SheVentures

Imagine your significant other dies unexpectedly from a heart attack. In the midst of grief, you must find the resilience to go on while raising children and deciding how to move ahead professionally.  

This week’s guest — Sejal Lakhani-Bhatt — shares her story of the unexpected and how she managed to balance her family, her health, and her profession.

Lakhani-Bhatt speaks candidly about her global banking career and how mentorship helped her climb the ladder at Deutsche Bank. Her husband, a tech entrepreneur, supported Lakhani-Bhatt when she decided to leave her banking job. Though she envisioned time with her children and yoga classes as a stay-at-home mom, her husband suggested she use her certified (and much-needed) project management skills at his tech startup.

Today, TechWerxe, a turnkey cybersecurity company in the Northeast, is thriving with Lakhani-Bhatt at the helm. As more cyberattacks affect us personally and in business, TechWerxe provides enterprise-level security needs for small and medium businesses. Lakhani-Bhatt encourages solopreneurs to prioritize cybersecurity essentials, offering practical and affordable insights on securing data and devices for smaller businesses that may not have a tech team. 

Lakhani-Bhatt, opens up about her early childhood memories, why working in male-dominated careers has not been a stumbling block, what it was like to work with her spouse, and how she coped with sudden loss. 

Listen to the episode as Lakhani-Bhatt shares authentically about her successes — and provides sensible tips.   Highlights: 

• Lakhani-Bhatt’s childhood and what it meant to be raised in an Indian family
• What it was like to work in global banking in the 2000’s
• How mentorship/sponsorship played a key role in Lakhani-Bhatt’s career
• Curious about Lakhani-Bhatt’s view on being a woman in two male-dominated industries?
• Tips for working on a startup with your spouse
• Insights on coping with grief and effectively managing the complexities of anger 
• How to protect your business and personal information with practical cybersecurity tips designed specifically for solopreneurs
• Why solopreneurs and small business owners should prioritize the practical importance of financial literacy to understand and manage your books and records effectively
• Learn essential cybersecurity tips to protect your business and build trust with your customers.

Named one of Inc. magazine’s top 100 female founders to watch, Maggie Adhami-Boynton is well-versed in the pivots required for an early-stage company to morph into a viable, scalable business. 

A 15-year startup veteran, she understood earlier than most the rapid evolution of digital apps and e-commerce and hit the ground more than a decade ago. Adhami-Boynton helped grow Canada’s Plastic Mobile, an award-winning mobile app agency, to acquisition in 2015. 

In 2019, she soft-launched ShopThing, one of North America’s first live video commerce apps, which quickly amassed hundreds of thousands of followers. She is also one of the 2.3 percent of women who have successfully raised venture capital, closing a $10 million round in 2022.

Curious how Adhami-Boynton identified niche tech opportunities and how she leveraged her knowledge to start and grow a VC-funded business? Who doesn’t love to shop with an app?!

Highlights: 


• Learn how Adhami-Boynton became an early adopter of digital marketing before it was mainstream.
• Why consider a soft launch before quitting your day job
• Why age matters when starting a company, plus resources for founders
• How ShopThing streams online shopping events, and how customers can participate and, well, shop! 
• Where Adhami-Boynton learned firsthand about early product adoption and marketing, and how this knowledge helped her when she started ShopThing
• How to avoid common content creation barriers 
• Explore how ShopThing empowers consumers to become content creators in the dynamic world of live video commerce. 

Kimberley Nixon tells it like it is. Yes, she is a Los Angeles–based venture capitalist and the founder and managing partner of Open Venture Capital. Yes, she is passionate about increasing access to investment for women of color, who we know raise less than 1 percent of all venture capital.

Nixon is also keen to share the human side of her life. Health is a topic she knows intimately as she overcame cancer in her late 20s after a misdiagnosis. Today, she is balancing, like many of us, her passions with being a wife and mother to two tweens. If you are looking for a relatable, smart, hip role model, Nixon is it!

