The She Means Business Podcast

In this episode of the She Means Business podcast, hosts Gail and Ilana interview Erica Malbon, co-founder of Malbon Golf, a brand that is revolutionizing the golf industry by merging fashion, culture, and sport. Erica shares her unique journey as a woman in business, her experiences in starting Malbon Golf, and the challenges and successes she has faced along the way. The conversation delves into leadership lessons, the importance of creating a positive workplace culture, and the balance between work and family life and knowing when to delegate. Erica also discusses the future growth plans for Malbon Golf, including international expansion and new retail locations.

Key Takeaways

• Erica's journey in business has been non-traditional.
• She emphasizes the importance of mentorship and leadership development.
• Molbon Golf aims to make golf more approachable and fun for younger demographics.
• The brand focuses on creating a community and lifestyle around golf.
• Working with a spouse presents both challenges and rewards.
• Leadership requires knowing when to bring in experienced team members.
• Creating a nurturing workplace culture is essential for employee satisfaction.
• Women are increasingly participating in golf, changing the industry's landscape.
• Balancing work and family is a significant challenge for female leaders.
• Molbon Golf is expanding internationally, with new stores opening in Asia.

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In this episode of The She Means Business Podcast, Sarah Branfman shares her unique career journey from being a professional ballet dancer and journalist to becoming a successful sales leader in the tech industry. She discusses her experiences at MongoDB and Databricks, the challenges of navigating a male-dominated field, the importance of mentorship, and how she has learned to embrace her authenticity and trust herself throughout her career.

Key Takeaways

• Sarah transitioned from ballet and journalism to tech sales.
• She was the first enterprise salesperson at MongoDB.
• Feedback is essential for growth and should be embraced.
• Women bring unique strengths to the tech industry.
• Mentorship plays a crucial role in career development.
• Self-doubt is common, but proving oneself is vital.
• Navigating a male-dominated industry requires hard work.
• Authenticity leads to greater confidence and success.
• Building a supportive community is important for women in tech.
• Trusting oneself is key to overcoming challenges.

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In this episode of the She Means Business podcast, Andrea Jansen shares her journey from a successful marketing career to becoming a certified executive coach focused on empowering women in the construction industry. She discusses the challenges women face in leadership roles, the importance of transformational leadership, and the difference between mentorship and sponsorship. Andrea emphasizes the need for women to lean into sponsorship relationships to accelerate their careers and highlights the potential for transformational leadership to address industry challenges.

Key Takeaways:

• Andrea transitioned from marketing to coaching after realizing her entrepreneurial spirit.
• She started coaching informally while on maternity leave, helping friends with resumes.
• Ambition Theory was born out of a desire to close the gender gap in leadership.
• Women in construction often face challenges due to a lack of recognition for their transformational leadership skills.
• Sponsorship is more effective than mentorship for career advancement.
• Women are often prepared for opportunities that never come, rather than being given the chance to seize them.
• Transformational leadership can lead to better outcomes in traditionally transactional industries like construction.
• Building relationships based on mutual value can accelerate career growth.
• Andrea's experience highlights the importance of networking and putting oneself out there.
• The construction industry can benefit significantly from embracing transformational leadership.

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In this episode of the She Means Business podcast, hosts Gail Banack and Ilana Santone welcome Adelle Archer, CEO and co-founder of Eterneva, a company that creates diamonds from the ashes of loved ones. Adelle shares her personal journey of founding Eterneva, inspired by the loss of her close friend. The conversation explores the challenges of acceptance in the end-of-life industry, the importance of co-founders, and the unique experiences of female entrepreneurs. Adelle reflects on her time on Shark Tank, the emotional journey of grief, and the significance of having open conversations about death. She also offers valuable advice for young entrepreneurs navigating their own paths.

