What happens when you refuse to choose between your passions, your family, and your career? Laura King has built a life where all three thrive. As a professional gravel cyclist, mother of two, and CMO at Parity Sport, she’s redefining what’s possible for women in sports. In this episode, she shares her journey from endurance racing to leading a women’s activewear brand, the lessons she’s learned from cycling through pregnancy, and how she and her husband balance adventure, parenting, and business. We talk about breaking barriers in male-dominated sports, the power of female mentorship, designing a life on your own terms, and finding joy in pushing past fear. Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or someone seeking the courage to chase big goals, this conversation will leave you inspired to ride toward your own version of success.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Parody Sport and Laura King

01:18 Meet Laura King: A Multifaceted Athlete

03:08 The Rise of Gravel Cycling

06:00 Balancing Motherhood and Cycling

10:31 Endurance Sports and Personal Growth

18:39 Empowering Women Through Sport

26:21 Women Empowering Women in Cycling

27:09 Balancing Family and Athletic Life

29:28 Support Systems and Childcare

32:00 Living a Full and Balanced Life

35:32 The Power of Community and Environment

38:29 Defining Powerful Women

43:36 Reflections on Powerful Women and Personal Growth

51:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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.

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What happens when you can’t find the culture and community you’re searching for? You create it yourself. That’s exactly what today’s guest, Jasmina Jaskovic, did. Influenced by her experiences across cultures and countries, she set out to build a space that reflects creativity, connection, and belonging—founding CASA CDM in the process. In this episode, Jasmina shares how to attract your people, design the life you want, and why women don’t have to choose just one path.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Discovering Local Creatives

00:18 Introduction to Yasmina Yakovich

01:27 Building Casa CDM

05:32 Finding Community in Orange County

11:59 Yasmina's Journey from Germany to the US

17:21 Embracing Art and Design

24:09 Redefining Power and Femininity

25:34 The Art of Graceful Power

26:22 Embracing Dual Identities

30:54 Women’s Resilience and Strength

31:58 Inspiration from Powerful Women

34:28 Coping Mechanisms and Therapy

40:40 Designing a Life True to Yourself

42:53 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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.

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In this episode of The Powerful Ladies Podcast, we sit down with inspiring women from around the globe who are leading transformative initiatives in their communities. From addressing gender inequality and fostering democracy in Syria to supporting orphans in Kenya and fighting for indigenous women's rights in Tanzania, these leaders share their incredible journeys, the challenges they face, and how they stay motivated. We discuss the impact of shrinking international aid, the need for structural change in philanthropy, and the profound effects of local female leadership. Join us as we delve into their stories and learn how we can all contribute to making a difference.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Powerful Ladies Series

01:39 Meet Lara Berry: Champion of Global Nonprofits

02:55 Naw K'nyaw Paw: Leading the Karen Women's Organization

05:23 Rajaa Ali: Advocating for Democracy in Syria

07:24 Consolata Nobert: Transforming Orphan Care in Kenya

11:11 Maanda: Empowering Indigenous Women in Tanzania

20:46 Impact of US Aid Cuts on Global Initiatives

45:13 Empowering Women in Patriarchal Societies

46:26 Challenges and Achievements in Women's Rights

47:19 Advice for Women in the US

47:36 Funding and Support for Women's Organizations

58:25 The Importance of Long-Term Partnerships

01:05:41 Staying Motivated and Inspired

01:16:30 Final Reflections and Call to Action

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.

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Lauren Kyle McDavid is the powerhouse behind four thriving businesses, Kyle & Co interior design firm, Trove Living, Bar Trove, and Sports Club Ateliers, plus her growing personal brand. In this episode, she joins Kara to share how she’s building an empire with vision, style, and heart, all while navigating the unique challenges of being married to an NHL player. They dive into how Lauren balances creativity with strategy, leads with confidence, builds strong teams, and keeps saying yes to what lights her up. If you’re dreaming big, managing multiple roles, or looking for inspiration to follow your boldest ideas, this episode is a must-listen.

