Powerful Ladies® Podcast

Powerful Ladies® Podcast

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Powerful Ladies® Podcast episodes

  • The Power of Community & Growing Together as Women Entrepreneurs | Kelci Borges | Founder & CEO of The Boise Breakfast Club

    What if the secret to growing your business isn't doing more, but finding the right people to grow alongside you? Entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and community builder Kelci Borges joins Kara Duffy to explore the power of intentional community, meaningful networking, and creating spaces where women entrepreneurs can thrive.

    Together, they dive into how to build a community from the ground up, why genuine relationships can generate extraordinary business opportunities, and how being in the right room can create a 27X return on investment. Kelci shares her journey from running a marketing agency to founding The Breakfast Club, the lessons she's learned about membership value, pricing, and retention, and why building something meaningful sometimes means doing less, not more. They also explore creating safe spaces for women, knowing when to say no, and expanding a community into new cities without losing what makes it special.



    Website: https://theboisebreakfastclub.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theboisebreakfastclub/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelcidouglas/


    The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

    Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

    You can find this episode transcript & explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.


    00:00 – Introduction

    01:00 – Meet Kelci Borges: Creativity, Entrepreneurship & Empowering Women

    02:00 – From Childhood Bullying to Building a Community for Women

    03:00 – The Power of Being Bold in Business

    05:00 – Finding Your People & The Power of Women Supporting Women

    07:00 – Turning an Idea Into The Breakfast Club

    10:00 – Why Real Relationships Are the Best Networking Strategy

    12:00 – Work-Life Integration & Finding Your Real Deal Friends

    16:00 – Building a Community That Members Actually Value

    19:00 – Creating Sponsorship Opportunities & Generating 27X ROI

    22:00 – Defining Your Community & Setting Membership Expectations

    25:00 – Expanding The Breakfast Club Into New Cities

    26:00 – How to Start a Community From Scratch

    28:00 – Taking the Leap, Charging for Your Value & Pricing Your Business

    32:00 – Why Women-Specific Communities Still Matter

    37:00 – Building Accountability & Encouraging Members to Take Action

    39:00 – Choosing the Right Technology for Your Community

    42:00 – Simplifying Your Business & Making Community Accessible

    43:00 – Where to Find Kelci & The Breakfast Club

    44:00 – Kelci's Vision for Building a Nationwide Community

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    48 min
  • The Power of Somatic Healing & Women’s Rage | Arianne MacBean | Somatic Psychotherapist, Writer & Educator

    What if the answers you've been searching for aren't in your head, but in your body? Somatic psychotherapist, choreographer, and author Arianne MacBean joins Kara Duffy to explore the connection between our minds, bodies, and emotions, and why so many of us have learned to ignore the very signals that are trying to guide us.

    Together, they dive into the power of somatic healing, how generations of cultural conditioning have taught women to suppress their feelings, and why reclaiming anger can be a powerful catalyst for change. Arianne shares how to recognize the body's signals, create environments where we feel safe, and stop accepting the things that leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves. They also explore birth trauma, intuition, the different parts of ourselves, and how we can transform difficult emotions into meaningful action.



    Substack: @writebig

    Website: www.synergysomaticpsychotherapy.com

    Instagram: @synergysomatics



    The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

    Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

    You can find this episode transcript & explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.




    00:00 – Introduction to Arianne MacBean & Somatic Healing

    01:00 – Reconnecting the Mind, Body & Soul

    02:00 – The History of Patriarchy & Disconnection From Our Bodies

    05:00 – White-Knuckling Life & Learning to Push Through

    07:00 – Why the Body Is the Gateway to Healing

    08:00 – What Is Somatic Psychotherapy?

    10:00 – Listening to Your Body & Understanding Its Signals

    11:00 – Letting the Body Lead Through Movement

    13:00 – Why Somatic Healing Doesn't Have to Be Woo-Woo

    15:00 – Embodied Knowing & Trusting Your Intuition

    17:00 – The Power of Women's Intuition

    19:00 – From Professional Dance to Somatic Psychotherapy

    23:00 – Why Safety Is Everything

    25:00 – What Are You Tolerating in Your Life?

