In this episode of the Trailblazers Experience podcast, Michaela Weber shares her remarkable career journey from her early years in Cape Cod to becoming the SVP & GM at BigCommerce. She discusses the importance of networking, navigating the financial crisis, and her transition into the FinTech and payments industry. Michaela emphasizes the significance of being open to new opportunities, the challenges of working in a global environment, and the need for women to empower each other in business. She also shares insights on finding balance in a demanding career and offers key takeaways for career growth.

Michaela Weber's career journey highlights the importance of networking, adaptability, and female empowerment in the business landscape. She shares valuable insights on navigating challenges, making strategic career choices, and encouraging other women in fintech.

• Discussing the role of networking in career advancement
• Reflections on starting her career during the financial crisis
• Emphasizing the value of taking risks and adopting new opportunities
• Insights gained from her experiences at Goldman Sachs and Bain
• Addressing challenges around work-life balance in demanding roles
• Focus on empowering women in technology and finance industries
• Sharing three key takeaways for career advancement and personal growth

 Chapters
00:27 Intro
00:28 Who is Michaela Weber ? The Early Years
03:41 Going to Germany and Teaching
06:50  High risk vs Cost of failure
09:21 Pursuing an MBA and New Opportunities
14:44 Strategic Career Moves and Option Expanding
21:27 Cross-Functional Collaboration in Global Organizations
28:10 Empowering Women in FinTech
33:59 The Myth of Work-Life Balance
39:16 Strategies for Effective Time Management
44:35 Outro

 Find Michaela
Linkedin :   (1) Michaela Weber | LinkedIn 
Watch on Youtube : https://youtu.be/zbVM7kRbp7Q 

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Join me for an inspiring conversation with Brie Reid, the visionary founder and CEO of Snag. Discover how her personal experience with uncomfortable tights led to a complete transformation in the fashion industry, starting with a simple survey of 3,000 people and growing into an ethical and size-inclusive clothing brand. Brie's journey from a marketing background to creating a product she truly believes in underscores the entrepreneurial spirit and highlights the importance of listening to customer needs.
 The episode ends with an inspiring discussion on potential customer ownership, echoing the community-driven success of BrewDog, and emphasizes the importance of balancing media consumption to maintain a positive and values-aligned digital environment.

Chapters
00:12 Introduction to Brie Reed and Snag
08:04 Overcoming Fear and Launching Snag
13:38 Expanding Beyond Tights: Customer-Driven Growth
19:16 Evolving as a Founder and CEO
25:34 The Psychological Impact of Fashion on Women
30:48 Communication and Collaboration in a Remote Work Environment
37:34 Building Relationships and Networking Effectively
47:17 Customer-Centric Business Models and Community Support
50.01 Takeaway Tips
54:19 Outro

Find Brie
Linkedin :  (4) Brie Read | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/brie-read
Instagram :  @Snagtights    https://www.instagram.com/snagtights/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
SNAG :   Ethical Tights & Clothes That Really Fit - Snag 

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Ever wondered how an unplanned journey could lead to a thriving career? Join us as we sit down with the incredible Yvette Janse van Rensburg, a master talent manager consultant and leadership coach, whose unexpected path from South Africa to the UK unfolds like a captivating novel. Originally meant to be a short stint abroad, Yvette's journey evolved into a nearly 20-year exploration of recruitment, human resources, and talent management. . Our conversation ends with a focus on the future, including the aspiration to create "corporate athletes" and a checklist for seeking mentorship. Tune in for a rich tapestry of stories and practical advice to inspire your own career journey.