Chapters: 

00:00 — Origins of Sports Club Atelier

05:01 — Building Multiple Successful Businesses

07:59 — Expanding into Fashion and Sports Merchandise

12:33 — Team Building and Business Growth

18:20 — From Interior Design to Bar Owner

24:14 — Redefining the Role of an NHL Wife

29:41 — Building a Personal Brand

33:54 — Work-Life Balance and Self-Care

38:11 — Closing and Contact Information

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.

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Sarah Ezrin is redefining what modern parenting can look like. A yoga instructor, educator, maternal mental health advocate, and author of The Yoga of Parenting, Sarah brings mindfulness and realism to the often chaotic world of raising kids. In this episode, Kara and Sarah dive into the emotional rollercoaster of parenthood, the pressure to “do it all,” and why building your own village is more essential than ever. You’ll hear how Sarah blends yoga principles into parenting, what it means to maintain your identity as a parent, and why support systems in the U.S. are failing families. This conversation covers parenting as a spectrum, practical self-care, and how to stay grounded even when life gets messy.

00:00 Introduction to the Powerful Ladies Podcast

01:14 Meet Sarah Ezrin: Yoga Instructor and Maternal Mental Health Advocate

02:39 Sarah's Journey to Motherhood

04:01 The Challenges of Modern Parenthood

07:02 The Power of Women and Community

14:11 Understanding Female Rhythms and Productivity

22:59 Sarah's Childhood and Early Struggles

26:49 The True Essence of Yoga

29:15 Ancient Yoga Practices

29:45 Modern Yoga and Commoditization

31:28 Personal Yoga Journey

33:11 Yoga and Parenting

33:30 Writing 'The Yoga of Parenting'

41:08 Powerful Ladies and Empowerment

45:42 Balancing Life and Business

51:18 Connecting and Sharing Wisdom

56:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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.

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

Hillary Whittington is an author, transgender advocate, and mom who never expected her life to become a beacon of hope for families with trans children. In this deeply personal episode, Kara and Hillary explore the realities of parenting a young trans child in a conservative community, navigating deafness and gender identity, and choosing love over fear—every single day. Hillary shares her family’s journey with grace and honesty, from her son Ryland’s early words, "I am a boy", to becoming a public advocate, even in the face of serious threats. This conversation is for anyone who wants to better understand the trans experience, for parents trying to support their kids, and for all of us who believe in leading with compassion, curiosity, and courage.

Time Stamps: 

00:00 – The Start of Hillary’s Story

02:00 – Parenting Through the Unknown

05:00 – Acceptance, Faith, and Family Tensions

08:00 – The Turning Point

12:00 – Reframing the Narrative

15:00 – The Reality Behind Trans Debates

20:00 – The Hidden Trans Community

27:00 – The Risk of Speaking Up

31:00 – Support, Strength, and Real Community

36:00 – What It Means to Be a Powerful Lady

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.

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

La Niecia Vicknair, known as Coach LaLa, is a fitness trainer, founder of Thrive Health Lab, and a passionate advocate for building healthier communities, especially for people of color and teens. In this heartfelt conversation, she and Kara dive into her journey from growing up in an overweight family to creating a safe, empowering space where health is about so much more than just working out. They explore the difference between athletic performance and true wellness, the mental and emotional transformation that comes with physical strength, and the real challenges of balancing mission-driven work with financial realities. Coach LaLa shares why setting boundaries is essential to avoid burnout and how prioritizing self-care allows her to support others more deeply. This episode is a powerful look at community, healing, and redefining what it means to thrive.

