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About This Episode

In this episode, Carleen Haylett not only shares her bold professional moments, including the launch of her own ed tech company in 2020 to support school-aged kids, but also her bold personal moments, including moving to Italy in her late thirties and making the conscious decision to be a single mom. In 2009, Carleen needed a reset after her divorce and latest professional experience, so she sold her condo, put everything in storage, and bought a one-way ticket to Italy, where she would live for the next two years. She talks about overcoming fear and having to push through negative self-talk to go after what she really wanted and find the next step that was right for her new path forward. Fast forward a few years and after being inspired by her own experience as a single mom, Carleen founded her own company, EnrichedHQ, a virtual marketplace of educational and life skills-building programs for school-aged children in the 4th grade and up. Carleen discusses how she built up that bold muscle to become comfortable in the not knowing, especially through journaling and building self-awareness within. Tune in to hear about how Carleen was able to push through fear to make bold choices that brought her to Italy and also led to her starting her own company. 

 

About Carleen Haylett

Carleen Haylett is the Founder and CEO of EnrichedHQ, a marketplace of educational and life skills-building programs for school-aged kids. Her mission as a single mother and professional is to provide solutions to help families, especially mothers, thrive in their work and homelife. Carleen has spent 20+ years in enterprise technology leadership roles spanning development, sales, marketing and product development to help global enterprises address their most pressing technical challenges. Bringing together her personal and professional experiences has allowed her to successfully build EnrichedHQ to support working families. 

 

Additional Resources

Website: https://enrichedhq.com/

Instagram: @EnrichedHQ

Twitter: @_EnrichedHQ

Facebook: @EnrichedHQ

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About This Episode

Founder of Inspiro Tequila, Mara Smith has had several bold moments along her journey. Initially a lawyer then a corporate strategist, Mara became a stay-at-home mom after her twins were born prematurely. After a few years, she was wanting a clean tequila and noticing that the wants and needs of the female consumer were not being addressed from companies selling spirits. So she decided to create her own. After breaking into the spirit industry, Mara now leads the female-powered team behind Inspiro Tequila and also provides support and mentorship for other entrepreneurs through The Purple Bicycle Project. Tune in to hear how to grow your network, not just within your own industry but across other sectors as well, and how to break into a new industry with your own company. 

 

About Mara Smith

Mara Smith is a former attorney, corporate strategist and stay-at-home mom who is the founder of Inspiro Tequila. Mara began her legal career at a large law firm in Chicago before joining the corporate strategy team at a Fortune 500 Company. After her twins were born prematurely, Mara decided to leave the corporate world to focus on her family. She never stopped thinking about what was next. Mara always envisioned running her own company and in February of 2020 she set out on her journey to create a new tequila brand.

Mara started drinking tequila when she was looking for a clean, gluten-free spirit that fit into her active lifestyle. She searched for a tequila brand that was additive-free with a look, taste and aroma that appealed to her, and thoughtful female consumers like her. That perfect tequila did not exist, so she decided to create one. The goal was not just to create a one-of-a-kind tequila, it was also to bring another female perspective to the spirits industry.  Women are involved in every aspect of Inspiro Tequila's process from creating the taste profiles to getting bottles on the shelves. As a female founder, Mara’s mission is to inspire and support other women on their entrepreneurial journeys through financial support and mentoring.  

 

Additional Resources

Website: https://inspirotequila.com/

Learn More About The Purple Bicycle Project

Instagram: @inspirotequila

Twitter: @inspirotequila

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About This Episode

Music has the unique power to bring people together and that is exactly what DJ Graffiti does at both in-person and virtual events. His ability to play the right music at the right time has captured the attention of not just audiences but renowned artists like Beyoncé, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Big Sean, and Jay-Z. But beyond his musical talents lies an equally impressive background in marketing, including degrees from the University of Michigan Business and Law Schools. He excels as a marketing strategist who specializes in helping companies increase their online engagement so they can reach their full potential, and he is taking his DJ skills into the enterprise corporate event space. Combining his experience and passion for both music and marketing has made DJ Graffiti into a formidable force determined to put good into the world. Tune in and get ready for an engaging conversation about the power of music to not only bring people together but to also bring us through the hard times just as much as the good.  

