Serious Lady Business

What if motherhood didn't make you less ambitious, but actually made you more ambitious?

In this special solo episode of Serious Lady Business, host Leslie Youngblood gets personal about the evolution of ambition, the surprising ways motherhood has fueled her drive, and why success shouldn't have to come at the expense of everything else that matters.

From navigating multiple careers and entrepreneurial ventures to raising three boys, Leslie explores the tension between wanting to do big things and having limited time, energy, and attention.

She also introduces Generous Ambition, her philosophy that you can be wildly successful, fiercely driven, and still lift others up along the way.

Plus, Leslie debuts a new book recommendation segment, sharing three reads that challenge conventional thinking about money, power, personal style, and what it means to be a woman who refuses to play by someone else's rules.

Because ambition isn't something you age out of. It's something you get to redefine.

Top 5 Takeaways

1. Motherhood doesn't have to diminish your ambition. It might ignite it.

For Leslie, becoming a mother didn't mean putting her professional dreams aside. Instead, it made her more focused, intentional, and ambitious than ever. Having less time doesn't necessarily mean accomplishing less. Sometimes, it means getting crystal clear about what matters.

2. You are allowed to change your mind, at any age.

Your career, passions, and priorities don't have an expiration date. Whether you're 25, 45, or 65, you have permission to reinvent yourself, pursue new interests, and walk away from paths that no longer serve you. Your past decisions don't have to dictate your future.

3. Generous Ambition means winning without leaving others behind.

Ambition has long been associated with ruthlessness, competition, and winning at all costs. Leslie challenges that narrative with a different philosophy: pursue extraordinary success while creating opportunities for others. You can want more for yourself and still want more for everyone around you.

4. Not every idea deserves your immediate commitment.

Ambitious women are often overflowing with ideas, but turning every spark of curiosity into a business or obligation is a recipe for overwhelm. Leslie encourages testing before committing, giving your attention intentionally, and allowing yourself to explore without the pressure of going all in.

5. Freedom is a legitimate measure of success.

Seven-figure revenue and impressive titles are wonderful goals, but what if achieving them costs you your health, relationships, or happiness? Flexibility, time with loved ones, and the freedom to enjoy your life deserve a place on your definition of success, too.

On Leslie's Bookshelf: 3 Books Worth Your Time

Rich as F*ck: More Money Than You Know What to Do With — Amanda Frances

A surprisingly thoughtful exploration of money, self-worth, debt, and the beliefs that can hold women back from financial success. Leslie shares why releasing shame around money and giving yourself permission to be both wealthy and generous are powerful mindset shifts.

The Pirate Queen — Ariel Lawhon

Historical fiction inspired by Grace O'Malley, the legendary Irish pirate queen whose remarkable story was largely excluded from official historical accounts. A captivating reminder of the extraordinary women whose stories deserve to be told.

Almost Reckless — Amy Smilovic

The founder of fashion brand Tibi shares her unconventional journey of building a business by trusting her instincts instead of following industry rules. Leslie explores the power of being an outsider, challenging expectations, and recognizing personal style as a form of communication.

Website: SeriousLadyBusiness.com

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Keep showing up, keep building, and keep being your seriously amazing self.

Krista Karpan, co-founder and CEO of Milked Media, shares insights on marketing to women, building authentic customer relationships, and scaling a business with a strong foundation. Discover how understanding your customer deeply can drive revenue and long-term success.

About Our Guest

• Krista Karpan, Co-Founder of Milked Media
• Milked Media Website
• Connect with Krista on LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

• Marketing to women by understanding decision processes
• The importance of niche segmentation within women’s demographics
• Using customer reviews and surveys to inform marketing
• The impact of authentic content and user-generated content
• Building a loyal customer base through personal outreach
• The role of website experience in conversion rates
• The significance of product launch strategies and demand creation
• Adapting to platform algorithm changes like Meta’s Andromeda

Keywords

women marketing, customer insights, brand growth, social media, influencer marketing, product development, business scaling

In this episode, Leslie Youngblood interviews Lydia Benham about harnessing AI for business growth, overcoming overwhelm, and the importance of community and relationships in the tech era. They explore practical steps for women leaders and entrepreneurs to leverage technology ethically and effectively.