Chapters 
00:12 Intro
05:38 Transitioning into Talent Management and Consulting
11:42 Navigating Career Challenges and Comfort Zones
18:08 Strategies for Work-Life Balance
26:44 Building a Personal Brand
35:34 Future Goals and Aspirations
41:01 Core Values and Resilience
46:28 Key Takeaways for Personal and Professional Growth

Find Yvette
Linkedin :https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvettejansevanrensburg/ 
Instagram  @the_balancecoach
Watch Episode on Youtube : https://youtu.be/A9wGXBUd7Ck 

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EP67 Our next guest is Tash Courtenay Smith Entrepreneur , Investor , Author and Founder of Biz Kids
Unleash the secrets of entrepreneurial success with Tash Courtenay Smith, a former health journalist turned dynamic entrepreneur and founder of Biz Kids. In our latest episode, Tash shares her exhilarating journey from aspiring to join the police force to revolutionizing children's education on TikTok. Her story is filled with pivotal moments that led her to embrace entrepreneurship, offering insights on balancing career ambitions with parenting, and the societal pressures women face in seeking work-life harmony.
Finally, Tash delves into her passion for empowering women in business, discussing initiatives like Meta's She Means Business program and her platform, Tash Talks. We reflect on the evolving narrative around women's roles in leadership and the importance of showcasing female success stories. Tash's journey is a testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship and personal growth, leaving listeners inspired to redefine success on their own terms.

Chapters
00:12 Intro
01:56 Tash's Early years and starting out!
03:36 Transitioning into Media and Journalism
07:50 Founding Talk to the Press
12:29 The Journey of Building a Business
14:48 Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
19:25 The Concept Behind BizKids
23:31 The Birth of BizKids
26:01 The Impact of AI on Education
29:06 Navigating Challenges in Entrepreneurship
33:38 Funding Strategies for Entrepreneurs
39:28 Redefining Success in Business
42:02 The Power of Personal Branding
44:23 Embracing Vulnerability and Self-Trust
44:49 Imposter Syndrome and getting out of your head
48:00 Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
53:08 Balancing Ambition and Self-Care
59:59 Childhood Influences on Drive and Ambition
01:01:17 Future Aspirations and Impact
01:01:46 Trailblazer Takeaway Tips
01:05:28 Outro


Find Tash Courtenay Smith
Tash | Inspiration, Education and Connection
Linkedin  Tash Courtenay-Smith | LinkedIn
Instagram  @tash_courtenay
https://www.instagram.com/tash_courtenay
Biz Kids Biz Kids | Britain's youngest entrepreneurial community
Notting Hill Shopping Bag Notting Hill Bag – Notting Hill Bag

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EP66 Jade Sammour Founder and CEO Dainty London 
In this episode of the Trailblazers Experience, Jade Sammour shares her inspiring journey from being a children's heart transplant specialist to founding her own jewellery brand, Dainty London. She discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of networking, and how she balances motherhood with running a business. Jade emphasizes the value of mentorship, the power of creativity, and the significance of building a community around her brand. Her story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of passion in the face of adversity.
Her journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance, offering a treasure trove of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs. Tune in to hear Jade’s story of turning dreams into reality and her insightful lessons on navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.

Chapters
00:12 The Journey Begins: From Medicine to Jewellery
03:11 Building a Brand: The Birth of Dainty London
03:59 Idris Elba bought my Ring for Sabrina Elba 
05:47 Challenges and Triumphs: Navigating Entrepreneurship
08:33 The Balancing Act: Motherhood and Business
11:33 Learning from Mistakes: Insights for New Entrepreneurs
14:11 Harnessing ADHD: A Unique Perspective on Creativity
17:05 Networking: The Key to Growth?
29:19 Creating a Supportive Network for Women Entrepreneurs
32:16 Balancing Business and Family Life
36:53 Establishing Boundaries and Avoiding Burnout
41:44 The Importance of Continuous Learning
42:23 Networking and Building Relationships
51:46 Collaborations and Partnerships for Growth
55:29 Expanding Presence: Offline Strategies
56:29 Key Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
58:46 Outro

Find Jade Sammour 
Daintylondon.com
Instagram : @Dainty_london_jewellery
Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jade-sammour
Six Figured Females Community : https://sixfiguredfemales.com/about/
Watch Podcast :https://youtu.be/X_2Gxb_TCic

