Powerful Women Rising - A Business Podcast for Female Entrepreneurs

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Being your full, unapologetic self isn’t a liability - it’s a strategy. 

What if everything you’ve been taught about how to be “professional” is actually holding you back?

In this episode, attorney Lauren Varner shares how she broke free from the outdated stereotypes that often demand women dim their light in order to be taken seriously. 

From ponytails and pantyhose to sexy outfits and bold billboards, Lauren’s evolution is a masterclass in what happens when you stop trying to fit in - and start leading with your whole, authentic self.

Together, we unpack what it really means to be professional, why embracing your femininity gives you an advantage in business, and how to deal with the people who just don't get it.

In this episode, we cover:

• How traditional “professionalism” punishes self-expression - especially for women
• What happens when you stop trying to be palatable and allow yourself to be powerful
• The emotional toll of shrinking yourself to make other people more comfortable
• How to handle criticism from mentors, colleagues, or the internet with grace (and fire)
• How typically feminine traits like empathy, vulnerability, and style can be your business superpowers

If you’ve ever been told to tone it down, cover it up, or be less “you” in order to get ahead - this conversation will light a fire in you.

Links & References:

• Join us at our next PWR Virtual Speed Networking Event!
• For even deeper connections, check out the Powerful Women Rising Community!
• Learn more about Varner Faddis Elite Legal
• Follow Lauren and Varner Faddis Elite Legal on Instagram

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Connect with Your Host!

Melissa Snow is a Business Relationship Strategist and the founder of Powerful Women Rising - a business growth ecosystem for female entreprenuers who want to create real momentum through real relationships.

Inside the PWR Connect Network and the PWR Business Growth Mastermind, Melissa helps women in business get build relationships, increase visibility and get more referrals without pressure, perfection or performative networking.

She's on a mission to change the way women grow their businesses - proving that you can be authentic, values-driven and profitable at the same time.

Melissa lives in Colorado with two dogs (Peyton and Ally), three cats (Giorgio, Karma and Betty) and any number of foster kittens. She hates winter, seafood and feet.  She loves iced coffee, Taylor Swift, and buying books she'll never read.

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It’s not about going viral. It’s about going deeper.

In this powerful episode, I’m joined by my new business bestie, Alex Sanfilippo, founder of PodMatch - a platform that connects podcast hosts and guests, to talk about what it really takes to build a podcast that grows your business and your influence - without burning out or giving up.

Alex shares the truth that so many of us have learned the hard way - the best podcasts aren’t always the ones with the most downloads. They’re the ones that create real connection with the right people.

We also discuss:

• The most important questions to ask before starting a podcast
• The truth about vanity metrics - and how to grow without "going viral"
• How podcast hosts can create unique, one-on-one relationships with listeners that feel surprisingly personal despite being one-sided.
• How to simplify your workflow using the "automate, delegate, eliminate" rule

Whether you’re just starting out or feeling overwhelmed by all the “shoulds,” this conversation will help you simplify your approach and stay focused on what actually matters.

Links & References:

• Join us at our next PWR Virtual Speed Networking Event!
• For even deeper connections, check out the Powerful Women Rising Community!
• Whether you are a podcast guest/host or an aspiring guest/host, https://podmatch.com/free will give you some quick ideas to help you grow and improve in your podcasting efforts!
• Join PodMatch to find guests for your show or to find shows to be a guest on!  It's an incredible resource!

Support the show

Connect with Your Host!

Melissa Snow is a Business Relationship Strategist and the founder of Powerful Women Rising - a business growth ecosystem for female entreprenuers who want to create real momentum through real relationships.

Inside the PWR Connect Network and the PWR Business Growth Mastermind, Melissa helps women in business get build relationships, increase visibility and get more referrals without pressure, perfection or performative networking.

She's on a mission to change the way women grow their businesses - proving that you can be authentic, values-driven and profitable at the same time.

Melissa lives in Colorado with two dogs (Peyton and Ally), three cats (Giorgio, Karma and Betty) and any number of foster kittens. She hates winter, seafood and feet.  She loves iced coffee, Taylor Swift, and buying books she'll never read.

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 Are you living for yourself or for the expectations of others? 

In this episode, I sit down with Ashley Jordan, author of Unhappy Achiever: Rejecting the Good Girl Image & Reclaiming the Joy of Inner Fulfillment, to discuss the power of shedding societal expectations and embracing authenticity in life and business. 