Highlights

• Nixon, who grew up in a Caribbean neighborhood in Brooklyn before gentrification, reflects on how “New York is a living, breathing manifestation of resilience.”
• Nixon shares how a total stranger helped prep her for an interview at Deloitte while waiting for their own interview for a more senior position.
• Nixon discusses being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a curable form of cancer.
• Though the same lump was misdiagnosed more than a year before, Nixon considers herself fortunate that she was able to receive care at Johns Hopkins.
• How Nixon’s passions for access to health, education, and real estate investing sparked the idea of raising her own venture fund
• Testing a venture fund and building a startup both require a proof of concept stage.
• Nixon explains honing in on companies that increase access to healthcare.

If you’re feeling stuck in your pursuit of success in the music industry despite all the hard work and effort you’re putting in — you’re not alone! Karla Ortiz, founder of Monark Entertainment, delves into her struggles and victories as a woman of color in the entertainment industry. 

Early in her career, Ortiz shaped digital marketing campaigns for megastars like Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, and Nelly Furtado. Decades later, she founded Monark Entertainment, an agency focused on streaming and digital marketing, with a particular emphasis on supporting women of color. Ortiz shares her experiences as a female executive, addresses challenges women face in the music industry, and advocates for strategic team-building and selective engagement. 

Her journey took an exciting turn when she became a professor at the Los Angeles College of Music. Ortiz’s story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead for women in music and entertainment.

Highlights 

• Ortiz gives tips to college students on how to mine LinkedIn and social media to find the type of internship you want.
• Fun fact: Ortiz remembers her first cassette. Remember those? The song was “La Isla Bonita.” Do you know the artist? 

• Witness Ortiz’s pivotal shift from major music labels to entrepreneurship, a decision that reshaped her career.
• Quiz: What are the four most essential platforms in the music industry? 

Gain valuable insights as Ortiz reflects on her journey as a female executive, sharing lessons learned on the challenging yet rewarding path of entrepreneurship.
• Ortiz explains why she believes incubators for musicians are important and why they end up with a bigger cut of their work.


• Ortiz shares her vision for the future of the music industry, predicting trends and possibilities.

Ever wondered how one woman can impact racial wealth and investment equity as well as advancements in women’s health? In two decades, Erika Seth Davies transitioned from a career in development and fundraising to becoming the CEO of Rhia Ventures, a groundbreaking fund that secured an impressive $44 million (in 2022) to revolutionize the U.S. women’s health market through impact investing. 

But wait, there’s more! Davies isn’t stopping at women’s health. She’s also the mastermind behind the Racial Equity Asset Lab (the REAL), an impact investing venture tackling the persistent racial wealth gap. Tune in as we explore the significance of this groundbreaking initiative and its potential to reshape the narrative around capital allocation and wealth creation for minorities.

Highlights 



• Lessons learned from Davies’ extensive experience in fundraising, providing valuable wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs


• Explore the investment strategy of Rhia Ventures and how it strategically shapes the landscape of women’s health funds


• Addressing the crisis in healthcare for Black women, Davies sheds light on the pressing issues and challenges that need urgent attention
• Insights of the decision-making and strategy in impact investing, unraveling the thought processes that drive transformative change 
• Davies shares valuable tips for women and minority entrepreneurs, offering guidance for navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.

• Davies delves into the harsh realities of racial inequity in venture capital — and shares the challenges and potential solutions for a more inclusive future

From Nigeria to London to Paris to the United States, Pauline Idogho’s journey has taken her on a whirlwind tour of different cultures and experiences. But it’s her ability to adapt to change that has made her a successful entrepreneur. As the founder of Mocktail Club, an innovative line of elevated non-alcoholic beverages, not only does Idogho take pride in offering delicious, natural drinks, but she also dedicates 1 percent of her sales to support clean water initiatives around the world. She tapped into an ever-evolving market — and has learned to diversify her distribution channels and stay connected with her customers through social media. Idogho’s story can inspire you to embrace change and thrive in constant change, on this episode of SheVentures. In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the undeniable advantages of adapting to change for sustained success in your business ventures.

• Unravel the potential of diversifying distribution channels to reach a wider audience and boost revenue.

• Master the art of engaging customers on social media for a stronger online presence and genuine relationships.