 

About DJ Graffiti

Voted 'Best DJ in Detroit' by Real Detroit Weekly, DJ Graffiti has shared stages in person with Snoop Dogg, Beyoncé, Eminem, Jay-Z & J Cole. In response to COVID-19, he pivoted to creating virtual, in-person and hybrid experiences for a growing list of enterprise brands including Amazon, Cisco, GitLab, Campbell’s and Nike. In addition to his DJ duties, the entrepreneur formally known as Martin L. Smith is an alum of both the University of Michigan Business and Law Schools. As a marketing strategist he specializes in helping companies increase online engagement to improve their bottom-line goals. In 2001 he co-founded a marketing company that grew to manage digital marketing campaigns for companies such as T-Mobile, Hennessy and Toyota. In 2015 the company re-branded as Overflow, a digital agency providing a comprehensive suite of marketing services to help businesses predictably and repeatedly acquire clients. Whether music, business, or more regularly an abundance of both, DJ Graffiti aka Martin L. Smith is positioned to lead, while others take notes.

 

Additional Resources

Website: https://www.djgraffiti.com 

Listen to DJ Graffiti’s Mixes

Instagram: @DJGraffiti

LinkedIn: @DJ Graffiti  

Twitter: @DJGraffiti 

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About This Episode

For Toiya Sosa, it’s all about the people. The relationships in our lives are the most important part of everything we do. Throughout her personal life and professional career in mass communication and public affairs to now as the Chief Diversity Officer at a large health system, she has learned that communication is at the heart of it all. Engaging in meaningful conversations across different perspectives is imperative for real change to be made, and Toiya draws from her own personal experiences to pinpoint this. Her recently published children’s book, Strangetop Hill, echoes this sentiment as well, focusing on how our differences can be some of our greatest attributes. As she discusses her bold moments and learnings along the way, Toiya also addresses how our boldness changes over time and how some decisions become easier and some become harder to make as we get older. Above all, Toiya emphasizes that it is important to share our own stories to help inspire others and foster the relationships in our lives. 

 

About Toiya Sosa

Toiya Sosa is Chief Diversity Officer at Riverside Health System where she is responsible for the ongoing development, implementation, and oversight of the organization's diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy. Prior to this role, Sosa was a community leader and public affairs leader at GEICO where she had oversight of partner relations and philanthropic investment, media relations, and government relations for the VA, NC, TN region. Sosa is a Director for the Urban League of Hampton Roads, Tidewater Chapter of the VA Center for Inclusive Communities, Chair of the United Way of South Hampton Roads African American Leadership Society, a member of CHIEF, and Co-Chair of the Virginia UNCF Leadership Council. Sosa has been recognized with the 2022 UNCF M.A.S.K.E.D. Award, the 2020 Tidewater Humanitarian Award from the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, the James V. Koch Award from the Urban League of Hampton Roads and was named to the Inside Business Power List from 2019-2021. Sosa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Norfolk State University, a Master of Business Administration from Strayer University, and a Master of Arts in Law from Regent University. Sosa was trained by the National Diversity Council as a Certified Diversity Professional (NDCCDP).

 

Additional Resources

Linked-In: @ToiyaSosa

Order Her New Children’s Book, Strangetop Hill

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About This Episode 

As a healthcare executive with experience across multiple areas of expertise, including population health, physical therapy and business, Urvashi Bhatnagar shares her passion for incorporating sustainability in all that we do. From the beginning of product creation and design through end of life, there are a myriad of opportunities to make decisions that not only support our environment but support human health. The ideas presented in her new book written with co-author Paul Anastas, The Sustainability Scorecard: How To Implement And Profit From Unexpected Solutions, can be applied to any industry because of the underlying messages of innovation and performance. Urvashi discusses how we must expand our definition of performance beyond functionality to include health. She also explains how to create ideal metrics that serve you in the short-term and long-term, while also addressing keys to change management and encouraging positive behavioral changes within an organization or population. Tune in to hear Urvashi’s bold journey to eliminate the silos impeding innovation and health within the realm of sustainability and healthcare.

 

About Urvashi Bhatnagar

Urvashi Bhatnagar is a healthcare executive whose career spans clinical care in PM&R, published research, advocacy and strategy and operations consulting for leading healthcare organizations. As a mission-driven population-health and sustainability expert, she has over fifteen years of healthcare leadership experience working with clients to bring new and innovative solutions to market that advance access and delivery of care, advance health outcomes and leading population health portfolios for leading health systems to underserved communities, and create data-driven approaches to advancing health equity. 