    27:00 – Redefining Happiness & What We Deserve

    28:00 – The Full Body Yes vs. The Cellular Yes

    30:00 – Understanding Birth Trauma & Identity Shifts

    32:00 – How Early Experiences Shape Our Emotional Responses

    33:00 – Internal Family Systems & Understanding Your Parts

    35:00 – Separating Your Emotions From Your Identity

    36:00 – When Words Fail Us: Movement as Expression

    38:00 – Reclaiming Women's Anger & Rage

    39:00 – Learning to Feel Anger Instead of Suppressing It

    40:00 – Understanding Anger as a Secondary Emotion

    42:00 – Turning Anger Into Information & Actionable Change

    43:00 – Arianne's Books, Somatic Circles & Where to Connect

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    48 min
  • Protecting Your Skin & Finding Beauty Beyond Trends | Michelle Doan | Founder of Emani Vegan Cosmetics

    What if healthier skin starts with simplifying your routine, understanding your body, and finding peace within yourself? Michelle Doan, founder of Emani Vegan Cosmetics, joins Kara Duffy to explore the science behind skincare, the pressure to look a certain way, and how to make choices that support your skin through every stage of life.

    Together, they discuss what vegan and Korean skincare really mean, how to evaluate ingredients, why Michelle believes in skin longevity over quick fixes, and how hormonal changes can reshape our skincare needs. Michelle also shares her journey from leaving Vietnam as a refugee to building a self-funded beauty business, the lessons hardship has taught her, and why slowing down, living in alignment, and finding your own version of beauty matter more than following every trend.


    The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

    Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

    You can find this episode transcript & explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.




    INSTA: @emanicosmeticsWEBSITE: emani.com

    LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-doan-emani/

    TIKTOK: @emanivegan



    00:00 Meet Michelle Doan & Emani Vegan Cosmetics

    01:30 Clean Korean Beauty, Vegan Skincare & Sensitive Skin

    02:45 The Three P’s of Skincare

    05:30 Redefining Beauty, Aging & Feeling Enough

    07:40 From Vietnam to California: Michelle’s Journey

    08:45 Living with Cystic Acne & Finding a Purpose

    10:45 Skincare Through Hormonal Changes & Menopause

    12:40 Beauty Standards, Fragrance & Everyday Toxins

    15:30 Finding Your Zen Garden & Inner Peace

    17:30 Skin Microbiomes, Sleep & Simplifying Your Routine

    20:45 Skin Academy, Consumer Education & Ingredient Trends

    21:45 Vegan Skincare, Science & Skin Longevity

    23:40 The Challenges of Building a Beauty Business

    24:40 Passion, Conviction & Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship

    26:30 Why Michelle Believes Skincare Should Be Simple

    27:45 Turning Hardship into Opportunity & Breaking Patterns

    30:00 Morning Rituals, Mindset & Finding Stillness

    31:30 Returning to Vietnam & Reconnecting with Her Roots

    33:40 Immigration, Courage & Our Shared Humanity

    36:00 Diversity, Community & Entrepreneurship in Orange County

    37:40 Entrepreneur Organization & Supporting Women in Business

    39:00 Emani’s Mission, Shopping Direct & Closing Reflections

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    44 min
  • Why Women's Health Needs Better Answers & Smarter Technology | Madge Rumman | Co-Founder & CEO of Blair Health

    What if women no longer had to fight for answers about their own health? Madge Rumman, co-founder and CEO of Blair Health, joins Kara Duffy to discuss the urgent need for better women's healthcare and how technology can help close the gap between primary care and specialist knowledge.

    Together, they explore the often-misunderstood symptoms of perimenopause, why women are too frequently dismissed by healthcare providers, and how access to information and validation can transform the patient experience. Madge also shares her journey from leading product and operations at successful tech companies to building a healthcare platform designed to make specialist-level care more accessible.


