By Aransas Savas
4.9
6060 ratings
The podcast currently has 88 episodes available.
Ever notice that the faces of founders of billion-dollar tech companies all look pretty much the same? Regina Gwynn has – and she's doing something about it. As co-founder of Black Women Talk Tech, Regina is flipping the script on what a tech founder looks like, helping Black women build the next generation of billion-dollar businesses. "When you think about a tech founder, you think of Mark Zuckerberg, Peter Thiel, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates," she notes. "They have a lot in common, don't you think?"
Named one of the 100 most powerful women by Entrepreneur Magazine and featured in Essence Magazine's top 10 women in tech, Regina's journey from self-described "mall rat" to tech mogul is reshaping what's possible. Through the groundbreaking Roadmap to Billions conference, the largest technology conference for Black women in the country, Regina and her team are educating, amplifying, and funding the next generation of tech leaders. But what truly sets Regina apart is her insistence that women think bigger. "Guys aren't thinking about making just $10 million," she points out. "We need to be thinking about how to build $500 million, billion-dollar companies."
Regina's approach to scaling impact while maintaining wellbeing offers valuable lessons for any woman building something meaningful. Her secret? Working smarter, not harder. "Your ability to produce output is directly correlated to your ability to scale," she shares. "Millions of people cannot be reached with one person working all the time. There have to be tools, systems, processes, and automation."
"Founder self-care is just as necessary as the pitch deck or the customer service strategy... If you aren't whole, if you don't have the mental, emotional, spiritual capacity to govern yourself, then where can your business go?"5 Key Uplifting Lessons1. Think Bigger Than You're Comfortable With: The path to real impact requires stretching beyond conventional goals. Don't settle for $10 million when you could build a billion-dollar company.
2. Choose Your Hard: Every path has its challenges. Whether it's building a business or going back to corporate life, consciously choose which "hard" aligns with your vision.
3. Delegation is Freedom: Learning to delegate – whether to people or to different time periods – is crucial for scaling and preventing burnout.
4. Small Tests, Big Learning: Start with small investments ($500-$1000) to test ideas and approaches. Learning what doesn't work is just as valuable as finding what does.
5. Community Creates Momentum: The power of network and relationships translates into lifting entire communities and changing the trajectory of what's possible for future generations.
🌟 Wear your inspiration with an Uplifter necklace. Treat yourself or gift one HERE.
💡 Need clarity on your vision? Explore private coaching to illuminate your next chapter HERE.
🚀 Is your team ready to soar? Discover how I can boost your high-performers HERE.
👭 Join an Uplifters Circle for regular doses of support and sisterhood. Details HERE.
At just 22, Alli Schroeder has already blazed trails most wouldn't dare to walk. As the first woman to play in the Canadian Collegiate Baseball Conference and a 2X bronze medalist with Team Canada's national baseball team, she's no stranger to being the only woman on the field. But perhaps even more impressively, when she's not commanding the pitcher's mound, she's battling wildfires in British Columbia's challenging terrain.
Growing up in the small town of Fruitvale, BC (population: roughly 1,000), Alli learned early that resilience isn't just about individual strength – it's about creating positive change for others. Inspired by her mother, who also works in the male-dominated wildfire industry, Alli developed a unique approach to handling adversity: stay emotionless in the face of challenge but let your passion fuel your purpose.
Today, Alli's impact reaches far beyond the baseball diamond. When she returns to her hometown, she sees young girls playing baseball without hesitation – a stark contrast to her early days as the only female player. Her story is now featured in See Her, Be Her, a documentary chronicling seven remarkable women in baseball worldwide, which premiered on MLB Network last week.
5 Key Uplifting Lessons from Alli's Journey:1. Turn Criticism into Purpose: Instead of letting negative voices derail you, use them as motivation to create better opportunities for those who follow. Alli transformed the challenges she faced into a determination to make baseball more accessible for future female players.
2. Redefine Work Ethic: True work ethic isn't about going hard 100% of the time – it's about strategic thinking, knowing when to rest, and understanding what you need in each moment to perform at your best long-term.
3. Lead with Resilience: Sometimes, showing no emotion is a form of strength. As Alli learned on the pitcher's mound, maintaining composure under pressure isn't about suppressing feelings – it's about channeling them productively.