Ashley shares her transformative journey of self-discovery, offering insights and actionable steps for breaking free from people-pleasing, perfectionism and the patriarchy so you can reconnect with what truly matters.

We discuss:

• The impact of societal, familial, and cultural expectations on women’s lives and businesses.
• How perfectionism creates barriers to joy, self-worth, and genuine relationships.
• Why breaking the rules and releasing the “good girl” image is a game-changer for female entrepreneurs.

This conversation serves as a powerful reminder for women to stand firm and expect to be acknowledged on YOUR terms, challenging traditional paradigms that no longer serve you.  If you’re ready to release the weight of external expectations (as well as your own!) and live the life you were meant to live, this episode will inspire and empower you to embrace your perfectly imperfect self!

Links & References:

• Join us at our next PWR Virtual Speed Networking Event!
• For even deeper connections, check out the Powerful Women Rising Community!
• Learn more about Ashley:  www.ashjordan.com
• Buy the book!  www.unhappyachiever.com
• Connect with Ashley on Instagram 

Support the show

Connect with Your Host!

Melissa Snow is a Business Relationship Strategist and the founder of Powerful Women Rising - a business growth ecosystem for female entreprenuers who want to create real momentum through real relationships.

Inside the PWR Connect Network and the PWR Business Growth Mastermind, Melissa helps women in business get build relationships, increase visibility and get more referrals without pressure, perfection or performative networking.

She's on a mission to change the way women grow their businesses - proving that you can be authentic, values-driven and profitable at the same time.

Melissa lives in Colorado with two dogs (Peyton and Ally), three cats (Giorgio, Karma and Betty) and any number of foster kittens. She hates winter, seafood and feet.  She loves iced coffee, Taylor Swift, and buying books she'll never read.

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Feeling stuck?  Struggling to make a decision?  Feeling like you've tried everything and none of it has worked? 

It's time to unlock the power of brainstorming to help you find solutions to even the most overwhelming problems.  

In this episode, I'm chatting with my friend Lizzy Moffett, a former music teacher turned web designer, to uncover how brainstorming and creative problem-solving can help you get unstuck and make better decisions. 

Lizzy shares her journey from education to entrepreneurship and the specific  strategies that have helped her (and her clients!) turn challenges into opportunities.

What you’ll learn:

• Tips for how to brainstorm effectively, even when you're overhwelmed
• Simple strategies to spark creativity when you're feeling stuck
• The power of finding the “third option” beyond simple "yes or no" decisions

Whether you’re facing a tough choice or just need a fresh perspective, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and equipped to tackle decisions in your life and in your business with confidence!

Links & References:

• Join us at our next PWR Virtual Speed Networking Event!
• For even deeper connections, check out the Powerful Women Rising Community!
• Learn more about Lizzy's web design services:  www.lizzymoffettdesigns.com
• Check out Lizzy's networking group for educators turned entrepreneurs:  www.e2enetworking.com
• Connect with Lizzy on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram 

Support the show

Connect with Your Host!

Melissa Snow is a Business Relationship Strategist and the founder of Powerful Women Rising - a business growth ecosystem for female entreprenuers who want to create real momentum through real relationships.

Inside the PWR Connect Network and the PWR Business Growth Mastermind, Melissa helps women in business get build relationships, increase visibility and get more referrals without pressure, perfection or performative networking.

She's on a mission to change the way women grow their businesses - proving that you can be authentic, values-driven and profitable at the same time.

Melissa lives in Colorado with two dogs (Peyton and Ally), three cats (Giorgio, Karma and Betty) and any number of foster kittens. She hates winter, seafood and feet.  She loves iced coffee, Taylor Swift, and buying books she'll never read.

Send us Fan Mail

You can’t build a successful business without relationships - and you can’t have relationships without conflict. 

In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by Dr. Donna Marino, a licensed clinical psychologist and family business consultant, to talk about one thing most female entrepreneurs avoid (but desperately need to get better at): CONFLICT.

The truth is that your ability to navigate conflict directly impacts your long-term business success. Whether it’s with a client, contractor, collaborator, or vendor, knowing how to stay grounded and handle hard conversations is a leadership skill we all need.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why conflict is a normal and necessary part of doing business
• How emotional dysregulation hijacks your brain - and what to do instead
• How to prep for tough conversations so they don’t spiral into drama
• How to build your "conflict courage muscle" 

If you've ever bitten your tongue, avoided an issue, or said “it’s fine” when it really wasn’t - this episode will give you the tools (and the mindset) to handle things differently next time.