    The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

    Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

    You can find this episode transcript & explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.


    LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madgerumman/

    WEBSITE: https://blairhealth.com/

    INSTA: @blair_health



    00:00 — Introducing Madge Rumman & Blair Health

    01:00 — Closing the Specialist Gap in Women's Health

    02:00 — How Blair Health Connects Patients & Providers

    04:00 — Why Women Are Still Fighting for Healthcare Answers

    05:00 — Understanding Perimenopause & Getting Validated

    07:00 — Technology, Women's Health & Democratizing Information

    08:00 — The Growing Need for Menopause Specialists

    10:00 — Childhood Dreams & Becoming an Entrepreneur

    12:00 — Building Tech Products in the Age of AI

    14:00 — Why Customer Feedback Beats Perfection

    16:00 — What Makes a Business Attractive to Buyers?

    17:00 — Lessons from the PayBright Acquisition

    18:00 — Scaling Through Acquisitions & Market Opportunities

    20:00 — The Emotional Side of Selling a Business

    22:00 — Growing as a CEO & Building a Leadership Team

    24:00 — Navigating Fundraising as a Founder

    26:00 — Finding the Right Investor & Refining the Pitch

    28:00 — Female Founders & The Funding Gap

    29:00 — Why She Named Her Company Blair Health

    30:00 — Perimenopause Myths & Misdiagnosis

    32:00 — The Impact of Midlife Health on Women's Careers

    33:00 — Commonly Overlooked Perimenopause Symptoms

    34:00 — Protecting Patient Privacy & Sensitive Health Data

    36:00 — Why Accessible Women's Healthcare Benefits Everyone

    37:00 — Where to Find Blair Health

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    41 min
  • The Power of Self-Advocacy, Career Growth & Negotiating Your Worth | Kelly Mooney | Author, CEO & Founder of Equipt Women

    What if the next step in your career isn't working harder, but learning how to own your power? Kelly Mooney, a three-time author, entrepreneur, public company board director, and founder of Equipt Women, joins Kara Duffy to unpack why so many women struggle to advocate for themselves, get recognized for their contributions, and step into leadership.

    Drawing on her journey from intern to CEO and scaling a digital agency before selling it to IBM, Kelly shares practical strategies for negotiating your worth, building influential relationships, and asking for the opportunities you deserve. They also explore the invisible rules holding women back, the importance of sponsorship, and how to build a business that grows without losing focus. It's a conversation packed with actionable advice for creating a career, & a life, that reflects your values, your ambition, and your power.



    The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

    Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

    You can find this episode transcript & explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.


    WEBSITE: http://equiptwomen.com/

    LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkmooney/

    INSTAGRAM: pkmooney



    00:00 Introducing Kelly Mooney

    01:15 Discovering a Lifelong Mission of Women's Empowerment

    03:00 Why Women Struggle to Recognize Their Power

    05:30 Power, Leadership & Learning to Listen

    09:30 Setting Boundaries & Simplifying Your Business

    14:30 From Intern to CEO: Kelly's Agency Journey

    16:30 The Strategies Behind Scaling a Digital Agency

    21:30 Measuring Impact & Building Long-Term Client Relationships

    24:00 Self-Advocacy: Making Your Contributions Visible

    26:30 Why Sponsorship Matters for Career Advancement

    29:30 Equipping Women to Become the Next Generation of Leaders

    32:30 Interview Skills, Networking & Finding Your Next Job

    36:30 The Inspiration Behind *Up*

    40:30 Caregiving, Economic Barriers & Access to Opportunity

    45:30 Living Your Values & Managing Your Time Intentionally

    48:30 Taking Control of Your Financial Life

    49:30 Where to Find *Up* & Equipped Women

    50:30 Kelly's Goal to Impact One Million Women's Careers

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    55 min
  • Your Success Shouldn’t Cost Your Health | Dr. Mini Rattu | Psychologist & Executive Wellness Coach

    What if looking successful on the outside is actually masking burnout, disconnection, and overwhelm on the inside? Dr. Mini Rattu, psychologist, executive wellness coach, and nervous system expert, joins Kara Duffy to explore why so many high-achieving women are functioning at a high level while feeling depleted, stuck, or disconnected from themselves.