About Out Guest

• Lydia Benham, Co-Founder and CEO of Tieraxis
• Follow Tieraxis on LinkedIn and Instagram
• Tieraxis website
• Connect with Lydia on LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

• AI is here to stay and is a tool, not a threat.
• Start small with AI to avoid overwhelm.
• Focus on automating tasks, not replacing people.
• Build relationships and community for success.
• Leverage AI to increase productivity and output.
• Embrace a fast-paced, innovative mindset.
• Prioritize ethical and safe AI use.
• Women can lead in tech by being brave and curious.

Keywords
AI, women in tech, business growth, technology strategy, community, entrepreneurship, AI tools, digital transformation, Midwest tech, leadership

In this episode, Logan Yonavjak shares insights on leadership gaps, the impact of biases, and how AI can democratize access to leadership development. Discover practical frameworks and strategies to enhance your leadership capacity and navigate the future of work.

About Our Guest

• Logan Yonavjak, Co-Founder & CEO of the Readiness Engine
• Connect with Logan on LinkedIn
• Readiness Engine Website

Key Topics

• Leadership gaps and patterns
• The role of biases in decision-making
• AI as a tool for democratizing leadership
• The importance of capacity versus skills
• Six dimensions of leadership development
• The impact of people problems on business success
• Strategies for growth-minded leadership
• The future of AI in coaching and development

Keywords
Leadership, AI, Development, Bias, Democratization, Business, Growth, Capacity, Coaching, female business owner, entrepreneurship

What if the biggest advantage in business today isn't AI, automation, or a bigger audience—but being more human?

In this episode of Serious Lady Business, Leslie Youngblood sits down with talent strategist and marketing expert Monique Sar to explore why meaningful relationships remain the ultimate competitive advantage in an increasingly digital world.

From losing a promotion early in her career to discovering that networking, visibility, and authentic connection matter just as much as hard work, Monique shares the lessons that transformed her career—and how they're helping creators, founders, and professionals build businesses rooted in trust.

Together, Leslie and Monique unpack everything from negotiating your worth and pricing your expertise to using AI without losing your authenticity. If you've ever struggled to put yourself out there, advocate for yourself, or wondered how to stand out in a world filled with algorithms, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can put into action immediately.

About Our Guest

• Monique Sar, Marketing Agency Founder
• Connect with Monique on LinkedIn
• Connect with Monique on Instagram
• https://moniquesar.com/

5 Key Takeaways

1. Hard work alone isn't enough.

Relationships create opportunities that talent alone often can't. Building genuine connections—and showing up consistently—can change the trajectory of your career.

2. Stop waiting for permission.

Many women wait until they feel "ready" before becoming more visible or asking for what they're worth. Confidence comes from action, not the other way around.

3. Price based on value—not fear.

Undervaluing yourself doesn't make you more competitive. It often signals lower value. Learn to communicate the full scope of what you bring to the table and negotiate with confidence.

4. AI should enhance your relationships—not replace them.

Use AI to save time, generate ideas, and open doors—but remember that trust, rapport, and real human conversations are still what close deals and build lasting partnerships.

5. Authenticity doesn't mean sharing everything.

You don't need to put your entire life online to be authentic. Choose the values and stories you want to be known for, and consistently show up in that lane.

Join Leslie Youngblood and Nashay Naeve as they discuss engineering confidence, leadership lessons from the factory floor, navigating international business in China, and empowering women in manufacturing and engineering.