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Ever wondered how a business can not only thrive but also empower others? Join us on the Trailblazers Experience podcast as we welcome Nyeji Mhango, the inspiring founder of wCAP Investments. With over two decades in corporate finance, Nyeji has been a beacon of change in Southern Africa, advocating for climate finance and gender lens investing. Her profound journey from corporate finance to working with the Zambian government reveals the power of resilience and vision. Learn how her strategic moves and diplomatic roles opened up new pathways for educational and professional growth, setting the stage for her impactful work today.
We uncover the driving force behind wCAP Investments, a company that champions female-led businesses with a unique blend of servant leadership and strategic foresight.
Chapters

00:15 Intro
02:06 From Corporate Finance to Entrepreneurship
08:00 The Mission of WCAP Investments
10:37 Navigating International and Local Markets
12:21 Success Stories: Zanga African Metrics
15:49 Challenges Faced in Entrepreneurship
22:52 Building a Supportive Network for Women Entrepreneurs
25:57 Balancing Work and Personal Life
29:06 Understanding the Art of Pitching
35:02 Building Meaningful Partnerships
37:32 Finding Motivation and Work-Life Balance
41:03 The Importance of Mentorship
43:48 Future Aspirations and Goals
45:01 Trailblazer Takeaway Tips
45:56 Find your Purpose
51:20 outro

Find Nyeji
Linkedin : Nyeji Chilembo-Mhango, MSc. | LinkedIn
WCAP : Our Team – wCap – Women Capital
Instagram: @wcapzm 
Watch Youtube Podcast : https://youtu.be/gfTwS3emB8A

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EP64 Our next Guest is Sairan Aqrawi ,Engineer , Speaker ,Author and Coach
In this episode of the Trailblazer Experience podcast, Sairan Aqrawi shares her inspiring journey from being an immigrant engineer to a successful business coach. She discusses the challenges of pursuing the American dream, the importance of transferable skills, and the balance between emotional intelligence and technical expertise. Sairan emphasizes the significance of authenticity, mastery, and continuous practice in both coaching and public speaking. She encourages listeners to find their hidden talents and to be committed to their goals, while also sharing her aspirations for global impact and representation.

Chapters
00:15 Introduction
02:41 Navigating the American Dream
05:32 Transferable Skills in Engineering and Coaching
08:28 The Balance of IQ and EQ
11:29 Mastery Over Multitasking
14:35 The Importance of Self-Care and Commitment
17:24 Building a Business and Overcoming Criticism
20:21 Embracing Change and Continuous Learning
23:28 The Power of Networking and Self-Development
26:21 Confidence Through Competence
29:16 The Evolution of Public Speaking
31:48 The Art of Authentic Speaking
35:25 Passion, Practice, and the Path to Mastery
38:48 The Power of Words and Mindset
43:07 Finding Your Unique Voice
48:08 Vision for Global Impact and Representation
53:39 Trailblazer Tips for Success
54:43 Outro

Find Sairan
Linkedin :www.linkedin.com/in/sairan-aqrawi-m-sc-993bb61a3
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sairanaqrawi/?hl=en
Speakerhub : https://speakerhub.com/skillcamp/how-sairan-aqrawi-integrated-her-engineering-skills-speaking-career-breakthrough

This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to pivot in their career, embrace new challenges, and craft a life filled with purpose and success.

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EP63 In this episode of the Trailblazers Experience Podcast, Naseema, Adam , founder of Saaabuni, Skincare shares her inspiring journey from a health and safety professional to an entrepreneur in the skincare industry. She discusses the challenges she faced as a female founder, the importance of Ayurvedic principles in her products, and her vision for creating a community around natural skincare. Naseema emphasizes the need for education in skincare, the significance of networking, and the joy of balancing personal and professional life. Her story is a testament to resilience, curiosity, and the pursuit of passion in business.

Listeners are invited to explore the dynamic balance between entrepreneurship and family life as Naseema candidly discusses the challenges of managing a bootstrap business. Her narrative is a testament to the power of community and collaboration, revealing how she has successfully integrated her family into the brand, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and connection.

