Savvy Sisters & Cocktail Conversations

In this episode of Savvy Sisters and Cocktail Conversations, hosts Julie Flowers and Yvonne Rocha Contreras delve into the often-taboo topic of menopause, discussing its various stages, personal experiences, and the challenges faced by career women. They explore the impact of menopause on work productivity, health strategies, and the importance of company support. The conversation emphasizes the need for open dialogue and understanding in the workplace, as well as reframing menopause as a time for clarity and empowerment. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage in these discussions and support one another.

In this episode of Savvy Sisters and Cocktail Conversations, hosts Julie Flowers and Yvonne Rocha-Contreras discuss the empowerment of women, particularly those in midlife, to embrace their ambition and challenge societal stereotypes about age. They explore the importance of community, overcoming internal barriers, and the need for women to support each other in their professional journeys. The conversation emphasizes that ambition does not have an expiration date and encourages listeners to take actionable steps towards their goals, regardless of age.

This week, Julie and Yvonne dive into the scandalous little secret every high-achieving woman pretends she doesn’t have: ambition fatigue. Yep—when your drive, your hustle, and your “I’ve got this” energy suddenly feel like they’ve taken a sabbatical without telling you.

From guilt around resting to the second shift at home, to redefining success without the burnout badge of honor, your favorite duo keeps it raw, hilarious, and refreshingly real. Expect stories, stats, sass, sangria-colored champagne (yes, really), and a brand-new call to action: reclaim your pause power without guilt.

Grab your cocktail, kick off your heels (or keep those flats on—Yvonne style), and let’s talk about turning burnout into breakthrough.

In this episode, Julie and Yvonne pour a coconut-vodka-and-champagne-fueled real talk on identity detoxing—aka shedding the “I got it” armor, good-girl scripts, and perfectionist capes that kept you surviving but never really thriving. They unpack how people-pleasing, overachieving, and silencing parts of yourself show up at work and at home, and why redefining success on your own terms is the ultimate glow-up. Expect stats, story, sisterhood, and a juicy call to action: name one piece of armor you’re ready to lay down and start your #IdentityDetox—no green juice required.

In this episode of Savvy Sisters and Cocktail Conversations, hosts Julie Flowers and Yvonne Rocha Contreras discuss the importance of authentic introductions and how to rewrite your bio to reflect who you truly are rather than just your job title. They emphasize the need to express rather than impress, encouraging listeners to share their unique stories and values. The conversation highlights the challenges women face in presenting themselves confidently and the benefits of creating meaningful connections through genuine introductions. The hosts challenge listeners to participate in the 'Intro from the Heart' movement, promoting authenticity in personal branding.

In this episode of Savvy Sisters and Cocktail Conversations, hosts Julie Flowers and Yvonne Rocha Contreras discuss the pervasive issue of burnout, particularly among women in the workplace. They explore how burnout has become a badge of honor, the toxic belief that equates busyness with success, and the importance of redefining success through restorative practices. The conversation includes practical strategies for combating burnout, the significance of setting boundaries, and the need for a supportive work culture. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to ditch the burnout badge and prioritize self-care.

In this live episode from Arkestro Optimal ’25, Julie sits down with Lateisha Thomas, Director of Professional Services at Arkestro, to unpack her very real, very relatable journey—from dancer, to receptionist, to global systems roles at Mary Kay and SAP, to building processes from scratch in a high-growth startup.

And before we dive in, yes—Yvonne is off living her best life somewhere with champagne in hand, so it’s just Julie behind the mic for this power-packed conversation. But don’t worry…the sass, sparkle, and straight-talk are still fully flowing.

Lateisha shares the pivotal moment a recruiter asked her to “name your number”—and how imposter syndrome nudged her to ask for less than she deserved. That moment became a turning point in how she sees her value, negotiates offers, and interviews companies (including leadership style, culture, and people practices—not just pay).

She also breaks down the deceptively simple exercise from a mentor that changed everything: making two lists—what she loved and what she hated about every job she’d ever had. That clarity shifted her from “maybe I should be a coder” to discovering her real magic in procurement tech, training, relationship-building, and leadership.

Julie and Lateisha dig into the differences between corporate giants and startups, how to stay grounded when you’re “building the boat while sailing it,” and why fast failure is actually a growth advantage. Lateisha also shares how supportive leadership at Arkestro allows her to show up fully as a woman, mother, and leader—and how she uses that same reflection tool to develop her team with intention.

This episode wraps with the call for women to stop sipping on self-doubt and do one bold thing this week that says: “I know my worth.” Cheers to confidence with a twist!

In this live episode from Arkestro Optimal ’25 in Houston, Julie is flying solo on the mic while Yvonne is off in New York “doing something important” — which almost certainly involves champagne, brunch, and living her best life. So today, it’s just Julie, a French 75, and a powerhouse conversation with Joi Heyward, Director of Finance and Accounting at Arkestro.

Joi pulls back the curtain on her 15+ year journey in accounting and finance — from big companies to startup life — and shares how she went from suffering in silence at her desk to speaking up, advocating for herself, and becoming a visible, trusted leader in tech. She talks about the moment she realized she was part of the problem by not communicating her needs, and how shifting from “I’ll just keep my head down and work” to “I deserve to be heard” changed everything.

Julie and Joi dig into what makes startup life so energizing (hello, all-hands-on-deck), why skills are transferable (yes, even for stay-at-home moms re-entering the workforce), and how finding a champion inside your company can make speaking up feel less scary. Joi also shares how Arkestro’s culture gives her space to show up as a woman, a mother, and a leader — not just a title on an org chart.

They close with a “cocktail as career” moment where Joi names her journey an Old Fashioned: bold, timeless, better with time, and always in style. The final challenge? Do one thing this week that says, “I know my worth” — and speak up, even if your voice shakes.

this episode of Savvy Sisters and Cocktail Conversations, hosts Julie Flowers and Yvonne Rocha Contreras dive into the theme of 'Wisdom and Wine,' sharing invaluable advice they wish they could give their younger selves. They discuss the importance of self-advocacy, the challenges faced in their 20s, and the significance of networking and building genuine relationships. The conversation emphasizes embracing life's detours and setting boundaries while encouraging listeners to reflect on their own journeys and share their insights.

In this episode of Savvy Sisters, hosts Julie Flowers and Yvonne Rocha Contreras discuss the challenges and fears associated with starting over in life and career. They emphasize reframing the concept of starting over as a chance for reinvention and growth, rather than a failure. The conversation explores emotional hurdles, financial stability, and the importance of support systems. The hosts provide practical tips for embracing change, including focusing on one's purpose and experimenting with new opportunities. They conclude with a call to action for listeners to create a 'do-over' drink and share their own experiences of change.