4. Find Your Team: Whether on a baseball field or fighting fires, success comes from working within your strengths while supporting others. Recognize that some days, you'll operate at 30%, and that's when your team lifts you up.
5. Prioritize Recovery: The highest performers understand that rest isn't weakness – it's strategic. Taking time to recover, whether through cold water therapy, family time, or simply sleeping well, is crucial for sustained excellence.
What do you think?Please click here to complete our listener survey. It’ll take less than 2 minutes. I read every response and use your feedback to continuously improve our show for you.
The Uplifters’ WebAlli was nominated by Tammie Meaks, a wonderful member of our production partners at Produce Your Podcast.
This week’s opening is by the wonderful Lisa Crozier whose story was featured in episode 13.
In a week where election results have left many Americans feeling the depths of our divisions, Susan McPherson's wisdom about authentic connection feels more vital than ever. As communities across the country grapple with political polarization and social isolation, her message about breaking out of our "hermetically sealed bubbles" and connecting across differences offers a path forward - not just for our personal relationships, but for our collective healing.
Growing up in the late 60s and 70s, Susan would watch her parents at the breakfast table, methodically clipping newspaper articles that made them think of friends, colleagues, and former students. With their manual typewriters, they'd craft personal notes to accompany each clipping before sending them off through the mail. This weekly ritual of thoughtful connection would shape Susan's understanding of what it means to truly connect with others - and eventually inspire her to write The Lost Art of Connecting: The Gather, Ask, Do Method for Building Meaningful Business Relationships to help others rediscover the power of meaningful relationships in our digital age.
As a self-described "serial connector" and someone who admits that connecting is "really the only thing I'm good at," Susan has developed a framework that flips traditional networking on its head. Instead of focusing on what we can get from others, she advocates for leading with how we can help - an approach that feels especially relevant in our post-pandemic world where many are craving deeper, more intentional connections.
5 Key Uplifting Lessons:Please click here to complete our listener survey. It’ll take less than 2 minutes. I read every response and use your feedback to continuously improve our show for you.
The Uplifters’ WebThis week’s opening is by the wonderful Kym Dakin
Susan was nominated by Daisy Auger-Dominguez.
Let’s keep rising higher together.
💓 Aransas
From a tiny Chinese village without electricity to launching a $100 million home décor empire, Jenny Jing Zhu's story is a masterclass in turning limited resources into limitless possibilities.
As the founder and chairwoman of Lush Decor Home, Jenny transformed herself from a hotel maid in Beijing to a powerhouse entrepreneur in America, while learning english alongside the toddler she was caring for as a nanny.
Jenny's path came with plenty of dramatic setbacks. After launching Lush Decor, she was betrayed by a business partner who tried to force her out of her company. But rather than letting this experience destroy her courage, Jenny used it to create an exceptionally diverse and empathetic company culture. Today, Lush Decor operates like a "United Nations," with team members speaking 11 different languages and representing multiple generations of immigrants.
Now, Jenny's story has inspired both a memoir, Dream Weaver, and a short film that recently premiered at the Venice Film Festival. In this powerful conversation on The Uplifters Podcast, you’ll learn the mindset strategies she uses to overcome challenges and grow in the face of obstacles.