Key Takeaways: 

• Adelle's journey to founding Eterneva was deeply personal, stemming from the loss of a close friend.
• The end-of-life industry often lacks meaningful customer experiences, which Eterneva aims to change.
• Cultural shifts, especially post-COVID, have made people more open to discussing death and grief.
• Setbacks in business are common, and they often lead to personal growth and innovation.
• Having a co-founder can provide essential support and shared vision in entrepreneurship.
• Female entrepreneurs face unique challenges, including biases in the venture capital space.
• The Shark Tank experience was a pivotal moment for Eterneva, bringing national attention to the brand.
• Building a community around grief can help individuals process their loss more effectively.
• The process of creating a diamond from ashes takes time, allowing for meaningful reflection and connection.
• Personal development and effective communication are crucial for successful leadership.

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In this special Q&A episode of the She Means Business podcast, hosts Gail Banack and Ilana Santone tackle listener questions on navigating workplace challenges. They discuss executive presence, stepping into unfamiliar roles, and handling difficult colleagues, emphasizing perception, preparation, and adaptability. The conversation also explores strategies for dealing with undermining coworkers, managing work-life guilt, embracing career pivots, and preventing burnout through boundary-setting and self-care. With personal insights and practical advice, Gail and Ilana highlight the power of proactive communication and resilience in professional success.

Key Takeaways

Executive Presence & Career Growth

• Executive presence is about perception—confidence and articulation are key.
• Preparation enhances credibility, and vulnerability can strengthen leadership.
• Feedback is essential; ask for specific input and observe successful leaders.
• Embrace unfamiliar roles as opportunities to develop valuable skills.

Workplace Dynamics & Conflict Resolution

• Understanding others' motivations can help in conflict resolution.
• Proactive engagement can reduce undermining behavior.

Work-Life Balance & Burnout Prevention

• Work-life guilt is common, but quality time with family matters more than quantity.
• It’s never too late to pivot in your career.
• Burnout can be managed through boundary-setting and realistic expectations.
• Recovery must be a daily practice—self-care is key to long-term success.

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In this episode of The She Means Business podcast, Glain Roberts-McCabe shares her unique career journey and the founding of The Roundtable, an organization dedicated to helping high potential leaders navigate the complexities of modern leadership. 

Glain emphasizes the importance of group coaching, assessments, and self-awareness in leadership development. She also provides valuable insights on career development, particularly for those who may not have strong managerial support, and encourages young professionals to take risks and explore their strengths. 

In this conversation, Glain Roberts-McCabe shares insights on the dual role of managers as both leaders and coaches. She emphasizes the importance of balancing coaching with directive leadership, understanding personal biases, and setting clear expectations. The discussion also covers tools for self-discovery and the value of peer networks in leadership development. Glain offers practical advice for younger leaders, encouraging them to embrace balance and take ownership of their career paths.

Key Takeaways

• Glain Roberts-McCabe emphasizes the importance of leadership development for high potential leaders.
• The Roundtable focuses on group coaching to foster collective impact among leaders.
• Self-awareness and understanding one's strengths are crucial for effective leadership.
• Assessments, like 360 feedback, provide valuable insights into leadership behaviors.
• Career development should not be outsourced to managers; individuals must take responsibility for their growth.
• Young professionals should take risks and explore various roles to discover their strengths.
• Leadership today requires agility, resilience, and vulnerability.
• Behavior change in leadership is challenging but can be achieved through small, intentional shifts.
• Networking and peer support are essential for leaders at all levels.
• Volunteering and internal committees can provide opportunities for skill development. Coaching requires powerful questioning and active listening.
• Young leaders often confuse problem-solving with coaching.
• Situational leadership helps toggle between directive and supportive roles.
• Setting clear expectations is crucial for team success.
• Self-awareness is key to effective leadership.
• Reflect on what you enjoy to identify your strengths.
• Peer networks can provide valuable support and learning opportunities.
• Leadership development doesn't always require formal programs.
• It's important to understand your biases as a leader.
• Taking a breath and letting go of pressure can lead to better outcomes.

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In this episode of the She Means Business podcast, hosts Gail Banack and Ilana Santone welcome Fiona Stevenson, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of the Idea Suite, an innovation agency. Fiona shares her journey from studying psychology to founding her agency, emphasizing the importance of energy in business and innovation. She discusses how to maintain energy, build a culture of innovation, and the significance of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership. Fiona provides practical tips for fostering creativity and innovation within teams, highlighting that everyone has the potential to be creative. The conversation concludes with Fiona's advice to her younger self about embracing imperfection and authenticity.