Links & References:

• Join us at our next PWR Virtual Speed Networking Event!
• For even deeper connections, check out the Powerful Women Rising Community!
• Connect with Dr. Marino on LinkedIn
• Listen to Dr. Marino's Courageous Conflict podcast!

Support the show

Connect with Your Host!

Melissa Snow is a Business Relationship Strategist and the founder of Powerful Women Rising - a business growth ecosystem for female entreprenuers who want to create real momentum through real relationships.

Inside the PWR Connect Network and the PWR Business Growth Mastermind, Melissa helps women in business get build relationships, increase visibility and get more referrals without pressure, perfection or performative networking.

She's on a mission to change the way women grow their businesses - proving that you can be authentic, values-driven and profitable at the same time.

Melissa lives in Colorado with two dogs (Peyton and Ally), three cats (Giorgio, Karma and Betty) and any number of foster kittens. She hates winter, seafood and feet.  She loves iced coffee, Taylor Swift, and buying books she'll never read.

Send us Fan Mail

If you want to stand out in a crowded market, have clients rave about your work and make more money with less effort - you need a signature framework!

You can have the best intentions, the fanciest website, and all the certifications in the world but if you’re still "winging it" most of the time, you're leaving money and momentum on the table.

In this episode, I’m joined by Amanda Walker, former teacher turned “Framework Building Ninja” on a mission to help business owners stop improvising and start delivering consistent, scalable results. 

In this episode, we cover:

• What a signature framework actually is—and what it’s not
• The difference between micro frameworks and big-picture methodologies
• The power of specificity: how to sell the problem you solve, not your title
• The "Reverse Design Method" that makes success inevitable for your clients

Whether you're a coach, consultant, strategist, or creative, this episode will change how you think about the way you serve your clients and how you grow your business from here. 

Links & References:

• Join us at our next PWR Virtual Speed Networking Event!
• For even deeper connections, check out the Powerful Women Rising Community!
• Check out Amanda's Framework Builder Lab
• Listen to Amanda's Best Damn Coach podcast!

Loved the episode? Here are four ways you can show your support:
1. Buy me a coffee to show your appreciation!
2. Leave a five-star review
3. DM me on Instagram and let me know
4. Share it with a friend!

Support the show

Connect with Your Host!

Melissa Snow is a Business Relationship Strategist and the founder of Powerful Women Rising - a business growth ecosystem for female entreprenuers who want to create real momentum through real relationships.

Inside the PWR Connect Network and the PWR Business Growth Mastermind, Melissa helps women in business get build relationships, increase visibility and get more referrals without pressure, perfection or performative networking.

She's on a mission to change the way women grow their businesses - proving that you can be authentic, values-driven and profitable at the same time.

Melissa lives in Colorado with two dogs (Peyton and Ally), three cats (Giorgio, Karma and Betty) and any number of foster kittens. She hates winter, seafood and feet.  She loves iced coffee, Taylor Swift, and buying books she'll never read.

Send us Fan Mail

Showing Up, Being Seen and Getting Out of Your Own Way...

After 100 episodes of Powerful Women Rising, the biggest lessons I learned weren’t about editing or promotions, they were about how I lead, connect with others and show up in the world.

These lessons apply to anyone building something meaningful - especially if you’re working toward consistent six-figure income and want to grow in a way that actually feels good.

In this episode, I’m sharing 10 lessons and behind-the-scenes truths I wish more women talked about - because they’ve changed the way I do business, and they’ll change yours too.

We’ll cover:

✅ Why your voice matters, even when you think no one is listening
✅ The truth about visibility (HINT: They're called vanity metrics for a reason)
✅ How to stop overthinking and start doing
✅ Why consistency is important - but not at the expense of your sanity
✅ How asking better questions transforms your business relationships

Whether you’re just starting out, somewhere in the messy middle, or finally feeling momentum - there’s something in here that’ll hit home and make you think differently about how you show up for yourself, your people and your business. 

If this show has helped you in any way...

Please leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify.  You can also Buy me a coffee to show your appreciation - it's basically how I survive!

And if you’re craving authentic connection with other women in business, check out our next virtual speed networking event!