About Our Guest

• Nashay Naeve - President | Industrial & Engineered Products | P&L Leadership | Business Growth & Transformation | Chicago Booth MBA | Tsinghua MSE
• Connect with Nashay on LinkedIn
• Nashay's website

Key Topics

• Engineering and manufacturing leadership
• Navigating gender dynamics in male-dominated industries
• Learning Chinese and doing business in China
• The importance of authenticity and confidence
• Building mentorship and community for women in industry

Keywords
Leadership, Women in Industry, Manufacturing, Engineering, China Business, Diversity, Mentorship, Authenticity, Global Business, Women Leaders

What happens when you quit your job, give up your apartment, and follow a spark of inspiration halfway around the world?

In this episode of Serious Lady Business, Leslie Youngblood sits down with Lillian Rafson, Founder and CEO of Pack Up + Go, the surprise travel company she launched at just 23 years old after a chance conversation in a hostel in Latvia. What started as a lightbulb moment became a mission-driven business that has helped thousands of travelers discover overlooked destinations while supporting local communities and small businesses across the United States.

Lillian shares the realities of building a company without outside funding, navigating rapid growth and post-pandemic challenges, learning to separate her identity from her business, and why entrepreneurship is often less about having all the answers and more about being willing to start before you feel ready.

About Our Guest

• Lillian Rafson, Founder and CEO of Pack Up + Go
• Pack Up + Go Website
• Lillian's Coaching Website
• Connect with Lillian on LinkedIn
• Follow Pack Up + Go on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

Key Takeaways

• Your Next Big Idea Can Come From Anywhere
• Bootstrapping Creates Different Priorities
• Growth Isn't Always Linear
• Your Business Is Not Your Identity
• Don't Let Planning Become Procrastination

Join Leslie Youngblood as she interviews Stephanie Stewart, founder of The Aesthetic Method, about her entrepreneurial journey, leadership, community involvement, and building a successful women-led business in Detroit. Discover insights on growth, team culture, balancing motherhood, and the unique grit of Detroit entrepreneurs.

About Our Guest

• Stephanie Stewart, Founder and CEO of The Aesthetic Method
• Follow The Aesthetic Method on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok
• The Aesthetic Method website

Key Topics

• Entrepreneurial journey of Stephanie Stewart
• Building a strong team and culture
• Community involvement and local causes
• Redefining growth beyond numbers
• Balancing motherhood and business

Keywords

Entrepreneurship, Women in Business, Detroit, Leadership, Growth, Team Culture, Aesthetic Industry, Community Impact, Business Strategy, Women Entrepreneurs

In this inspiring interview, Dr. Maheen Mausoof Adamson shares her journey from neuroscientist to med tech innovator, tackling the glass ceiling in science and tech. She discusses her groundbreaking AI-guided gaze tracking app, the challenges faced as a woman in Silicon Valley, and the importance of communication and resilience.

About Our Guest

• Dr. Maheen Mausoof Adamson, CEO & Founder/Clinical Professor
• SOOF Solutions website
• Connect with Maheen on LinkedIn
• Invest in SOOF!

Key Topics

• Breaking the glass ceiling in science and tech
• The development of SOOF's AI-guided gaze tracking app
• Challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley
• The importance of communication and resilience in innovation
• The role of mentorship and community support

Keywords
Women in Tech, Neuroscience, Med Tech, Silicon Valley, Glass Ceiling, AI, Communication, Entrepreneurship, Female Leadership, Innovation

In this inspiring interview, Andrea Trapani, managing partner at Identity, shares her journey from early career challenges to leading a successful PR agency in Detroit. Discover her insights on leadership, building a strong company culture, embracing change, and balancing motherhood with ambition.

About Our Guest

• Andrea Trapani, Managing Partner at Idendity
• Email Andrea: [email protected]
• Connect with Andrea on LinkedIn
• Identity Website

Key Topics

• Leadership and company culture
• Remote work and organizational growth
• Mentorship and opportunity
• Balancing motherhood and professional ambition

Keywords
Leadership, Entrepreneurship, PR, Detroit, Company Culture, Remote Work, Women in Business, Mentorship, Growth, Success Stories