About Our Guest

• Kiara Williams, Founder of Digital Movement Media + Treuse Cinema
• Connect with Kiara on LinkedIn
• Connect with Kiara on Instagram
• Digital Movement Media Website

detroit, entrepreneurship, social impact, organizing, nonprofit, new york, advocacy

Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Soula Chronopoulos, president of Aqua Action, about the critical importance of water security as both an environmental and economic issue. They discuss the impact of AI on water technologies, Soula's journey from neuroscience to water advocacy, and the importance of empowering women in the water tech sector. The conversation also touches on leadership lessons, the significance of community in entrepreneurship, and the challenges faced by innovators in the water space. Soula emphasizes the need for collaboration and the potential for innovation to address the looming water crisis.

About Our Guest

• Soula Chronopoulos, President of AquaAction
• AquaAction Website
• AquaHacking Program
• AquaNation Community
• Connect with Soula on LinkedIn
• Follow AquaAction on LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

• Water is a national security issue, not just environmental.
• AI can help connect entrepreneurs to opportunities in water tech.
• Soula's journey from neuroscience to water advocacy shows the value of diverse experiences.
• Women in water technology are crucial for innovation and solutions.
• Community support is vital for entrepreneurs facing challenges.
• The 'Death Valley' of entrepreneurship is a common struggle that can be overcome with support.
• Innovations in water technology can transform industries and economies.
• Water scarcity is projected to be a major global crisis by 2030.
• Leadership in business often requires resilience and confidence, especially for women.
• Collaboration across borders can lead to significant advancements in water security.

water security, AI, entrepreneurship, women in business, water technology, community, leadership, innovation, sustainability, economic resilience

Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Nikki Sapiro-Vinckier, a reproductive healthcare activist and OB-GYN physician assistant. They discuss Nikki's journey into advocacy, the gaps in the healthcare system, and the importance of empowering patients to advocate for themselves. The conversation also touches on the historical context of reproductive health, the need for more clinical advocates, and the role of men in reproductive health discussions. Nikki shares insights from her upcoming book, 'We Deserve More,' which aims to provide patients with the tools they need to navigate the healthcare system effectively. The episode emphasizes the importance of community, trust, and the ongoing fight for reproductive rights, particularly in a swing state like Michigan.

About Our Guest

• Nikkie Sapiro Vinckier, reproductive healthcare activist, content creator and  OBGYN Physician Assistant
• Follow Nikki on Instagram
• Follow Nikki on TikTok
• Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn
• Nikki's Website
• Take Back Trust Website
• Pre-Order We Deserve More

Key Takeaways

• Nikki's advocacy stems from her frontline experience in reproductive healthcare.
• There is a significant gap between patient needs and healthcare delivery.
• Empowering patients to advocate for themselves is crucial in healthcare.
• Historical injustices in gynecology impact current healthcare experiences.
• Trust in healthcare is fragile, especially for marginalized communities.
• Communication is key to effective healthcare advocacy.
• Men should be included in conversations about reproductive health.
• Patients should ask for pain management in advance of procedures.
• Digital platforms can help combat misinformation in healthcare.
• Community engagement is essential for effective advocacy.

reproductive health, advocacy, healthcare access, women's rights, Michigan, Take Back Trust, self-advocacy, healthcare equity, women's health, community engagement

Host Leslie Youngblood interviews Elina Panteleyeva, founder of DoodWoof, a thriving e-commerce brand for doodle dogs. Elina shares her journey from being laid off to launching her business, emphasizing the importance of community building, influencer marketing, and the challenges of entrepreneurship. She discusses the significance of choosing the right audience, the power of being the face of your brand, and the lessons learned in her first year of business. Elina also offers valuable advice for those facing layoffs and highlights the future plans for DudeWoof.