Links & References:

• Join us at our next PWR Virtual Speed Networking Event!
• For even deeper connections, check out the Powerful Women Rising Community
• Our Most Popular! Episode #43 - The Elevator Pitch is Dead

Support the show

Connect with Your Host!

Melissa Snow is a Business Relationship Strategist and the founder of Powerful Women Rising - a business growth ecosystem for female entreprenuers who want to create real momentum through real relationships.

Inside the PWR Connect Network and the PWR Business Growth Mastermind, Melissa helps women in business get build relationships, increase visibility and get more referrals without pressure, perfection or performative networking.

She's on a mission to change the way women grow their businesses - proving that you can be authentic, values-driven and profitable at the same time.

Melissa lives in Colorado with two dogs (Peyton and Ally), three cats (Giorgio, Karma and Betty) and any number of foster kittens. She hates winter, seafood and feet.  She loves iced coffee, Taylor Swift, and buying books she'll never read.

Send us Fan Mail

Forget the cookie-cutter approach - these entrepreneurs prove success comes from embracing what makes you different. 

In the final episode of our five part 2024 PWR Impact Awards Winner Series, you'll hear from three incredible women who are proving that there’s no one way to build a successful business:

🎪 Kate Laviolette (Empowerment Award Winner) – A yoga therapist, energy worker, aerial coach and circus artist who helps people break through physical and mental limitations, turning movement into empowerment.

📖 Nmasichi Chukwemeka (Rising Star Award Winner) – Founder of Tribesand History, an African storytelling platform, Nmasichi is on a mission to preserve and share authentic African narratives through games, books, and media.

🐝 Jenn Grubb (Connector Award Winner) – Creator of The Buzzy B, a go-to parenting resource, Jenn connects families with the information, support, and local events they need to navigate parenting with confidence.

Despite their different industries, these women have each built businesses rooted in impact, empowerment, and community.

You'll Hear:

✅ How to turn your personal story into a powerful business mission

✅ The importance of human connection in an increasingly digital world

✅ How to overcome doubt and take bold action, even in the early stages

Success isn’t about following a formula—it’s about embracing what makes you different and using it to create impact. Listen now for insights and actionable strategies from these inspiring entrepreneurs.

Want more real talk, strategies, and inspiration? Subscribe now so you don’t miss the next episode!

Links & References:

• Join us at our next PWR Virtual Speed Networking Event!
• For even deeper connections, check out the Powerful Women Rising Community!

Learn more about Kate Laviolette:

• www.livebeyondlimit.com
• www.facebook.com/livebeyondlimit
• www.instagram.com/livebeyondlimit 

Learn more about Nmasichi Chukwuemeka:

• https://tribesandhistory.com/
• https://masibrands.com/

Learn more about Jenn Grubb:

• www.thebuzzyb.com 
  
  

Loved the episode? Here are four ways you can show your support:
1. Buy me a coffee to show your appreciation!
2. Leave a five-star review
3. Share it with a friend!

Support the show

Connect with Your Host!

Melissa Snow is a Business Relationship Strategist and the founder of Powerful Women Rising - a business growth ecosystem for female entreprenuers who want to create real momentum through real relationships.

Inside the PWR Connect Network and the PWR Business Growth Mastermind, Melissa helps women in business get build relationships, increase visibility and get more referrals without pressure, perfection or performative networking.

She's on a mission to change the way women grow their businesses - proving that you can be authentic, values-driven and profitable at the same time.

Melissa lives in Colorado with two dogs (Peyton and Ally), three cats (Giorgio, Karma and Betty) and any number of foster kittens. She hates winter, seafood and feet.  She loves iced coffee, Taylor Swift, and buying books she'll never read.

Send us Fan Mail

Overnight success is a myth. The real path to impact is resilience and community. 

Entrepreneurship is often glamorized, but the truth is that building a business that truly matters is hard. It takes resilience, community, and a willingness to keep going, even when life throws everything it has at you.

In the fourth epsiode of our 2024 Powerful Women Rising Award winners series, you'll hear from two extraordinary women who know this journey firsthand:

🔥 Kim Munsch (2024 Resilience Award Winner) – An event planner and single mother of five, Kim shares how she built a successful business while navigating divorce, job loss, and even stalking.

💡 Aleta Wagner (2024 Impact Award Winner) – As the founder of Mountain Mama Pelvic Health, she turned her expertise as an OT into a thriving wellness practice while homeschooling three kids.

Their stories shatter the myth of overnight success and highlight the real, raw, and often messy parts of entrepreneurship that no one talks about.