Bhatnagar holds an MBA from Yale University and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Boston University. She is a Certified Clinical Instructor for DPT students and has served as faculty during the American Congress of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2021 and has served as an invited speaker at the United Nations in 2020. She believes global wellness can be achieved through sustained and intentional investment in products and processes that are designed to be inherently sustainable and capturing value from the triple bottom line advantages that sustainability offers. Along with Paul Anastas, Bhatnagar is co-author of the new book The Sustainability Scorecard: How To Implement And Profit From Unexpected Solutions. 

 

Additional Resources

Linked-In: @UrvashiBhatnagar

Order Her New Book, The Sustainability Scorecard

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Sondra Sutton Phung is living proof that saying yes to new opportunities can lead to the best outcomes. She has built her career at Ford Motor Company, continuously growing and advancing all the way to Global Chief Product Marketer. A pivotal decision when she was 25 years old led her to move to Japan, an experience that would not only elevate her career but also lead to lifelong friendships and transformational learnings about patience, authenticity, and building partnerships. She now works as the Marketing General Manager for electric vehicles, which have become a true passion of hers with their vast positive impact. Sondra’s bold journey emphasizes that true human connection surpasses all geographical and cultural differences. She encourages everyone to find their tribe, including a mentor and an advocate, that can support and guide you along the way. Tune in to hear Sondra’s incredible journey around the world, embracing opportunity, innovation, and human connection along the way.

 

About Sondra Sutton Phung

Sondra Sutton Phung is the Global Chief Product Marketer who led a team that delivered over $1B of profit for Ford Motor Company's iconic SUV portfolio. Recently named Marketing General Manager for Electric Vehicles, she leveraged her STEM & HBCU education to create her transformational, data-driven marketing approach. Her perspective impacts millions in the Automotive Tech Industry. Featured in Forbes, Fortune, Authority Magazine, and other globally recognized leadership publications and podcasts, Sutton Phung is reducing the learning curve by sharing how leaders can accelerate their results. Sutton Phung currently serves on the Executive Board of Jack and Jill of America, Oakland County, and the Cultural Arts Board for the City of Novi. She also serves as Executive Champion for DEI at Ford Motor Company, Corporate Recruiter/Mentor to first-generation college students via Ford's 1st Gen Program, and Co-founder of the Dr. Melvin Webb STEM Endowment at Clark Atlanta University. Sutton Phung holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Master of Science in Mathematics from Clark Atlanta University.

 

Additional Resources

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About this Episode: 

In this special edition of The Bold Lounge, hear from several members of the Young Chiefs Coalition, a group dedicated to supporting and lifting the next generation of female leaders. Mai Moore, Lucy Chen, Bridgette Smith, Sheana Hamil, Catherine Gregor, and Lisa Eyer each share their perspectives on what it means to be bold and the moves they have made along their personal and professional lives. These stories of perseverance and overcoming hardship, finding the right career, and pivoting from a dedicated path will not only inspire but help guide future generations of leaders. Tune in to hear incredible stories and guidance on cultivating a growth mindset, embracing the uncomfortable, being open to new opportunities, and advocating for yourself along the entire way. 

 

About The Young Chiefs Coalition: 

The Young Chiefs Coalition is a passionate and dedicated group of Chief members here to cultivate the future generation of female leaders and empower young women. Chief is the only private membership network focused on connecting and supporting women executive leaders. Chief is designed for women in the C-Suite, senior executives, and accomplished VPs to strengthen their leadership, magnify their influence, and pave the way to bring others with them. Join the next Young Chief Speaker Series for college-aged women to hear empowering and inspirational stories from diverse Chief speakers in this 3-part virtual series on December 1, 2022 at 9PM EST/6PM PST.  