00:00 Creating a Community of Health and Wellness

00:22 Introduction to The Powerful Ladies Podcast

00:35 The Power of Proximity

02:34 Meet Coach Lala

02:43 Coach Lala's Journey and Mission

05:24 The Importance of Busing Programs

06:47 Proximity and Community Impact

10:30 Athletics vs. Health and Fitness

18:27 Balancing Empowerment and Business

24:33 Experience and Burnout

25:46 Transitioning from Trainer to Coach

26:07 Health Over Diets

29:46 Navigating Fitness Trends

35:28 Empowering Clients

40:11 Defining Power and Womanhood

44:29 Future Goals and Manifestations

46:44 Conclusion and Gratitude

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.

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

In this episode, artist and designer Ragni Agarwal shares how she found freedom and healing through bold, vibrant art. Ragni is an Indian American fine artist and graphic designer based in Los Angeles, who shares her journey from tech to a professional art career, the mental health benefits of creating art, and the challenges of being a female artist of color in today's climate. Hear about her vibrant art style, collaborations with notable brands like Hulu and Bombay Sapphire, and her dedication to making her art a safe space for all women. Discover how Ragni balances creativity with survival and her thoughts on the current political landscape and its impact on the creative community. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, vulnerability, and finding joy in making art.

00:00 Introduction to Ragni Agarwal

00:21 Challenges of Being an Artist Today

01:01 Ragni's Artistic Journey

01:31 Connecting Through Art

01:56 Starting the Conversation

04:03 The Role of Mental Health in Art

06:42 Balancing Art and Survival

09:51 The Influence of Politics on Art

13:02 The Power of Color

16:15 Cultural Influences and Inspirations

19:39 Safety and Expression in Art

23:37 Addressing Social Issues and Frustrations

24:46 Defining Powerful Ladies

25:34 Finding Inspiration and Building Community

27:40 Embracing Vulnerability in Art

29:18 Advice for Aspiring Artists

30:53 Navigating the Challenges of Being an Artist

39:41 The Importance of Storytelling in Art

45:14 Manifesting Future Goals

45:54 Conclusion and Farewell

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.

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

What does it look like to turn a winding, unconventional path into a thriving creative career? In this episode of the Powerful Ladies® Podcast, host Kara Duffy sits down with Tiffany Bishop, a celebrated wedding and event designer based in Naperville, Illinois. Tiffany shares her inspiring journey of transformation—from studying fashion in the UK, to working in Chicago real estate, to finally discovering her true calling in event planning. Her story is a powerful reminder that success is rarely linear and that every twist and turn can fuel your next big leap.

Together, Kara and Tiffany dive into the art of designing unforgettable experiences and the importance of tuning into what truly lights you up. Tiffany reflects on the challenges and triumphs of pivoting industries, building a business, and trusting your gut—even when the path feels risky or “crazy.” They explore the power of creativity, courage, and resilience in entrepreneurship, and the crucial role of managing client relationships and expectations. Tiffany also opens up about the emotional side of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the balance between delivering exceptional work and caring for your own well-being.

This episode is a celebration of bold moves and fearless reinvention. Whether Tiffany is crafting luxurious high-rise events or intricate, story-driven tablescapes, her passion for creating moments of magic shines through. Join us for an empowering conversation that will inspire you to embrace your own unique journey, redefine success on your terms, and remember that it’s never too late to follow what sets your soul on fire.

(00:00:02) - Introduction to Passion and Reinvention

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.

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

How do you build a media agency that works with Louis Vuitton, Goop, and Disney? Jhara Valentini, founder of Valentini Media Group, breaks down her approach to strategic marketing, repeatable ROI, and creating campaigns rooted in psychology and integrity. Kara and Jhara talk about what makes the luxury consumer different, how to lead with values, and why data is your best business partner.

(00:00:01) - Introduction to Jhara Valentini and Her Journey

(00:02:16) - Transition from Psychology to Marketing

(00:03:14) - Building Relationships in Luxury Marketing

(00:05:10) - The Importance of Intentional Marketing

(00:07:58) - The Role of Data in Marketing Strategies

(00:16:42) - Jhara's Hiring Philosophy and Company Culture

(00:05:34) - Aligning Business Success with Personal Wealth

(01:02:12) - Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

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.

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