Key Takeaways:

• Energy plays a crucial role in business success and creativity.
• Building a culture of innovation requires psychological safety and leadership support.
• Everyone is inherently creative, but corporate culture can stifle this creativity.
• Intentionality in decision-making is key to maintaining energy and focus.
• Surrounding yourself with energizing people enhances creativity and productivity.
• Failure should be embraced as a learning opportunity in innovation.
• Innovation strategies must align with overall business goals.
• Vulnerability in leadership fosters authentic connections and growth.
• Practicing energy audits can help individuals identify what energizes or drains them.

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In this episode of the She Means Business podcast, hosts Gail Banack and Ilana Santone welcome Kate McKenna, a Canadian Screen Award-winning producer and broadcaster. Kate shares her winding career journey from aspiring teacher to media powerhouse, discussing her experiences in various roles, including her work on CTV's The Social. The conversation delves into the importance of authenticity in media, tangible tips for effective communication, and the challenges faced by millennials in the workplace. Kate also highlights her passion project, digital mini-series - Mom Life Crisis, which addresses the complexities of motherhood and career. The episode concludes with Kate's advice to her younger self about enjoying the journey and being present.

Key Takeaways:

• Kate's journey reflects the importance of adaptability in career paths.
• Authenticity is crucial in media and communication.
• Effective speech writing requires practice and preparation.
• First impressions are shaped by preparedness and active listening.
• Handling challenging questions requires honesty and authenticity.
• Creating impactful presentations involves engaging storytelling and audience consideration.
• Millennials seek meaningful work and human connection in the workplace.
• Celebrating achievements in the workplace reveals underlying values.
• Mom Life Crisis addresses the real struggles of motherhood and career.
• Being present in the moment enhances personal and professional experiences.

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In this episode of the She Means Business podcast, Ilana and Gail welcome Monica Awe, a seasoned fashion and lifestyle creator. Monica shares her journey from luxury retail to becoming a successful blogger and influencer, discussing the challenges and rewards of her career. She offers insights into her daily routine, the importance of planning content, and how to balance work and life as a creator. Monica also provides valuable fashion advice for women in the corporate world, emphasizing the significance of personal style and appearance. Throughout the conversation, she addresses the realities of dealing with criticism and the importance of staying true to oneself in the ever-evolving fashion industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Monica emphasizes the importance of planning content in advance.
• Monica advocates for clean basics and monochromatic outfits for professional appearances.
• Accessorizing can add personal style without overwhelming an outfit.
• Investing in classic designer pieces is a smart approach for beginners.
• Appearance significantly impacts how others perceive you in professional settings.
• Monica finds joy in helping others look and feel their best.
• Trusting one's instincts and embracing the journey is crucial for success.

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Kelly Pigeon, Vice President of E-commerce Platforms at Go TRG and founder of Epiphany, shares her entrepreneurial journey and the challenges she has faced. She discusses her previous ventures, including a clothing rental startup and a circular economy technology tool. She’s at it again, launching Epiphany, a company dedicated to empowering women's sexual pleasure. Kelly emphasizes the importance of resilience and learning from failure, as well as the need to surround yourself with the right people and build a strong network. Kelly Pigeon shares her entrepreneurial journey and the challenges she faced. She discusses the importance of resilience and the ability to pivot in order to succeed. The conversation also touches on the topic of network and mentorship in entrepreneurship.

Takeaways

• Resilience and learning from failure are key in entrepreneurship.
• Surround yourself with the right people and build a strong network.
• Dream big and take bold swings in your entrepreneurial endeavors. 
• It's important to bounce back from failures and keep pushing forward.
• Being open to pivoting is crucial for success. Adapting to changing circumstances and refining your product or strategy can lead to better outcomes.
• Entrepreneurship requires a combination of passion, curiosity, and a willingness to learn and adapt.

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