Powerful Ladies® Podcast

Many of us will reinvent ourselves throughout our lives, but Brittny Button has mastered reinvention with intention. As an in-demand Los Angeles interior and product designer, Brittny’s latest chapter follows careers as a model, primary parent, supportive spouse to a Formula 1 driver, real estate investor, and entrepreneur. In this episode, Kara and Brittny discuss why honoring the history of a space matters, the importance of protecting architectural diversity, and why pursuing your passion, no matter how accomplished you are, still requires courage. Brittny shares personal stories about navigating multiple careers, building a design practice rooted in integrity, and embracing vulnerability while stepping into her full creative power. This episode is perfect for aspiring designers, women in transition, and anyone drawn to intentional, meaningful living.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to the Powerful Ladies Podcast

00:34 Meet Brittny Button: A Multifaceted Career Journey

01:48 The Philosophy of Interior Design

03:00 The Importance of Preserving Architectural Diversity

04:44 Intentional Living and Design

07:14 Personal Reflections and Family Life

09:49 Brittny's Upbringing and Early Influences

12:11 Transitioning Careers and Finding Passion

13:33 Life with a Formula One Driver

18:47 Empowering Women and Building Confidence

21:29 Empowering Women to Shine

22:04 Financial Literacy and Generational Wealth

23:01 Pursuing Dreams Despite Setbacks

24:31 The Role of Coaches and Mentors

25:26 Motherhood and Entrepreneurship

28:53 Celebrating Success and Teamwork

30:06 Defining Powerful Ladies

34:25 Dream Clients and Historical Homes

39:49 Manifesting Dreams and Community Support

41:11 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.

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In this episode of The Powerful Ladies Podcast, host Kara Duffy sits down with Kathy Clark and Brenna Van Hoogenstyn, the expert mother-daughter real estate team transforming how buyers and sellers navigate the Southern California real estate market. Kathy and Brenna share their real estate career journey, what it takes to succeed as top-performing realtors, and the skills required to thrive in a highly competitive—and often misunderstood—industry. Kara explores current Southern California housing market trends, common myths about becoming a realtor, and the personal and professional strategies that help this family team deliver exceptional client service. Whether you’re planning to buy a home, exploring real estate as a career, or want insider insights into today’s housing market, this episode is filled with valuable, actionable advice.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction to The Powerful Ladies Podcast

00:36 Meet the Real Estate Experts: Kathy Clark and Brenda Van Hoenstein

00:51 The Realities of the Real Estate Market

02:10 Starting in Real Estate: Kathy's Journey

05:16 Building a Long-Term Real Estate Business

07:39 The Importance of Relationships in Real Estate

14:22 Advice for First-Time Home Buyers in Southern California

19:24 Current Real Estate Market Trends and Predictions

26:28 The Future of Real Estate Development in Southern California

31:06 Exploring the Long Beach Market

31:58 Balancing Business and Personal Relationships

32:17 Communication and Therapy

33:35 Generational Differences and Personal Growth

38:11 Powerful Ladies and Inner Strength

39:46 Daily Habits and Self-Care

42:25 Entrepreneurial Challenges and Rewards

50:08 Reflections on Self-Employment

52:16 Final Thoughts and Community

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

Johanna Davenport Calica is redefining the swimwear industry. As the founder and CEO of LaPorte Swim, a fast-growing swimwear and resort wear brand, she shares her journey from intern to entrepreneur and how she built a successful fashion business from the ground up. In this episode, Kara and Johanna discuss how to launch and scale a swimwear brand, the importance of thoughtful design and body positivity, leveraging modern technology while maintaining human connection, and key strategies for growing a business in a competitive industry. You’ll hear Johanna’s insights on entrepreneurship, building a brand that resonates with customers, and how women founders can create impact while chasing their dreams. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, fashion business leaders, and anyone interested in swimwear, brand strategy, and female empowerment in business.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Powerful Ladies

00:28 Meet Johanna Davenport Calica

01:17 Johanna's Background and Journey

03:39 Challenges of Starting a Swimwear Brand

08:46 The Importance of Team and Support

13:37 Navigating the Fashion Industry

18:12 Embracing Technology and Authenticity

21:46 Sustainable and Thoughtful Growth

27:41 Virgil Abloh's Thoughtful Brand Strategy

28:52 Learning from Successful Brands

30:05 Balancing Marketing and Product Development

30:53 Data-Driven Decision Making

34:44 Personal Style and Fashion Trends

40:14 The Concept of Powerful Ladies

44:25 Self-Improvement and Leadership

50:04 Expanding the Business Globally

51:05 Connecting with the Brand

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

Priya David Clemens is a national news journalist, producer, and entrepreneur, and the founder of Keepsake Studios, a company dedicated to capturing and preserving family legacies. In this episode, she and Kara talk about the power of storytelling, the evolution of journalism, and what it means to choose family first while pursuing a demanding career. Priya shares her journey from anchoring at NBC and CBS to creating a business rooted in connection, ancestry, and legacy, and how uncovering our family stories can change how we see ourselves. This is a thoughtful conversation about purpose, identity, and the stories that make us who we are. Whether you’re passionate about storytelling, navigating a career transition, or curious about preserving your own family history, this episode is for you.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to The Powerful Ladies

