Powerful Women Rising - A Business Podcast for Female Entrepreneurs

Send us Fan Mail

What’s the biggest difference between entrepreneurs who struggle and those who thrive? 

In the second episode of the Powerful Women Rising Impact Award winners series, 2024 Coach of the Year Jess Thompson and 2024 Business Support Person of the Year Jenn Hartt explain that success isn't just about having the right strategies - it’s about having the right support.

We discuss the power of human guidance in business and how coaching, strategy, and execution work together to turn big ideas into real success. 

Jess helps entrepreneurs cut through overwhelm and build thriving businesses while Jenn brings their visions to life through creative strategy. Together, they’re proof that no one builds a successful business alone.

Listen and Learn:

✅ Why AI tools can’t replace real human insight in business strategy
✅ Why community and mentorship are essential for overcoming challenges
✅ The surprising freedom that comes from asking for help
✅ The mindset shift that separates struggling entrepreneurs from thriving ones

These two incredible women remind us that to build a business and a life that truly works for you, having the right support system is essential.

This episode is part of the 2024 PWR Impact Awards Winner Series, featuring women entrepreneurs who are redefining success and impacting the lives of others. Want more inspiration and real-world strategies to make an impact with your business? Subscribe and don’t miss the next episode 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 Jenn Hartt:

• • www.jennsway.com
  • www.instagram.com/lifejennsway
  • https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwayboer/

Learn more about Jess Thompson:

• https://completesmallbizacademy.com/
• https://completesmallbizacademy.com/products/the-shatter-summit-female-entrepreneurs-breaking-barriers
• https://www.instagram.com/completesmallbizacademy/

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 business can do more than generate revenue - it can change lives.

In this episode (the first in our series of interviews with the Powerful Women Rising Impact Award winners) you'll meet Talisa Caldwell, Founder of Freedom Creators Co. and winner of the 2024 Business for Good Award. 

What began as a personal solution to a skincare problem became a purpose-driven brand that not only creates clean, non-toxic products but also funds education for children around the world.

In this episode, we discuss what it really means to build a business with impact - one that aligns with your values, serves a greater mission, and creates lasting change.

You'll Learn:

✅ How building impact into your business model creates long-term success
✅ The power of giving back in a way that feels authentic and sustainable
✅ How to stay focused on your mission and avoid comparison traps
✅ The role of faith, patience and perseverance in building a business

Talisa's journey offers powerful insights on building a purose driven business, proving that success isn’t just about sales, but about creating meaningful change.

This episode is part of the 2024 PWR Impact Awards Winner Series, featuring women entrepreneurs who are redefining success and impacting the lives of others. 

Want more inspiration and real-world strategies to make an impact with your business? Subscribe and don’t miss the next episode 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 Talisa and Freedom Creators Co:
  • www.freedomcreatorsco.com
  • https://www.instagram.com/shopfreedomcreatorsco/
  • https://www.youtube.com/@shopfreedomcreatorsco

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

Feeling Like Networking Is One-Sided? Here’s What to Do.

You’re showing up, building relationships, making introductions, sharing opportunities—so why does it feel like no one is doing the same for you? 

It’s frustrating, it’s discouraging, and it might even have you questioning if networking is worth the effort.

In this episode, we’re tackling the uncomfortable reality of one-sided networking and shifting the way you think about relationship-building in business. 

Listen in to learn:

✅ How keeping score sabotages your connections
✅ What to do when you feel like you're giving more than you're getting 
✅ How to ensure your networking efforts work - even when you can't see the results yet.

Networking isn’t about quick wins—it’s about planting seeds that grow into real opportunities. 

So if you’re feeling stuck, let’s talk about what’s actually happening beneath the surface and how to keep building connections in a way that feels good and supports your business for the long haul.

Links & References:

• Join us at our next PWR Virtual Speed Networking Event!
• For even deeper connections, check out the Powerful Women Rising Community
• Listen to Episode #89 - Re-Evaluating Your Networking Efforts

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

 Tired of feeling like you’re always behind, no matter how much you do? 

I feel you.  That's why in this episode I've brought in the big guns: Productivity Expert Lisa Zawrotny.  In this interview, Lisa offers a refreshing new perspective on what it means to be productive and how to create a workflow that supports your well-being and your goals.

In this episode, we cover:

• What shame-free productivity really means 
• How to identify and clear both physical and mental clutter
• Why traditional to-do lists fail—and how to use a to-choose list instead
• The role of core values in prioritizing your time and energy
• Productivity strategies tailored for neurodiverse individuals (including those with ADHD)

Tune in for actionable strategies, mindset shifts, and permission to do less so you can actually enjoy your life. 

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 Lisa, check out her amazing resources and listen to her podcast at https://positivelyproductive.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. 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

Tackle That Important Task or Scroll on Social Media?

No shade - we’ve all been there. 

The truth about procrastination is that it goes much deeper than laziness or a lack of willpower - it’s a complex mix of fear, perfectionism, and decision fatigue that keeps us stuck. 

But the good news? You can break the cycle.

In this episode, I'm sharing my thoughts on why you procrastinate, what it costs you and, more importantly, how to stop. 

Here’s what we cover:

✔ The surprising ways perfectionism fuels procrastination
✔ How fear of failure—or even fear of success—keeps us stuck
✔ The role of decision fatigue and how to make choices easier
✔ Simple, effective strategies to beat procrastination and boost productivity

If you’re tired of putting things off and ready to finally make progress, this episode is for you. 