    Together they dive into nervous system regulation, “high-functioning freeze,” the invisible mental load women carry, and why state precedes strategy. Dr. Mini shares how understanding our patterns, listening to our bodies, and building self-trust can help us move from survival-driven success toward sustainable performance, confidence, and leadership.


    The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

    Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

    You can find this episode transcript & explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.



    INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/dr.mini_kaur/

    WEBSITE: drmini.co

    LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrattu/

    YOUTUBE: https://m.youtube.com/@drminikaurrattu

    FACEBOOK: https://m.youtube.com/@drminikaurrattu




    00:00 — Meet Dr. Mini Rattu

    01:00 — Psychology, Yoga & Nervous System Regulation

    03:00 — Bringing Yoga Into Healthcare

    05:00 — Burnout & Organizational Stress

    06:00 — When “Just Breathe” Isn’t Enough

    08:00 — Meeting Your Nervous System Where It’s At

    09:00 — High-Functioning Freeze

    11:00 — Why Women Normalize Anxiety & Stress

    13:00 — Recognizing Your Body’s Early Warning Signals

    15:00 — Over-Functioning, People-Pleasing & Stress

    16:00 — Why State Precedes Strategy

    18:00 — How Dr. Mini Found Her Path

    20:00 — Perfectionism, Self-Sacrifice & Boundaries

    22:00 — Can We Have Ambition Without Burnout?

    23:00 — The Invisible Load Women Carry

    26:00 — Inside the Unstuck Program

    29:00 — Self-Trust & Getting Out of the Cycle of “More”

    31:00 — Growth Edges Can Feel Like Anxiety

    33:00 — Practicing What You Teach

    34:00 — Movement, Mindfulness & Bodybuilding

    35:00 — Rest, Recovery & Rethinking Your Calendar

    37:00 — Stop Apologizing for Having Needs

    39:00 — Sustainable Success Without Self-Abandonment

    40:00 — Where to Find Dr. Mini Rattu

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    44 min
  • The Freedom to Pivot & Letting Go of Achievement | Becca Pearce | Author & Leadership Coach

    What if success had less to do with what you achieve and more to do with how you feel about your life? Author and leadership coach Becca Pearce joins Kara Duffy to explore what it means to redefine success, let go of external expectations, and create a life that reflects what truly matters.

    After losing her job publicly and facing a brain tumor diagnosis, Becca began questioning everything she once believed about achievement, money, and career. Together, they explore the power of choosing yourself, identifying your values, and recognizing that you don't have to sacrifice your happiness or relationships to build a meaningful life.


    The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

    Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

    You can find this episode transcript & explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.


    WEBSITE: morebeccapearce.com

    LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beccapearce/




    00:00 Introduction to Becca Pearce 

    01:30 Redefining Success 

    02:40 You Don't Have to Achieve to Be Loved 

    04:00 The Cost of Career Ambition 

    05:40 Finding Fulfillment Outside of Work 

    07:40 Financial Freedom and Living Below Your Means 

    11:50 Losing a Job, Facing a Brain Tumor & Changing Priorities 

    14:40 Resisting the Pull of Corporate Success 

    15:50 Turning Life Lessons Into a Book 

    18:00 Logic, Emotion & Finding Your Zone of Genius 

    21:40 Why People Are Ready for Change 

    24:00 Choosing Yourself and Making Time for What Matters 

    26:30 The Power of Challenging Someone's Perspective 

    27:30 Teaching the Next Generation to Choose Themselves 

    30:50 Letting Go of Fear and Limiting Beliefs 

    32:00 Identifying Transferable Skills & Creating New Opportunities 

    33:30 Letting Go of Unnecessary Responsibilities 

    34:00 Speaking, Coaching & Redefining Success 

    35:20 Defining Your Values and Your Own Version of Success 

    37:20 Becca's Values Exercise 

    39:30 Delegation, Commitment & Valuing Your Time 

    41:20 Where to Find Becca Pearce

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    46 min
  • Show Up, Share Your Story & Build the Network You Want | Michelle Glogovac | Podcast Matchmaker, Author & PR Expert