00:22 Meet Priya David Clemens

01:01 Priya's Early Life and Career Beginnings

03:23 The Evolution of Journalism

08:12 Diversity in Journalism

09:54 Priya's Journey with NBC and CBS

16:21 The Importance of Family Stories

19:31 Keepsake Studios: Preserving Family Legacies

30:37 The Value of Family and Friendship

32:38 The Power of Connections

34:24 Leveraging Social Media for Networking

35:47 The Six Degrees of Separation

37:39 Personal Backstory and Influences

41:06 Empowering Women and Building Confidence

42:54 The Importance of Taking Action

48:53 Facing Challenges and Building Resilience

52:39 Celebrating Achievements and Supporting Each Other

56:53 Final Thoughts and How to Connect

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

Claudia Romo Edelman is a trailblazing social entrepreneur, activist, and founder of We Are All Human, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the Latino community. A former United Nations official and UNICEF leader, Claudia has spent her career tackling global challenges while amplifying Hispanic voices worldwide. She’s the author of the Hispanic Star book series, co-host of the A La Latina podcast, and an expert in leveraging the power of the Latino community to drive brand and cultural transformation. In this episode, Kara and Claudia explore what it takes to turn vision into impact, the importance of representation and belonging, and how Latinos are shaping the future of business and culture. You’ll also hear about Claudia’s newest venture—a modern, ultra-premium Mexican luxury spirit called Sotol—that reflects her mission to elevate Latino excellence on the world stage. This conversation is a masterclass in leadership, action, and the art of building from purpose.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Claudia Romo Edelman01:32 Claudia's Current Endeavors and Concerns02:34 Challenges Facing the Latino Community05:49 The Hispanic Sentiment Study09:12 Claudia's Childhood and Activism13:41 The Power of Yes and Entrepreneurship14:07 Sotol: The Next Big Thing20:22 Social Entrepreneurship and Activism23:06 Challenging Stereotypes About Accents23:59 The Power of Multilingualism25:17 Reclaiming Latinidad26:47 The Role of Language in Mental Health27:42 Building Bridges of Tolerance29:59 Mobilizing Communities for Change34:29 Defining Powerful Ladies35:44 Influences and Personal Journeys41:06 Daily Routines and Staying Grounded43:37 Supporting Latino Initiatives45:01 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThe 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

Ellen Bradley is a skier, scientist, filmmaker, and proud member of the Tlingit Tribe who is redefining what it means to be an Indigenous leader in today’s world. Through her work, Ellen blends tradition, technology, and storytelling to decolonize outdoor spaces and reconnect Indigenous communities to their ancestral lands. In this episode, Kara and Ellen dive into the meaning of being Indigenous in 2025, the significance of the LandBack movement, and how young Indigenous people are using social media to share their stories and spark change. You’ll hear about Ellen’s inspiring journey, including her film Let My People Go Skiing, and how she’s building bridges between cultures through advocacy and art. This episode explores identity, justice, and the power of reclaiming space, both on the slopes and in society.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to The Powerful Ladies Podcast

00:50 Meet Ellen Bradley: A Multifaceted Indigenous Leader

01:35 Ellen's Journey and Contributions

03:32 Cultural Heritage and Community Work

12:58 Navigating Activism and Partnerships

22:34 Challenges and Reflections on Capitalism

28:07 Challenges of Specialization in Western Science

28:58 Indigenous Knowledge and Systemic Thinking

29:50 The Importance of Holistic Approaches

32:11 One Person at a Time: Mentorship and Internships

34:16 Scaling Up: Mountain Access Program

35:36 Entrepreneurial Mindset for Social Good

37:49 Personal Reflections on Career Choices

40:30 Land Back: Reconnecting Indigenous People to Their Lands

46:08 Breaking Down Barriers in Outdoor Spaces

51:04 The Need for Nuanced Conversations

54:35 Upcoming Projects and How to Support

57:12 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

Amanda K. Foust is an entrepreneur, marketing expert, coach, author, and the creator of the High Performance Planner. She’s also a devoted mom to a beautifully blended family of both adopted and biological children—and she’s back on the Powerful Ladies Podcast to share the deeply personal side of her journey. In this episode, Amanda joins Kara to talk about love, family, and what it really means to open your heart to adoption. They dive into the realities of raising an interracial family, navigating trauma, understanding attachment, and knowing when you’re truly ready to adopt. Amanda also shares the inspiration behind her children’s book, Love Shapes the Heart, a powerful story about identity, diversity, and belonging. If you’ve ever considered adoption, are building a family of your own, or simply want to be reminded of the transformative power of love, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