When I first arrived in the United States, I was overwhelmed. I was a young woman from a small village in China, suddenly thrust into a world that felt completely foreign. I didn’t speak the language, I didn’t understand the culture, and I felt utterly alone. But even in those moments of doubt, I held tightly onto my dreams. My dreams became my guiding light, the driving force that pushed me to face every challenge head-on. There were countless moments when I questioned if I had what it took to build a life here. I took on jobs I had no experience in, navigated a new country with nothing but a dream, and faced uncertainty with no guarantee of success. But I refused to let go of the vision I had for my future. With every step, I reminded myself that each obstacle was a lesson, an opportunity to learn and grow stronger. I began to see every challenge as a thread I could weave into the tapestry of my life—threads of passion, grit, and determination. Together, they created a safety net that caught me every time I stumbled. What I want you to know is this: Hold onto your dreams. Let them be your anchor and your motivation. Use them to propel you forward, even when the path seems unclear or daunting. If you can keep your dreams in sight, they will give you the strength to face any challenge and the courage to turn obstacles into opportunities. If I can make it through those difficult times—feeling lost in a new city, struggling to find my footing, and building my dream from the ground up—so can you. Your dreams are the fuel that will keep you moving forward. Every challenge you face is an opportunity to discover your strength and turn your dreams into reality. You have the power within you to shape your future, no matter how insurmountable the obstacles might seem. Believe in your dreams, believe in your ability to overcome, and know that you’re not alone on this journey. If I could find my way and make my dreams a reality, I know you can too. Keep dreaming, keep striving, and never lose sight of the beautiful life you are capable of creating.5 Key Uplifting Lessons:1. Don't wait for perfect conditions – sometimes you just have to leap and trust you'll figure things out along the way
2. When self-doubt creeps in, respond with action rather than overthinking
3. Forgiveness, especially of yourself, is not weakness – it's the key to moving forward
4. You can't pour from an empty cup – self-care isn't selfish, it's essential for sustained leadership
5. True success isn't about money or power, but about creating relationships that help everyone become better versions of themselves
What do you think?Please click here to complete our listener survey. It’ll take less than 2 minutes. I read every response and use your feedback to continuously improve our show for you.
The Uplifters’ WebThis week’s opening is by the wonderful Kyia Downing.
Let’s keep rising higher together.
💓 Aransas
Uplift With Us!🌟 Wear your inspiration with an Uplifter necklace. Treat yourself or gift one HERE.
💡 Need clarity on your vision? Explore private coaching to illuminate your next chapter HERE.
🚀 Is your team ready to soar? Discover how I can boost your high-performers HERE.
👭 Join an Uplifters Circle for regular doses of support and sisterhood. Details HERE.
In the 1970s, Melanie Cohen's dad had a PhD in chemical engineering and applied physics, doing innovative work in clean fuels. He was also dealing drugs to fund his addictions and lavish lifestyle.
His addiction to drugs and money was a continuation of his father's addiction to gambling. This inherited tendency toward an insatiable desire for "more" led to Melanie's food addiction, which we joked was a generational journey from Craps, to Crack, to Crackers.
After learning to rebuild her relationship with food, Melanie became interested in how the constant chatter and clutter of "more" in other domains, like finances, was impacting her life. By learning to apply the same tools, mental models, and practices she used to create a healthy relationship with food, she learned to clear her own clutter, live in alignment with her values, and find her greatest satisfaction in helping others do the same.
Today, as a transformative coach, Melanie teaches people how to identify and clear four types of clutter holding them back: physical, digital, mental, and financial. In this episode, she shares practical strategies like her 30-day decluttering challenge (start with one item on day one, two items on day two, and so on until you've cleared over 450 items in a month) and offers wisdom about why we hold onto things that no longer serve us. Whether you're drowning in physical stuff, digital overwhelm, or limiting beliefs about money and worth, Melanie's insights will help you create space for what truly matters.
Join the ChallengeReady to create more space in your life? Join Melanie and me in the 30-Day Declutter Challenge, starting November 1! Join our private Facebook group to learn more.
5 Key Uplifting Lessons:https://melaniecohen.podia.com https://www.facebook.com/MelanieThoughtFullyCoachingLissCohen https://www.instagram.com/thoughtfully_coaching/ https://www.youtube.com/@MelanieCohen-TFCoach2023 https://www.tiktok.com/@thoughtfullycoaching?lang=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-cohen-bb56107/
What do you think?Please click here to complete our listener survey. It’ll take less than 2 minutes and it will make a big difference!
The Uplifters’ WebThis week’s opening is by the wonderful Kate Tellers, from episode 59 of this podcast.
It’s pretty scary to put yourself out there in a world that can feel really divided, but Lovisa Brown, the Executive Director of Extreme Kids and Crew, is proving that we find our way back to one another not through layering on our protective masks, but by taking them off. A nod or smile acknowledges our shared humanity, moments of honesty when we admit that we don’t know all the answers help others feel braver doing the same, and creating spaces for differences to take the lead ensures that we break through the limits of our own experience. Lovisa and her team spend their days looking for ways to create these connections for neurodivergent children and their families, but it’s also the way Lovisa lives and leads in every area of her life.