About Our Guest

• Elina Panteleyeva, founder of DoodWoof
• DoodWoof website
• Connect with Elina on Instagram
• DudeWoof on TikTok, and Instagram
• 12 Months to $1 Million Book

Key Takeaways

• Elina turned a personal setback into a launch pad for her business.
• Choosing the right audience is crucial for product development.
• Building community and trust is essential for brand growth.
• Being the face of your brand increases customer trust.
• Creating a product from scratch requires research and persistence.
• Launching on Amazon requires a strategic approach and community support.
• Influencer marketing can de-risk your business and expand reach.
• Building an audience takes time and consistency.
• Starting to build an audience while employed can ease the transition to entrepreneurship.
• Calculated risks, like taking on debt, can be beneficial for business growth.

entrepreneurship, community building, influencer marketing, e-commerce, women in business, brand growth, product launch, audience engagement, small business, marketing strategies

Host Leslie Youngblood interviews Lindsay A. Joseph, co-founder of BedConnect, a healthcare technology startup focused on improving patient transitions through smarter discharge workflows. Lindsay shares her journey from being a CPA and hospital CFO to becoming a tech entrepreneur in Detroit. The conversation explores the unique challenges and opportunities in the Midwest startup ecosystem, the importance of community support for women founders, and the vision for BedConnect to revolutionize healthcare. Lindsay emphasizes the need for collaboration and the belief that success is not a zero-sum game, highlighting the importance of uplifting each other in business.

About Our Guest

• Lindsay A. Joseph, Co-Founder and CEO of BedConnect
• Connect with Lindsay on LinkedIn
• Follow BedConnect on LinkedIn
• BedConnect website
• Michigan's PitchMI Competition

Lindsay Joseph, BedConnect, healthcare innovation, Detroit, startup ecosystem, women founders, capital raising, community engagement, Midwestern work ethic, tech entrepreneurship

Host Leslie Youngblood welcomes Rebecca Blacker, a leading figure in New York City's residential real estate market and co-founder of Blacker and Team. The conversation dives into Rebecca's journey of building a $60 million real estate brand primarily through video content, despite starting with no listings or budget. She shares her initial struggles with self-promotion and the importance of authenticity in connecting with clients. Rebecca emphasizes that the key to her success was not just the content itself, but the genuine relationships she built with her audience through her unique personality and approach to real estate.

About Our Guest

• Rebecca Blacker, Real Estate Broker and Co-Founder of Blacker and Reed Real Estate
• Follow Rebecca on Instagram
• Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn
• Blacker and Reed website

Key Takeaways

• Doing the thing is the hardest thing.
• People want authenticity. 
• There's no right or wrong way to do it.
• It's important for people to get to know who you are and know what you do.
• The key is that you walk into a room and everybody knows what you do.

real estate, video marketing, women in business, authenticity, branding, New York City, content creation, entrepreneurship, personal branding, client relationships

Leslie Youngblood speaks with Chloe Barnes-Henderson, founder of Athletech Academy, about her journey in sports and education. They discuss the importance of understanding NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) for student athletes, the unique approach of Athletech Academy in integrating AI into education, and the challenges of fundraising and building a new educational model. Chloe shares her vision for creating a legacy of opportunity in Detroit, emphasizing the importance of community support for female entrepreneurs and the need for a holistic approach to education in sports.

About Our Guest

• Chloe Barnes-Henderson, Founder and CEO
• Connect with Chloe on LinkedIn
• Follow Athletech Academy on LinkedIn
• Athletech Academy Website

Key Takeaways

• Athletech Academy aims to redefine education for student athletes.
• NIL allows athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness.
• Understanding NIL is crucial for young athletes today.
• Athletech Academy will focus on holistic development, not just elite athletes.
• Fundraising has been a significant challenge for Athletic Academy.
• Community support is vital for female entrepreneurs in Detroit.
• AI will be integrated into the curriculum at Athletic Academy.
• Chloe aims to create a legacy of opportunity in Detroit.