Chapters:

00:00 Family Adventures and Intentional Parenting

03:04 The Journey of Adoption

06:00 Navigating Interracial Family Dynamics

08:51 The Challenges of Trauma in Adoption

11:59 Finding Joy in Parenting

14:58 The Importance of Community Support

17:51 Integrating Biological and Adopted Children

20:50 The Financial Aspects of Adoption

24:43 Understanding Financial Hurdles in Parenting

27:08 The Role of Community in Adoption

30:09 Courage and the Adoption Journey

32:42 Overcoming Challenges in International Adoption

36:36 The Impact of Parenting Styles on Children

40:33 Budgeting for Family Expenses

42:25 The Evolution of Parenting in Modern Times

45:28 Supporting Each Other in the Adoption Process

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

Marty McDonald embodies what it means to live audaciously. As founder of Boss Women Media, she leads a powerful community that empowers women to step into their brands, claim thought leadership, and go after big goals with confidence. In this episode, Kara and Marty talk about why being audacious is the key to creating extraordinary outcomes, how to inspire others through leadership, and what it takes to turn vision into action. You’ll hear about Marty’s latest ventures, from launching Elle Olivia—a clothing brand for toddlers now in Target—to her upcoming book Audacious releasing in Fall 2025. This episode explores bold leadership, women’s empowerment, and the possibilities that open up when you dare to dream bigger.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Audacity

00:20 Meet Marni McDonald

01:36 Marni's Journey and Achievements

04:08 Defining Audacity

09:40 Raising Audacious Kids

13:40 Building a Community

21:23 Vision and Impact

25:39 The Unspoken Strategy of Faith

26:03 Unexpected Opportunities and Leaving Space

26:46 Hustle vs. Expectation

27:19 The Power of Surrender

28:22 Alignment and Magnetism

30:06 The Reciprocity of Engagement

34:38 Balancing Business and Family

36:12 The Resilience of Women

39:32 Advocating for Yourself and Others

44:11 The Audacity to Expect

47:19 Manifesting Success and Community Support

50:55 Conclusion 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.

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

Dr. Shahrzad Nooravi is on a mission to help leaders build the cultures they truly want. As an author and organizational psychologist, she teaches executives how to design, create, and sustain workplaces where people thrive. In this episode, Kara and Shahrzad talk about why culture is never an accident, how leaders can intentionally shape it, and the difference between cultures that flourish and those that falter. You’ll hear practical strategies for building environments where employees feel engaged, supported, and inspired. This episode explores leadership, intentional culture design, and the power of shaping workplaces on purpose.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Mindset Shift

00:20 Meet Dr. Shahrzad Nooravi

00:25 The Importance of Workplace Culture

01:32 Creating a Powerful Culture

05:12 Common Mistakes in Building Culture

12:44 Generational Differences in the Workplace

16:17 Navigating DEI Challenges

22:48 Self-Care for Leaders

28:51 Dr. Nooravi Career Journey

39:00 Defining Powerful Ladies

40:54 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

Rebecca Rittenhouse is best known for her roles in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, The Mindy Project, and Maggie, but she’s now adding “beauty entrepreneur” to her creative empire. In this episode, Rebecca joins Kara to share the behind-the-scenes of launching Privet Beauty, a brow-focused brand born from her passion for artistry, clean beauty, and independence. They dive into the challenges of starting a company, navigating acting and producing while building a business, managing overwhelm, and why creating your own opportunities is the ultimate power move. If you’re balancing multiple dreams, craving creative control, or looking for the courage to start something new, this conversation will inspire you to say yes, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Chapters:

00:00 PLP-Rebecca Rittenhouse

00:02 Introduction

02:05 Meet Rebecca Rittenhouse

02:32 Launching Pritt Beauty

03:43 Balancing Multiple Careers

05:15 Why Start a Beauty Brand?

09:38 Taking Control as an Artist

10:57 Building a Business from Scratch

13:11 What Makes Pritt Beauty Unique

15:25 The Hero Product: Clear Brow Gel

16:46 Korean Beauty Innovation

33:55 Early Passion for Beauty

44:18 Excitement for Future Products

45:37 Managing Perfectionism and Mistakes

50:04 Work-Life Balance and Boundaries

51:08 Wrapping up the conversation in Career Pivot Moments

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