• Explore the pivotal role flexibility plays in navigating an ever-evolving entrepreneurial landscape.

• Gain insight into the significance of inclusivity in branding and marketing for optimal resonance with a broader demographic.

• Check out Mocktail Club’s blog for tips and recipes.

• Help this small business by recommending Mocktail Club to local retailers or bars and asking them to carry the products.

• Donate to Mocktail Club’s clean water access initiative by making a purchase or directly by visiting the website.

For more information, visit the show notes at https://www.sheventurespodcast.com/podcast/pauline-idhogo-podcast-episode

Becoming a parent is a seismic pivot in itself. Add the societal pressure to breastfeed — with virtually no support and sleepless nights — and you have a rocky six months. But it doesn’t need to be this way.   Andrea Ippolito, CEO of SimpliFed, created a community to help women navigate everything from finding an insurance-covered lactation consultant to exploring different formulas to scoring the best-quality breast pump. Ippolito offers free classes and directories of allies and providers and works with workplaces and insurers to help parents get the support they need. 

As a mom herself, Ippolito knows firsthand the paucity of resources for parents who need support to do what’s best for their new baby and her nutrition. With her background working with the Department of Veteran Affairs and launching and selling her first product (an AI-driven health appointment scheduler), Ippolito has the track record to make a difference.

Show highlights

• How Ippolito pivoted from biomedical engineering to creating her first product, an AI-driven scheduler, which she successfully sold to a healthcare company
• The arc of Ippolito’s entrepreneurial journey and how engineering and healthcare intersect Ipollito recalls her experience as a new mother and how it informed her decision to create SimpliFed.
• Ippolito’s crusade for workplace support for parents and breastfeeding working moms
• Why it’s essential to challenge gender biases that stand in the way of women providing nutrients to their babies. Yes, really!
• How her past experiences in healthcare and understanding systems helped Ippolito conceive SimpliFed
• Why support should start well before the baby is born
• What challenges breastfeeding working mothers continue to face
• Why access to networks and supportive infrastructures are essential for women entrepreneurs
• Ippolito on motherhood: “Moms are often discarded as the wrapper and moms deserve more help and care.” How the SimpliFed platform helps individuals, companies, and insurers work together.
• Why it matters to not only be a visionary but also a doer, one willing to execute tedious tasks integral to startup success.
• Why should every family educate themselves about their rights under the Affordable Healthcare Act?
• How to find out what your insurance covers in terms of postpartum care and baby-feeding assistance
• Telehealth can play a key role in supporting new parents and/or those seeking treatment for mental health.
• Ippolito suggests everyone stay informed about healthcare innovation and transformation efforts by following the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the General Services Administration.
• Why it is essential for healthcare to continue to innovate — and our role as consumers.
• How to find out more about Ippolito and SimpliFed

Divorce is a life pivot that touches many, and it can be civil or act as a wrecking ball. You may know Kenya Duke from her BET+ show The Gary Owen Show, with her now ex-husband and their three children. Duke, an entrepreneur, real estate investor, and host of the podcast Truly Kenya, shares her experience of divorce, as well as its emotional and financial impacts. The pain of financial instability and the struggle to make ends meet can be overwhelming. But there is a way to regain control and find empowerment. Duke tells her story from childhood to what it means to be a Black woman in the entertainment industry. Duke shows how to rise above a nasty, acrimonious public divorce, take care of yourself, and build a secure financial future, in this episode of SheVentures.

Highlights

• Duke describes her humble upbringing, and how growing up in a lower-middle-class neighborhood instilled values of community, hard work, and resilience. 
• Duke’s foray into the entertainment industry might not have been planned, but her pulse on various unconventional topics quickly catapulted her into the limelight.
• What it was like to work with her then-husband and children as the producer of The Gary Owen Show
• Why Duke prefers to be “behind the camera” instead of seeking stardom
• What it was like to have her marriage fall apart and the media scrutiny of her family and their personal lives
• Duke’s tips on how to rebuild your financial independence after a divorce If you are single or getting married, Duke suggests taking control of your finances and opening a separate bank account for personal economic independence.
• Learn about how Duke invests in the real estate market.
• Duke’s humorous take on the transition to dating with kids
• Tips for balancing a robust career, nurturing motherhood, and ensuring self-care
• How the transformative power of community — specifically women of color — helped Duke
• Duke candidly discusses how young hopefuls can explore the possibility of a career in the entertainment industry, whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes.
• By openly sharing her experience, Duke emphasizes that financial stability and success are attainable goals for any woman given the right mindset, education, and perseverance.
• Find Duke on her social media for behind-the-scenes content, and listen to her podcast, Truly Kenya.