Detroit, entrepreneurship, women founders, education, NIL, sports, AI, community, Athletic Academy, Chloe Barnes-Henderson

Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Isabella Patrick, a Manhattan-based interior designer and Founder of Isabella Patrick Interiors, about her journey from a non-traditional background to establishing her own successful design studio. Isabella shares insights on navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of networking, and the strategies she employed to market her business. They discuss the balance between creative work and business operations, the significance of setting boundaries, and the power of saying no to ensure a healthy work-life balance. Isabella also offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need to believe in oneself and seek support from others in the industry.

About Our Guest

• Isabella Patrick, Founder and Principal Designer of Isabella Patrick Interiors
• Connect with Isabella on LinkedIn
• Follow Isabella Patrick Interiors on Instagram
• Follow Isabella Patrick Interiors on LinkedIn
• Isabella Patrick Interiors Website

Key Takeaways

• Believe in yourself and your vision.
• Networking is crucial for business growth.
• Marketing yourself is essential for success.
• Protect your creative energy to avoid burnout.
• Learn from both boutique and corporate experiences.
• Saying no can be a powerful business strategy.
• Establish clear boundaries with clients.
• Invest in professional help for business operations.
• Embrace the challenges of entrepreneurship as growth opportunities.
• Always seek feedback and be open to learning.

interior design, entrepreneurship, creative career, marketing strategies, networking, business growth, women in business, work-life balance, creative energy, setting boundaries

In this engaging conversation, Leslie Youngblood interviews Armin Elajian, a CPA and fractional CFO, about the importance of financial literacy for women entrepreneurs. They discuss Armin's transition from corporate accounting to entrepreneurship, the significance of understanding financial numbers, and the challenges of navigating financial conversations. The discussion also covers practical advice on cash flow management, value-based pricing, and preparing for economic shifts, emphasizing the need for awareness and clarity in financial matters.

About Our Guest

• Armine Alajian, Founder and CEO - The Alajian Group
• Connect with Armine on LinkedIn
• Follow The Alajian Group on LinkedIn
• The Alajian Group website

Key Takeaways

• Financial literacy is crucial for women entrepreneurs.
• Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship can be daunting but rewarding.
• Understanding your numbers gives you power in business.
• Clarity in financial planning beats hustle.
• Regularly reviewing your financials is essential for success.
• Value-based pricing can enhance profitability.
• Don't shy away from financial conversations; they are necessary.
• Cash flow management is vital for business sustainability.
• Having a financial advisor can alleviate stress.
• Awareness of expenses can lead to better financial decisions.

women in business, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, accounting, small business, financial clarity, cash flow, value-based pricing, taxes, economic resilience

Host Leslie Youngblood interviews Liz Hansen, a boudoir photographer who empowers women through her art. Liz shares her journey from a wedding photographer to running a successful boudoir studio, discussing the challenges and triumphs of building a niche business. The conversation delves into the importance of self-love, overcoming societal norms, and the impact of mindset on entrepreneurship. Liz emphasizes the significance of community support and the transformative power of boudoir photography in helping women reclaim their bodies and stories.

About Out Guest

• Liz Hansen, Owner and Photographer at Chicago Boudoir Photography
• Chicago Boudoir Photography website
• Connect with Liz on LinkedIn
• Follow Chicago Boudoir Photography on LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

• Boudoir photography can empower women to feel confident.
• Starting a business requires overcoming limiting beliefs.
• Family support can vary, and that's okay.
• Finding a niche can lead to greater profitability.
• Pricing should reflect the value of the experience offered.
• Mindset shifts are crucial for business success.
• Community support is essential for entrepreneurs.
• Women should reclaim their bodies and stories.
• Overcoming money blocks is a journey.
• Self-love is foundational for personal and professional growth.

boudoir photography, women's empowerment, self-love, business growth, pricing strategies, mindset, community support, body positivity, entrepreneurship, personal development