidence, I realized there was always a leader inside me—she just needed more nurturing and experience to grow into the role of leadership.Im grateful I own it and see it!🙏👀

Throughout my career at Disney, Mattel and so
Many more cos of course as a mom and in entrepreneurship— all of these roles require me to show up as a leader. What are the roles in your life? Are you leading — or being led?👯‍♀️🤩🤷‍♀️

ATTENTION Calling fellow curious non-conformists! Kodi Kitchen Berg, Founder of Equipt, owner of Ojai Ice Cream and the former Dr. Maggie on General Hospital, is my guest for Episode 107 of Opportunity Knocks “Leading with Curiosity.”

As Kodi transitioned into motherhood, she stepped out of the lime light of entertainment and into the world of entrepreneurship. She knew she had a brilliant idea that needed to be brought to life! Plus, she was destined to find  a bit of balance between career and mommy-hood.👏🙌✨

Passionate about fitness and design, Kodi created the Equipt Uwraps and Ubar to serve as both functional and fashionable pieces.  This cool & catchy gear can be incorporated into your daily routine with as much time as you have or in many studios across the US.

She’s an entrepreneur at heart; curious, gritty, self-possessed and deeply driven. Our chat covers so many topics that you will resonate with, including:

✨The importance of community as an entrepreneur 
⚪️ Making space to create 
💪 Harnessing discipline
💄Lipstick as a superpower 
💯 Authenticity, especially in relationships 
📈 Entrepreneurship vs scaling 

Make no mistake—this is an episode you do not wasn’t to miss! Kodi’s beautiful spirit is a testament to true authenticity! 

Enjoy Opportunity Knocks Episode 107: “Leading with Curiosity” featuring Kodi Berg and move your body today, my friends! 💃🏼

Get ready to step into a fashion and entrepreneurial journey with my dear friend and guest for today’s Opportunity Knocks Episode 106, Elaine Kim. 

“Embody Sustainable Success” defines Elaine and the way she makes women feel, as well as the brands she’s built. 

Founder of Elaine Kim Collection, Elaine is a designer and serial entrepreneur that cares deeply about quality, sustainability and the collaboration between her and her customers. Her clothes are absolutely divine and I always get stopped when I’m wearing her pieces! 

An immigrant from South Korea. Elaine moved to the U.S. at age 7 and began her fashion career in LA in the 80s. She was a pioneer in bringing brands major European labels like John Galliano to Los Angeles.

She designs with sustainability as a core value; from material to the design, they are created for longevity. 

Listen now to hear our conversation around: 
✨ Evolving to serve your customers
✨ Her mission of sustainability  
✨ Clothing as a tool 
✨ Leadership and learning as entrepreneurs and mothers
✨ Respect and discipline
…. and so much more  

Enjoy the episode and live fashionably and sustainably, my friends! Leave a review or a comment and let us know what you think!

Today on Opportunity Knocks, we have a special solo episode with me, Michelle Valenzuela Wolf, on one of my favorite topics: fear.

I love fear because it’s truly a catalyst. If you ask yourself “what’s the worst that can happen?” and dig into what could happen—most of the time, it’s not that bad.

Women are especially prone to letting their fears dictate whether or not they move forward— and the truth is that we are so much more capable than we allow ourselves to believe.

On the other side of embracing fear is FREEDOM! When you move forward knowing when fear is present, you are choosing power. You are choosing courage. You are choosing vulnerability. And regardless of the outcome, you stood strong in the face of fear. 

We can do hard things. The greatest tools are already within you. Enjoy this mini-solo podcast, I can’t wait to hear what you think!