In this inspiring episode, Lovisa shares her journey of creating environments where vulnerability is celebrated, differences are embraced, and every individual is seen for their unique superpowers. From fostering inclusivity in public spaces to championing transparency in leadership, Lovisa's approach reminds us of the power of human connection and the importance of acknowledging our shared humanity.
5 Key Uplifting Lessons:https://www.extremekidsandcrew.org/ https://www.facebook.com/extremekidsandcrew/ https://www.instagram.com/extreme_kids_and_crew
What do you think?Please click here to complete our listener survey. It’ll take less than 2 minutes and it will make a big difference!
This week’s opening is by my dear friend, Karen Poel.
Let’s keep rising higher together.
💓 Aransas
Uplift With Us!🌟 Wear your inspiration with an Uplifter necklace. Treat yourself or gift one HERE.
💡 Need clarity on your vision? Explore private coaching to illuminate your next chapter HERE.
🚀 Is your team ready to soar? Discover how I can boost your high-performers HERE.
👭 Join an Uplifters Circle for regular doses of support and sisterhood. Details HERE.
Every episode of this podcast is special, but this one is extra, extra special.
Today I'm thrilled to introduce you to the wizard behind my own dreams coming true. As we close on our dream house (today!), I'm acutely aware this wouldn't be possible without our guest's expertise. While I understand human behavior, the stock market was Greek to me (the non-Greek in my marriage). Enter Veronica Karas: financial planner extraordinaire, who bridges the gap between mindsets and markets. Veronica has guided us from goal-setting to dream-achieving. Now she's here to empower you and change how you think about money.
As a refugee immigrant from Belarus, she arrived in America at a young age with her family, each carrying just two suitcases and $40. Witnessing her grandfather fall victim to predatory financial practices ignited a passion in Veronica to help others navigate the complex world of finance.
With a unique blend of financial expertise and coaching skills, Veronica has made it her mission to demystify money matters and help people create abundance in their lives. She believes that money is not evil but rather a tool that creates options and freedom. Through her work as a certified financial planner and her books on financial literacy, Veronica is changing lives one budget at a time.
Veronica takes a holistic approach to financial wellbeing. She understands that money is deeply intertwined with our psychology, our relationships, and our overall life satisfaction. Her advice goes beyond numbers, encouraging people to align their finances with their values and create a life that makes their hearts smile.
Money just creates options. If you're in a perpetual debt cycle, your only option is to pay it off or go bankrupt. If you start saving, you open additional windows of opportunity for yourself.
5 Uplifting Lessons from Veronica1. It's never too late to start taking control of your finances. Better late than never!
2. Money is a tool that can create more choices in your life. Use it wisely to open doors of opportunity.
3. Self-care and financial wellbeing are interconnected. Take care of both for a more balanced life.
4. Align your spending with your values and priorities. Your budget is a reflection of what matters most to you.
5. Financial literacy is empowering. The more you understand about money, the more freedom you'll have to create the life you want.
About Veronica
Veronica Karas is a Certified Financial Planner™ Professional and Principal for CAPTRUST, a leading independent investment research and fee-based advisory firm. With over a decade of experience, Veronica is known for her holistic approach to financial planning, which includes investment management, retirement planning, estate planning, tax planning, and risk management.
Veronica's financial planning services are personalized to each client's unique goals, risk tolerance, and financial situation. She is dedicated to helping her clients achieve their financial goals and create a lasting legacy. Veronica is the author of the ‘Money Matters’ series of books and a regular speaker on financial planning topics. She has been featured in Forbes, CNBC, Bloomberg, and recognized as one of the top financial planners in the United States.
In addition to her financial planning designation she has also obtained the following additional specialized certifications:
1) Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA)
2) Elder Planning Specialist
3) Certified Financial Counselor
4) Master of Business Administration (MBA)
5) Level 1 Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
6) Certified Charitable Giving Specialist
7) Registered Social Security Analyst (RSSA)
In progress: Master’s of Science in Taxation (MTAX)
Veronica lives in Port Washington with her husband, sons, and three rescue pets. In addition to her work as a financial advisor, she is the CAPTRUST Community Foundation Co-President and is committed to giving back to the community.
What do you think?Please click here to complete our listener survey. It’ll take less than 2 minutes and it will make a big difference!
The Uplifters’ WebThis week’s opening is by the amazing Kara Cutruzzula.
Let’s keep rising higher together.