Chapters
00:15 Intro
03:17 Inspiration Behind Saaabuni
09:03 Ayurvedic Principles in Skincare
13:04 Challenges of Running a Bootstrap Business
19:27 Values of Joyfulness, Vibrancy, and Eco-Friendliness
29:13 The Love for Product Development and Challenges
32:30 The Power of Networking and Women Supporting Women
40:21 Dividing Roles and Building a Strong Foundation
47:21 The Long-Term Vision for Saaabuni
51:07 Trailblazer Takeaways: Forge Ahead
53:09 Outro

Find Naseema Adam
Instagram ‪ @saaabuni
https://www.instagram.com/saaabuni/?__pwa=1
Website : https://saabuni.co.uk/
Linkedin   https://www.linkedin.com/in/naseema-adam-53b749134
Watch Youtube : https://youtu.be/eSxpGUlnNvE

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EP62 Guest is Charlotte Blackler , Founder of Mena ( Mena-pause Food Range ) 
In this episode of the Trailblazers Experience podcast, my guest is Charlotte Blackler shares her journey from pharmaceuticals to founding a menopause-friendly food brand. She discusses the importance of nutrition in managing menopause symptoms, the challenges of starting a business, and the significance of community support. Charlotte emphasizes the need for women to take control of their health through diet and lifestyle changes, rather than relying solely on HRT. She also shares valuable lessons learned as an entrepreneur and encourages women to seek help and not to assume they can't achieve their goals.

Empowerment, experience, and networking emerge as key themes as Charlotte reflects on her transition from feeling empowered at 40 to invincible at 50. She emphasizes the value of women supporting women in business, sharing stories of creative collaborations and the power of leveraging support systems. As the episode unfolds, we explore lessons from entrepreneurship, the significance of self-care, and the potential for menopause-friendly foods to reshape how societies view and manage menopause, envisioning a future where dietary choices lead to symptom-free experiences.

Chapters
00:15 Introduction and Background
03:27 The Impact of Nutrition on Health and Disease Prevention
05:28 Understanding Menopause and its Symptoms
07:34 The Importance of Plant Estrogens in Menopause
11:36 The Challenges and Influence of the Food Industry
15:46 Changing Palates and the Need for Healthier Options
18:05 The Perimenopausal Phase and the Role of Estrogen
20:09 Starting a Business to Empower Women
24:31 Exploring Alternative Solutions for Menopause
30:33 The Importance of Networking and Community in Business and Menopause
37:09 Lessons Learned as an Entrepreneur
41:38 The Role of Menopause-Friendly Food in Shaping the Future
43:44 Trailblazer Takeaway Tips 

Find Charlotte Blackler and Shop Mena products 
Instagram ‪@mena_pause
Website : https://www.mena-pause.com/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-blackler-1a9a56259/

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EP61  In this episode of the Trailblazers Experience Podcast, Mo Carrier, co-founder of My Bliss, shares her journey of creating a sexual wellness brand focused on women's health and pleasure. Mo Carrier's journey into the realm of sexual wellness started with a personal crisis. After enduring severe side effects from hormonal contraception, Mo co-founded my Bliss to offer better alternatives for women. This episode explores her inspiring mission to empower women in their sexual health, addressing the hurdles they face and the crucial role of male allyship. Learn how my Bliss is tackling the gap with products that cater specifically to women's bodies, and what it means to redefine sexual wellness from a female perspective. Don’t miss out on this compelling story of resilience, innovation, and empowerment.


Chapters
00:15 Introduction to My Bliss and the Mission
03:12 Starting My Bliss: From Personal Experience to Business
07:30 Repositioning Condoms as a Women's Health Essential
13:16 Challenges and Milestones in Starting a Condom Company
23:44 Networking and Finding a Supportive Tribe
29:36 Lessons Learned and Trailblazer Takeaways
32:11 Outro

Find Mo Carrier and Mybliss  https://my-bliss.co.uk/
Instagram ‪@myblissofficial
Linkedin :  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-carrier/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-bliss/
Watch Youtube  https://youtu.be/uMH_YcsbYfE

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