Growing up can be challenging, especially for tweens and teens who feel alone or unsure where to turn for advice. Naama Barnea-Goraly, a doctor, child and adolescent psychology expert, brain researcher, and founder of the app Girltelligence, is working to change that. Girltelligence is a free platform where girls can connect, share advice, and build a supportive sisterhood. We explore why this kind of community is more important than ever, how to make online spaces safer for young people, and what it takes to create your own app from scratch. Whether you’re raising girls, mentoring the next generation, or just passionate about safe digital spaces, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and practical takeaways.

Chapters

00:00 Creating safe spaces for girls online

01:25 Naama’s journey from medicine to tech entrepreneurship

03:10 The challenges of growing up without a support system

05:00 How Girltelligence connects girls worldwide

07:15 Building an advisory board of teens and college students

09:40 The role of community in preventing bullying

11:15 Making social media safer for young users

13:05 Turning an idea into a functioning app

15:30 How to fund and scale a mission-driven tech startup

17:00 Lessons from working with Girl Scouts and Neutrogena

19:15 Why girls need more compassionate male allies

21:00 Balancing a medical career and entrepreneurship

23:10 Advice for parents raising confident, connected girls

25:00 How to encourage girls to share their wisdom

27:00 The power of peer-to-peer mentorship in adolescence

The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

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