    What if sharing your story and knowledge could change someone’s life and create opportunities you never expected? Podcast Matchmaker, author, and PR expert Michelle Glogovac joins Kara Duffy to talk about thought leadership, networking, visibility, and why women need to stop waiting for permission to share what they know.

    Together, they explore how to balance multiple passions and projects, why “true balance” doesn’t really exist, how to stay informed without becoming overwhelmed, and why showing up, even in small ways, can create meaningful change. Michelle also shares her journey from aviation and selling jet fuel to podcasting and PR, the power of building genuine relationships, and why every podcast appearance is an opportunity to create more content, connections, and impact.

    --------------------------------------------------


    SUPPORT OUR GUEST:

    INSTA: @michelleglogovac  

    WEBSITE: https://themlgcollective.com

    TIKTOK: @thepodcastmatchmaker

    YOUTUBE: @thepodcastmatchmaker

    LINKEDIN: Michelle Glogovac

    SUBSTACK: @thepodcastmatchmaker



    The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

    Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

    You can find this episode transcript & explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

    ------------------------------------------------------------


    EPISODE CHAPTERS:

    00:00 — Meet Michelle Glogovac

    01:00 — Why Three Podcasts?

    04:00 — Finding Balance in a Complicated World

    09:00 — Why Women Need to Embrace Thought Leadership

    13:00 — Shiny Objects, Goals & Finishing What You Start

    18:00 — From Law to Aviation to PR & Podcasting

    25:00 — Women, Health & Advocating for Yourself

    30:00 — The Power of Networking & Building Community

    35:00 — How to Maximize Every Podcast Appearance

    37:00 — Sharing Your Story Can Change Someone’s Life

    38:00 — Motherhood, Hope & the Next Generation

    42:00 — Michelle’s Ask: Pay Attention & Show Up

    43:00 — What’s Next for Michelle

    44:00 — Who Is the Right Client for Michelle?

    45:00 — Where to Find Michelle

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    49 min
  • Chocolate, Intuition & the Courage to Follow Your Own Path | Katrina Markoff | Chocolatier, Entrepreneur & Alchemist

    What if trusting your intuition could change the way you build your business and your life? Chocolatier, entrepreneur, and alchemist Katrina Markoff joins Kara Duffy to explore the intersection of science, spirituality, sensory experience, and the power of following your inner knowing.

    Together, they talk about the courage to trust yourself, why so many of us give other people’s opinions too much authority, and how reconnecting with the wisdom of the body can help us make clearer decisions. Katrina shares her journey from studying chemistry and attending Le Cordon Bleu to creating a chocolate company rooted in biodynamic cacao, regenerative agriculture, neuroscience, and ritual.

    They also dive into abundance versus scarcity, knowing when it’s time to let go, the unexpected people who can open doors for us, and why sometimes the path forward begins with simply remembering who you already are.


    The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

    Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

    Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.