 

Additional Resources: 

Register for the Next Young Chief Speaker Series (3-part virtual free event): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-leaders-speaker-series-for-college-women-tickets-421488632847

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Candace Nelson is a successful serial entrepreneur best known for co-founding Sprinkles, the world’s first cupcake bakery and ATM, and most recently, Pizzana, a fast-growing chain of award-winning Neo-Neapolitan pizzerias. She discusses her transition from the financial world to pastry school and her journey of discovering and embracing her passion for food and bringing people together. Moving around a lot during childhood, Candace learned early on how to count on herself, particularly in the difficult times. She states this as a key for making bold decisions- knowing that no matter what happens, you can bet on yourself. Part of feeling this way is celebrating all your wins, especially the little ones because even the smallest of wins are the building blocks of confidence. Candace also addresses imposter syndrome, particularly for female entrepreneurs, and how you can overcome it and turn your ideas into actions. She believes that anyone with a passion and a plan can be an entrepreneur. And in her new book, Sweet Success, she walks you through her recipe for success, from ideation and developing the mindset of an entrepreneur to sales and growing your own personal brand. Listen in to hear Candace’s incredible journey taking an innovative stance on simple, handheld foods like cupcakes and pizza and growing them into the thriving and widely-recognizable brands they are today. 

 

About Candace Nelson

Candace Nelson is a serial entrepreneur, Wall Street Journal contributor, and expert at turning one’s passion into a profitable business. Her debut book, The Sprinkles Baking Book: 100 Secret Recipes from Candace’s Kitchen, was a New York Times Bestseller and her forthcoming book on entrepreneurship, Sweet Success: A Simple Recipe for Turning Your Passion into Profit will be published by HarperCollins Leadership on November 8, 2022. Candace received her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Wesleyan University, and a professional pastry certification from the former Tante Marie’s Cooking School in San Francisco.

 

Additional Resources

Buy Her New Book, Sweet Success: A Simple Recipe for Turning Your Passion into Profit: https://www.readsweetsuccess.com/

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Kristen Carbone discusses her bold journey as a female founder in tech that transitioned from a career in the arts to developing her own product and founding Brilliantly, a platform dedicated to meeting the long term, quality of life issues faced by women who’ve had an experience with breast cancer. Along the way, she has used her background in the arts to foster creative problem solving and a willingness to be open to constructive critique and collaboration. She shares the art of feedback as well as the importance as a creator to be open to the possibilities, not being too focused on your initial goal that you miss the other opportunities that present themselves. Tune in to hear how you can take a passion, build your own company, and continue to grow organically in a way that is authentic to you. 

 

About Kristen Carbone

After a decade long career working in curatorial departments in Museums across New York and New England I founded Brilliantly. Brilliantly started with trying to solve a problem for myself and after talking to hundreds of women in the breast cancer community over the summer of 2017 and finding out that I wasn’t alone in my struggles post-mastectomy, I was compelled to leave my career and start my own business. What started as a product designed to support breast cancer survivors feeling more comfortable in their body has become a leading innovation in the world of wearable technology for women.

 

Additional Resources

Website: https://www.brilliantly.co/

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Founder and CEO of Minot, a sustainably sourced and clean-burning line of candles, Kerry Kip describes how her business came about and how she was able to find and develop a career that aligned with what she wanted. Prior to Minot, Kerry built a career in consulting and product management, until she experienced burnout and realized she needed a change. She explains how her interest in nontoxic living led her to make clean-burning candles for herself, family, and friends. The company naturally grew from there, and today Minot is available across the US and internationally. Along the way, Kerry had to overcome her own fears of failure and accept the unknowns of launching her own business. Tune in to hear Kerry’s story of taking the leap to start something new and gain strategies for you to take your own bold first step and begin.  

 

About Kerry Kip

Kerry Kip founded Minot in 2020 with the intention to create a clean candle alternative for those who wish to rid their home of toxin-filled flames. What came was a sustainably sourced, clean-burning line of candles inspired by--and in honor of--nature.  Minot is female owned and operated, based in a coastal community on the South Shore of Massachusetts. Before leaving the corporate world to found Minot, Kerry was in pharmaceutical consulting for Fortune 500 companies and then in Product Management for Wayfair. In her spare time, she enjoys being on the lake with family and taking her Great Dane, Zoey, for walks on the beach with her husband.

 

Additional Resources

Website: https://minotcandle.com/

Buy the Bold & Beautiful Candle (Our Listeners Get 20% Off: Boldpodcast20): https://minotcandle.com/collections/affirmation-collection/products/i-am-bold-beautiful-candle

Instagram: @MinotCandles

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