Smart, Driven, Women

Tamar Draper Mahru, Senior Director of Workplace Experience at Grammarly, shares how her inner drive, human-centered leadership, and early career experiences in workplace design helped her navigate a purpose-driven path, while building environments where others can thrive too. 

More importantly, she emphasizes on how intentional connections shape career momentum, team creativity, and personal fulfillment.

For professionals who seek to lead with purpose and build more connected, human-centered teams, this episode is for you!

Connect with Tamar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tdmrew/

Sarah Fuchs, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Muus Collective, shares her honest journey, from being laid off on maternity leave to building a mobile fashion gaming studio partnered with Revolve and Paris Hilton. 

She opens up about balancing leadership and raising four kids, setting unapologetic boundaries, and why being a role model means making space for others. 

This is a must-listen for anyone redefining what success looks like on their own terms.

To connect with Sarah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-fuchs-b1bb3b/

Sheila Jambekar, Chief Privacy Officer at Dayforce, shares how she let go of the “shoulds” and built a career that actually fit her life, values, and goals. She opens up about making intentional pivots, trusting herself through high-stakes transitions, and what it really means to pursue true ambition. 

It’s a powerful look at what happens when you stop following a path that only looks successful—and start following one that feels aligned. 

This episode is for anyone craving more alignment in their career or questioning what success really means.

To connect with Sheila: www.linkedin.com/in/sheilajambekar

Soumya Tulloss, Senior Vice President of Agent Sales at Zillow, shares what it really takes to lead with intention, set bold goals, and evolve through every stage of your career.

From her early days in finance to leading teams across tech and real estate, Soumya reflects on what she's learned about high standards, self-awareness, and creating clarity amidst chaos. She opens up about balancing motherhood with executive leadership, building trust through action, and her go-to mindset shift: “Curious, not furious.” 

Whether you’re navigating leadership, career transitions, or personal growth, Soumya offers real, grounded insights that will challenge and inspire you.

Connect with Soumya Tulloss on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/sdsrinagesh/

n this episode of Smart Driven Women, Soumya Tulloss—Senior Vice President of Agent Sales at Zillow—shares what it really takes to lead with intention, set bold goals, and evolve through every stage of your career. From her early days in finance to leading teams across tech and real estate, Soumya reflects on what she's learned about high standards, self-awareness, and creating clarity amidst chaos. She opens up about balancing motherhood with executive leadership, building trust through action, and her go-to mindset shift: “Curious, not furious.” Whether you’re navigating leadership, career transitions, or personal growth, Soumya offers real, grounded insights that will challenge and inspire you.

Juslyn Manalo (community advocate, public servant, and the first Filipina elected to the Daly City Council) shares how small acts of purpose can spark lifelong leadership. From fighting for Filipino WWII veterans to stepping into city hall, Juslyn reflects on the values that shaped her, how she overcame self-doubt, and why putting your dreams into the universe is more powerful than you think. 

Whether you're considering public service, building your advocacy voice, or navigating your own leadership path, this episode will remind you: you are enough and your voice matters.

Connect With Juslyn Manalo: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juslynmanalo/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juslynmanalo/

Patrice Cleary, owner of Purple Patch and Joia Burger, shares how she walked away from a traditional career to build two of D.C.’s most celebrated restaurants. She proves that success is betting on yourself and making it happen. 

If you’re on the edge of taking your own leap, this episode will give you the insight, confidence, and push to go for it.

Connect with Patrice:https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrice-cleary-b3221b176/

Kriselda Valderrama, Representative in District 26 in the Maryland House of Delegates, joins Smart, Driven Women to discuss her path to leadership that required much strength and resiliency. As a working mother and legislator, Kris also shares the importance of support systems in managing both professional ambitions and family responsibilities.

If you want to learn how to remain steadfast and focused on what’s most important to you in the midst of your business and life, then this episode is for you!

Connect with Kriselda:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kriselda-valderrama-lobo-1922208/

Jacqueline Post Ladha, an accomplished attorney and real estate expert, shares her insights on breaking barriers, advocating for housing affordability, and leading with impact.

She dives into the power of preparation in high-stakes negotiations, and the importance of intuition in decision-making. She also discusses how women can assert themselves in male-dominated spaces without compromising their authenticity. As a bonus, we also explore how the right mindset and support system can shape career success. 

If you want to show up with more confidence in male-dominated spaces, this episode is for you.

Connect with Jacqueline: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ladhaj/

Evelyn Miller, Partner at Smart Settlements (a premier Title Company), discusses navigating career pivots and balancing ambition with joy. Evelyn shares her journey from an aspiring civil rights lawyer to a thriving entrepreneur in real estate. 

She offers insights on goal setting, perseverance, and finding joy even in the most daunting challenges. 

If you want to learn more about embracing some of life's unexpected challenges than this episode is for you. 

To Connect with Evelyn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evelyn-miller-4230aa93/