💓 Aransas
Uplift With Us!🌟 Wear your inspiration with an Uplifter necklace. Treat yourself or gift one HERE.
💡 Need clarity on your vision? Explore private coaching to illuminate your next chapter HERE.
🚀 Is your team ready to soar? Discover how I can boost your high-performers HERE.
👭 Join an Uplifters Circle for regular doses of support and sisterhood. Details HERE.
What started as a simple desire to share excess tomatoes from her hydroponic garden has blossomed into RVA Community Fridges, a network of 14 community fridges serving food apartheid communities. Taylor's infectious enthusiasm and "delusionally optimistic" outlook have transformed the way her community thinks about food security, proving that sometimes the biggest changes start with the smallest seeds.
In this episode, Taylor shares the whirlwind journey of RVA Community Fridges, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a vital community resource, as well as practical insights for turning the spark of an idea into a movement.
Taylor’s story is a powerful reminder that with creativity, determination, and a little bit of "delusional optimism," we all have the power to make a significant impact in our communities.
5 key uplifting lessons:1. Small acts of generosity can spark significant change in communities.
2. Success can be measured in small, daily victories rather than grand end results.
3. Addressing systemic issues like food apartheid requires creative, community-driven solutions.
4. Embracing "delusional optimism" can help overcome initial doubts and fears.
5. Community involvement and feedback are crucial for sustainable, impactful projects.
Please Lift Up The UpliftersPlease click here to complete our listener survey. It’ll take less than 2 minutes and it will make a big difference!
The Uplifters’ WebTaylor was nominated by Caroline Scruggs.
This week’s opening is by the amazing Julie B. Hughes
Uplift With Us!🌟 Wear your inspiration with an Uplifter necklace. Treat yourself or gift one HERE.
💡 Need clarity on your vision? Explore private coaching to illuminate your next chapter HERE.
🚀 Is your team ready to soar? Discover how I can boost your high-performers HERE.
👭 Join an Uplifters Circle for regular doses of support and sisterhood. Details HERE.
As the founder of Emma's Torch, she's created a launchpad for refugees, asylees, and survivors of human trafficking. Through culinary education, ESL classes, and job placement assistance, Emma’s Torch is helping America's newest arrivals chart their own course to success.
In this episode, Kerry shares how she went from from DC politics to nonprofit founder. She dishes on the challenges of balancing work and family life, and serves up some food for thought on what it truly means to lead authentically. Kerry's story is a reminder that sometimes the most powerful question we can ask ourselves is "whose permission are you waiting for?"
Instead of “Why me?” I ask, “Why not me? What barrier is in front of me that's making this impossible? Who is the gatekeeper whose opinion matters more than my conviction? Whose opinion or rules matter more than the needs of this moment?”
5 Key Uplifting Lessons:Vote
The Uplifters’ WebLet’s keep rising higher together.
💓 Aransas
Her journey is a testament to the power of community and the ripple effect of love. As co-founder of the Struggle of Love Foundation, Lucky LaKeshia has spent over two decades uplifting her Denver community. In this conversation, LaKeshia shares how she went from surviving to thriving and how she's teaching at-risk youth to do the same through goal-setting, self-love, and community support.
Get ready to be inspired as LaKeshia takes us on a journey from her humble beginnings to leading an organization that touches countless lives. You'll learn about her innovative approach to youth mentoring, her struggles with self-care (we can all relate!), and simple shifts you can make to boost your sense of hope. LaKeshia's infectious energy and unwavering commitment to her community will leave you feeling uplifted and ready to make a difference in your own corner of the world.
5 Key Uplifting Lessons:“Surround yourself with positivity, lean on your community for support, and always believe in your own resilience.”
Please Lift Up The UpliftersVote
The Uplifters’ WebLet’s keep rising higher together. And pleaseeeee tell me your affirmation names, friends!
💓Authentic Aransas
🌟 Wear your inspiration with an Uplifter necklace. Treat yourself or gift one HERE.
💡 Need clarity on your vision? Explore private coaching to illuminate your next chapter HERE.
🚀 Is your team ready to soar? Discover how I can boost your high-performers HERE.
👭 Join an Uplifters Circle for regular doses of support and sisterhood. Details HERE.
The podcast currently has 88 episodes available.
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