Have you ever considered opening a spa, but the number of unknowns stopped you? Not Crystal Bethea, founder and CEO of C3 Wellness Spa, who pivoted from Army veteran to  licensed massage therapist, cosmetologist, and entrepreneur. Bethea is passionate about massage, acupuncture, and other wellness modalities. Coming from a family of veterans, she’s passionate about helping vets maintain their health and to help them pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and find fulfillment in their post-military lives. That’s why C3 Wellness Spa is a franchise and ready to expand!

Bethea works with her husband, Marus Bethea, also a veteranwho is a medical billing expert. The spa is committed to working with its clients and their health insurance benefits, to see if the spa’s services are covered.

Show Highlights 

• Explore Bethea’s transition from military life to creating her own thriving spa franchise.
• Understand the potential power of word-of-mouth marketing and mechanisms to build a loyal client base.
• How Bethea incrementally grew her clientele starting with a mobile business through referrals.
• Bethea, who does not use paid marketing, demonstrates the value of reputation and client satisfaction in scaling a business.
• Get insights into the process and benefits of insurance company credentialing.
• If you are a veteran, check to see if you qualify for government benefits and inquire about receiving 100 percent coverage for services at
• C3 Wellness Spa through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• The key steps and strategies Bethea uses to run a solid business
• Uncover the opportunities for exponential business growth through franchising in the wellness industry.
• As a woman of color, Bethea speaks about the importance of generational wealth.

Imagine rising through the ranks of the Federal government for three decades until one day a sudden heart attack forced you to reevaluate your life priorities. Debra Owens, Ph.D., is an Army veteran, former U.S. Postal Service employee, and a U.S. Department of the Treasury human resources manager. By all accounts, she built a stable career while raising two children, going through a divorce, and taking every opportunity possible to educate/upskill herself, tireless in her pursuit of knowledge.

While building her career, Owens was often asked by friends or family about how to navigate the Federal government. Initially, Owens helped because that’s her nature. Then it kept happening, and Owens recognized a gap in the market: helping people navigate the complexities of working with the Federal government, in addition to working with women on how to define and take action on their passions.  Owens’ heart attack — which happened while she was working her then side hustle and full-time job — was a pivotal moment where she decided to follow, well, her heart and retire from the government. Today Owens is the founder and CEO of her own development consulting firm, Encore Empowerment International, an author, motivational speaker, executive coach, and consultant who holds multiple degrees and licenses, including one as an ordained minister! This is a story about resilience and determination.

Key Highlights


• Owens reflects on her upbringing, her education, and what it was like to be a woman in the military
• Where Owens met her first husband, and her experience transitioning to civilian life
• Why resilience and adaptability are essential in your personal and professional life
• What led Owens to constantly seek change and pursue education until she obtained her Ph.D.
• What it was like to fire employees in the Federal government
• How entrepreneurship manifested in Owens as a side hustle more than 15 years ago
• Owens speaks about her heart attack, her recovery, and her quick realization she needed to take action
• The roles faith and support have played in Owens’ life 
• Owens speaks candidly about how she overcame life’s emotional challenges
• The significance of community involvement and support in fostering inner strength and endurance
• How did Owens transition to entrepreneurship full-time?
• Delve into the dynamics of personal relationships and uncover pearls of wisdom from real-life marriage experiences
• Real talk about Owens’ lessons from divorce
• Owens discusses regret and balancing work and family
• Where to find out more about Dr. Owens, her company Encore Empowerment International, and how you can work with her as an executive coach to enhance your leadership skills or develop conflict resolution techniques, or how you can hire her as a motivational speaker