We Discuss:

✅ The truth about balancing business, family, and personal challenges
✅ How to cultivate resilience when business (and life) gets tough
✅ How having a mentor (someone ahead of you), peers (at your level) and helping those behind you creates a balanced support network

Building something meaningful isn’t easy—but you don’t have to do it alone. Tune in to learn what it really takes to create a business with lasting impact.

This episode is part of our 2024 PWR Impact Awards Winner Series, featuring women who are making a difference in the business world. Want more inspiration, strategies, and real talk from award winning women? Subscribe now so you don’t miss the next episode!

Links & References:

• Join us at our next PWR Virtual Speed Networking Event!
• For even deeper connections, check out the Powerful Women Rising Community!

• Learn more about Aleta Wagner:

https://mountain-mama-pelvic-health.kit.com/82b398ca93

https://www.instagram.com/mountainmamapelvichealth

• Learn more about Kim Munsch:

https://www.facebook.com/kimlouisexp

https://www.instagram.com/kimlouisexp/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmunsch/

Support the show

Connect with Your Host!

Melissa Snow is a Business Relationship Strategist and the founder of Powerful Women Rising - a business growth ecosystem for female entreprenuers who want to create real momentum through real relationships.

Inside the PWR Connect Network and the PWR Business Growth Mastermind, Melissa helps women in business get build relationships, increase visibility and get more referrals without pressure, perfection or performative networking.

She's on a mission to change the way women grow their businesses - proving that you can be authentic, values-driven and profitable at the same time.

Melissa lives in Colorado with two dogs (Peyton and Ally), three cats (Giorgio, Karma and Betty) and any number of foster kittens. She hates winter, seafood and feet.  She loves iced coffee, Taylor Swift, and buying books she'll never read.

Send us Fan Mail

Your voice is your most powerful business tool—are you using it to its full potential? 

In this episode (the third in our series), I'm joined by three more powerhouse women who were recognized as winners of the 2024 Powerful Women Rising Impact Awards:

 ✨ Alexandria Agresta - 2024 Speaker of the Year, aka MADE4MAGIC, the world's first DJing speaker!

🎙️ Megs Crawford - Podcast Host of the Year and Professional Organizer Coach for Women with ADHD

🎧 Jessica Millhiser - Podcast Guest of the Year and Business Consultant/Strategist for coaches, consultants and other service-based professionals

Together, they'll teach you how to use your voice as your most powerful business tool - whether you’re speaking on a stage, hosting a podcast, or being featured as a guest.

You'll Hear:

✅ Strategies to help you share your message through speaking and podcast guesting/hosting.

✅ What matters more than vanity metrics when growing your audience.

✅ How to overcome the fear of putting yourself out there.

✅ Why clarity and purpose matter more than downloads or follower counts

These women are proof that when you use your voice intentionally, it can transform not just your business, but the lives of those you serve.

This episode is part of our 2024 PWR Impact Awards Winner Series, featuring women entrepreneurs who are making waves in their industries.  Want more inspiration, strategies, and real-world insights?  Subscribe now so you don’t miss the next conversation in this powerful series!

Links & References:

• Join us at our next PWR Virtual Speed Networking Event!
• For even deeper connections, check out the Powerful Women Rising Community!

• Learn more about Alexandria Agresta:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandriaagresta

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/made4magicmusic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/made4magicmusic

• Learn more about Megs Crawford:  

https://www.mindfulmegs.com

• Learn more about Jessica Millhiser:

www.jmillsconsulting.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicamillhiser/

Loved the episode? Here's how to show your support:
1. Buy me a coffee to show your appreciation!
2. Leave a five-star review

Support the show

Connect with Your Host!

Melissa Snow is a Business Relationship Strategist and the founder of Powerful Women Rising - a business growth ecosystem for female entreprenuers who want to create real momentum through real relationships.

Inside the PWR Connect Network and the PWR Business Growth Mastermind, Melissa helps women in business get build relationships, increase visibility and get more referrals without pressure, perfection or performative networking.

She's on a mission to change the way women grow their businesses - proving that you can be authentic, values-driven and profitable at the same time.

Melissa lives in Colorado with two dogs (Peyton and Ally), three cats (Giorgio, Karma and Betty) and any number of foster kittens. She hates winter, seafood and feet.  She loves iced coffee, Taylor Swift, and buying books she'll never read.