Don't wait!  Tune in now!  (see what I did there??)

Links & References:

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

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

Content Is Connection.  And Connection is Currency.

In this episode of Powerful Women Rising, I'm joined for the second time by my friend Emily Aborn.  She's a fantasic copywriter, funny meme enthusiast and the the voice you hear at the beginning of every episode of this podcast!

We discuss ways to make content creation simple AND fun.  Even if you think you hate content creation or that you suck at it, Emily has practical tips you can start using today to create more authentic, engaging content that resonates with your audience and gets results. 

What We’ll Cover:

• How creating content in four specific categories makes the process easier and more streamlined.
• The secret to understanding your audience and using specificity to stand out.
• How to stay consistent with content creation without burning yourself out.
• The art of repurposing content to maximize your reach.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed, stuck or unsure what to say when creating content, this episode will help you simplify the process and create content that truly connects and converts!

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 Emily on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emilyaborn
• Listen to the Content with Character podcast!
• Check out Emily's first interview on PWR episode #30 - Increase Visibility and Sales Using Curiosity Marketing

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

You have passion, drive and a GREAT business idea - so how do you avoid becoming one of the "failed business statistics"?

There are lots of reasons small businesses fail in their first few years but it's rarely because they weren’t “good enough.” Most new businesses fail because they skip over the boring but critical stuff that actually keeps a business alive.

In this episode, we’re cutting through the fluff and getting straight to what really makes or breaks a business in the early years. Before you drop thousands on a fancy logo or get lost in the social media hype, let’s make sure your business has a strong foundation that actually sets you up for success.

We’ll cover:

• Why market research is non-negotiable and how to do it right
• How to avoid jumping into an oversaturated market with no real plan
• The biggest mistakes new business owners make with marketing (and what to do instead)
• Why relationships will always beat random marketing tactics
• What realistic success actually looks like in the first few years

If you’re serious about making your business work (and not becoming another statistic), this episode is a must-listen. 

Let’s set you up to not just survive, but thrive.

Links & References:

Episode #14 - Strategic Planning for Business Success with Connie Kercher

• Join us at our next PWR Virtual Speed Networking Event!

For even deeper connections and faster business growth, check out the Powerful Women Rising Community!

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

What if the secret to growing your business wasn't more work - but smarter systems?

In today's new episode of Powerful Women Rising, I chat with Melissa Rich, a systems and operations consultant for small businesses, about how mastering workflows and systems can help entrepreneurs reclaim their time and focus on what they truly love. 

Melissa breaks down how the things many of us see as the "boring" side of business (templates, workflows, automations, etc.) can actually be the secret to happier clients, better connections and more sustainable growth.

What you'll learn:

• What the "Client Journey" really is , why it matters and how to map it out.
• Common mistakes small business owners make with systems - and how to avoid them.  
• Tools and strategies to streamline operations using automations while still delivering a high-touch experience.

This episode will help you take control of your business operations and build systems that support your goals without draining all your time and energy.

Links & References:

• Join us at our next PWR Virtual Speed Networking Event!
• For even deeper connections, check out the Powerful Women Rising Community!
• To learn more about Melissa Rich:  https://workwithpeapod.com/
• Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn or Instagram 
• Also mentioned in this episode:  PWR Episode #81 - The Power of GIFs in Connecting With Your Audience w/Deanna Seymour

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

Can you be TRULY authentic in business and still be taken seriously?

Authenticity is a word that gets tossed around a lot in business, but how do you balance showing up as yourself while also being seen as a professional?
 
Do you have to tone down your personality to be taken seriously? Is there a point where being "too real" causes people to lose trust in you?

In this episode, we’re breaking down the fine line between showing up as your true self and maintaining the credibility and respect you want. 

We discuss:

• What authenticity really means (and what it doesn’t)
• How professionalism is about reliability, respect, and intentionality - not perfection
• The role your personal brand plays in how you show up
• How to avoid the common pitfalls of overthinking, overcompensating, or oversharing

If you've ever wrestled with the idea of how to be fully yourself in business without sabotaging your success, this episode is for you.

Links & References:

• Join us at our next PWR Virtual Speed Networking Event!

For even deeper connections, check out the Powerful Women Rising Community!

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

Is clutter in your space—or your brain—holding you back?

In this episode of Powerful Women Rising, I sit down with my friend Megs Crawford, Organizer Coach for Women with ADHD and host of the Organizing an ADHD Brain Podcast, to discuss the magic of decluttering in your business. 

Although her expertise is in helping women with ADHD, the strategies Megs shares are life-changing for anyone feeling overwhelmed by chaos in their personal space or in their brains.  After all, decluttering isn’t just about cleaning up—it’s about creating clarity, improving focus, and prioritizing what truly matters.

What We’ll Cover:

• How clutter impacts your mental clarity and productivity
• Strategies for decluttering your business, set priorities and stay focused
• The role of small, consistent habits in creating lasting change
• Tips for creating a workspace that inspires calm and efficiency

Whether it’s your workspace, schedule, or mental load that needs a reset, this episode is packed with actionable tips to simplify your life and make room for the things that bring you joy and success.

If you’re ready to declutter your way to a clearer mind and a thriving business, don’t miss this inspiring and empowering conversation!

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 Megs and learn more about what she does at www.MindfulMegs.com
• Listen to the Organizing and ADHD Brain 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.