    INSTA: @katrina.markoff  

    WEBSITE: violetflamechocolate.com

    INSTA: @violetflamechocolate




    00:00 — Engineer Jordan’s Special Treat

    01:00 — Meet Katrina Markoff

    03:00 — The Science & Magic of Chocolate

    05:00 — Where Courage Comes From

    07:00 — Remembering Who You Were as a Kid

    11:00 — Creating From Purpose, Not Awards

    13:00 — The Wisdom of the Body

    15:00 — Practicing Intuition in Everyday Life

    17:00 — Knowing When It’s Time to Move On

    19:00 — The Power of Chocolate Rituals

    21:00 — Reclaiming Pleasure & Sensory Experience

    23:00 — The Magic of Movement & New Places

    26:00 — Motherhood, Travel & Following Your Nudges

    28:00 — Biodynamic Cacao & Regenerative Agriculture

    32:00 — Neuroscience, Sensory Perception & Presence

    35:00 — Breaking Free From Fear-Based Systems

    37:00 — Abundance vs. Scarcity

    39:00 — Vulnerability, Community & Letting People Help

    41:00 — The Unexpected People Who Open Doors

    44:00 — Where to Find Katrina

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    48 min
  • Becoming a Mom by Choice, IVF, & Redefining What “Having It All” Means | Kara Duffy | Entrepreneur, Business Coach, & Host of Powerful Ladies

    What happens when the life you imagined for yourself doesn’t happen on the timeline, or in the order you expected? In this deeply personal episode of Powerful Ladies, Kara Duffy sits down with her dear friend and past guest Aleks Lason to talk about becoming a mom by choice, navigating a two-year IVF journey, and building a new chapter of her life without putting her ambition on hold.

    Kara opens up about why she kept her IVF journey private, the emotional and physical realities of multiple rounds of egg retrievals and embryo transfers, and the moment she had to grieve the family she thought she would have. She shares how choosing herself ultimately created more freedom—not just in motherhood, but in her businesses and her life.

    Six months into motherhood, Kara also gets candid about pregnancy, an emergency C-section, the realities of postpartum recovery, choosing a birth partner, building systems around a newborn, and learning when to let the plan change. Together, Kara and Aleks explore what it means to build a life that makes room for motherhood, entrepreneurship, creativity, friendship, and joy—without believing you have to compromise one for another.


    The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

    Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

    Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.



    INSTA: @kara_duffy  

    WEBSITE: karaduffy.com




    00:00 — Kara Has a Baby?!

    01:00 — Becoming a Mom by Choice

    03:00 — Why Kara Kept Her IVF Journey Private

    05:00 — Choosing Motherhood Without Waiting for a Partner

    08:00 — What the IVF Process Actually Looks Like

    12:00 — Three Egg Retrievals, Two Embryo Transfers & the Emotional Toll

    15:00 — Grieving the Family She Thought She’d Have

    17:00 — When an Embryo Transfer Goes Wrong

    22:00 — The Anxiety of IVF & “I’ll Believe It When I See It”

    25:00 — Hearing Kaia’s Heartbeat

    27:00 — Planning for Motherhood When You Can’t Plan Everything

    30:00 — Pregnancy Changed Everything at Work

    32:00 — Treating Motherhood Like a Project

    34:00 — The Emergency C-Section

    36:00 — The Scariest Experience of Kara’s Life

    39:00 — Five Seconds With Her Baby

    42:00 — Writing SOPs for Birth

    44:00 — Choosing Andrew as Her Birth Partner

    48:00 — How Kara Chose a Sperm Donor

    51:00 — Getting Kaia a Passport at Three Months

    52:00 — The Schedule Gene

    55:00 — Is Raising a Baby Like Running a Business?

    57:00 — Building a Life Without Expanded Resources

    59:00 — “I Love Being a Mom, 1,000 Out of 10”

    01:00:00 — Pumping, Mastitis & Learning to Trust Her Body

    01:03:00 — “I Became a Mom to Be a Mom”

    01:05:00 — What’s Next for Kara

    01:06:00 — The Substack, Motherhood & Redefining “Less but Better”

    01:13:00 — Naming Kaia-Roux

    01:15:00 — Motherhood, Empathy & Letting Your Child Be Their Own Person

    01:18:00 — Gratitude, Miracles & the Next Chapter

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1 hr 22 min

About Powerful Ladies® Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Since 2019 Kara Duffy’s Powerful Ladies Podcast spotlights inspiring women forging their own paths, shattering expectations, and redefining what it truly means to be powerful. From bold entrepreneurs…

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