In this personal solo episode, Valerie opens up about her layoff, the emotional and practical journey that followed, and the powerful lessons she learned while rebuilding her career with intention. She shares how she navigated uncertainty, reconnected with her core values, trusted her intuition, and ultimately chose alignment over ego—even when the “logical” choice seemed easier.

This episode is a grounding, heartfelt reminder that your body knows, your values matter, and your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

Valerie’s Journey in This Episode

• The moment she knew a layoff was coming—and why it felt strangely right.
• The shock of entering a tough job market after 17 years in one organization.
• A terrible interview that clarified what she didn’t want.
• A temporary role that felt like “homecoming.”
• A high-paying, high-title offer she turned down because her body said no.
• The realization that alignment > achievement.
• The peace she feels now doing work she genuinely loves: employee experience, engagement, well-being, and culture.

A Message for Anyone in Transition

If you’re navigating a layoff, career change, or a season of uncertainty, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone—and that clarity, alignment, and purpose often emerge from the messiest chapters.

Closing

Thank you for being part of this journey. Valerie sends love, encouragement, and a reminder that your richest, most meaningful life is already unfolding—one aligned choice at a time.

Connect with The Women On Top:

Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.  Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories!

• Website: https://thewomenontop.com/
  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop 
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/
  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

In this episode, Dr. Saru Bala joins Valerie to break down the foundations of women’s hormonal health in a practical, empowering way.

They explore how stress, gut health, blood sugar, and liver function all work together to influence cycles, symptoms, and long-term wellness. The conversation challenges common misconceptions about “normal” periods, aging, metabolism, and conditions like endometriosis and PCOS—while offering realistic, root-cause strategies women can start using immediately.

This episode is a reminder that your symptoms are not random—they’re signals—and learning to interpret them is a powerful first step toward healing.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Saru Bala and Her Mission
03:02 The Importance of Women's Health Awareness
05:58 Understanding Normal vs. Painful Periods
09:06 The Role of Hormones in Women's Health
12:03 Four Pillars of Hormone Health
15:00 Gut Health and Its Connection to Hormones
18:11 Endometriosis and Inflammation
20:50 Creating an Action Plan for Hormonal Health
23:47 The Impact of Stress on Women's Health
30:08 Understanding Cortisol and Its Impact
33:25 Recognizing Stress Signals
35:41 The Truth About Metabolism and Aging
37:57 The Connection Between Stress and Weight Gain
38:33 Nutrition: Finding What Works for You
40:06 The Role of Fasting in Health
41:15 Empowering Women Through Health Education
44:10 Navigating Healthcare: Finding the Right Support
46:39 The Benefits of Castor Oil Packs
50:06 Final Thoughts on Self-Care and Awareness

Connect with Dr. Bala:

Website: https://www.drsarubala.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drsarubala?lang=en

Blog: https://www.drsarubala.com/blog

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarubala

Connect with The Women On Top:

Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.  Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories!

• Website: https://thewomenontop.com/
  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop 
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/
  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

When her marriage ended, SC Perot had to rebuild her entire life from the ground up. What she didn't expect was that the rebuilding would start on long walks, with Harry Styles' music in her ears, slowly leading her back to her own joy. 

In this episode, SC shares how that unlikely ritual cracked open a life beyond anything she had planned for, and we talk about what it means to actually follow the internal nudges pointing you toward your dreams, long before you understand where they're taking you.

Chapters

00:00 From Law to Joy: SC's Journey
03:01 The Role of Mentorship in Career Transitions
05:56 Navigating Burnout and Career Clarity
08:58 The Power of Decisive Action
12:04 Finding Your Unique Dreams
14:53 Embracing Change and New Opportunities
28:15 The Journey of Joy and Self-Discovery
35:39 Finding Joy in the Everyday
40:13 Balancing Present Gratitude and Future Goals
42:51 Living in the Moment: The Power of Joy
46:49 Advice for the Next Generation: Trust the Process

More About SC Perot:

Website: https://www.scperot.com/

Styles of Joy Book: https://www.amazon.com/Styles-Joy-Feel-Good-Framework-Rediscovering/dp/1637633459

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scperot/

Anne Levine - Law School Expert: https://www.lawschoolexpert.com/about-ann/
Ingrid Fattel Lee - Joyful: https://aestheticsofjoy.com/
Harry Styles - Carla's Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tIC16OCb0k

Connect with The Women On Top:

Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.  Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories!

• Website: https://thewomenontop.com/
  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop 
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/
  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

There is a condition that will affect every single woman on the planet. Not most women. Every woman. And for generations, we have treated it like a secret.

Madge Rumman decided she had seen enough.

A fintech veteran who could have kept building in the world she knew, Madge followed a quieter and more urgent call into women's health — co-founding Blair Health, Canada's first AI-powered platform for perimenopause and menopause care. Built on one belief: that every woman deserves fast, expert care without a nine-month waitlist standing between her and answers.

In this episode we get into why the menopause care system is broken, what Blair Health is doing to fix it, and what Madge learned about betting on yourself when the perfect moment never comes.

What we cover:

🔬 Why perimenopause can begin as early as your late thirties and what that means for you right now

🏥 How Blair Health is using AI to bring specialist-level menopause care directly to women

💬 Why menopause has been shrouded in silence for generations and what is finally shifting

🚀 What it is really like to build in femtech, where funding and talent are both scarce

✨ Why the perfect moment is never coming — and what happens when you stop waiting for it

Connect with Madge: 

Blair Health Website: https://blairhealth.ca/about-us

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DXMuGdLCk6Q/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madgerumman/

Links: https://nkzv9.mssg.me/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnso_HXraNslsM_7E_GXnIRpob4r9IfIAyIXtZuG7JCO0uPToKnV6gGCk-GvA_aem_8lyUc6y9VGHoYMW3wMtzhg

Connect with The Women On Top:

Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.  Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories!

• Website: https://thewomenontop.com/
  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop 
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/
  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

The job market has dramatically changed — and most people are still playing by the old rules. 

In this episode, talent acquisition expert and senior leader, Dena Ayala, pulls back the curtain on what's actually happening on both sides of the hiring table. We talk about how AI is reshaping resumes and recruitment, why your personal story is your most underutilized asset, and how women especially can advocate for themselves with more confidence and creativity. Whether you're actively searching or simply future-proofing your career, this one is full of practical moves you can make today!

What we cover:

🤖 How AI is changing the game for both job seekers and recruiters

📄 Writing resumes and videos that actually feel like you

🔄 Practical strategies for career transitions and upskilling

🔮Where the job market is heading — and how to stay ahead of it

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Talent Acquisition Challenges
03:04 Navigating the Job Market: Insights and Strategies
05:54 The Role of Video Resumes in Job Applications
08:54 Empowering Women in Career Advancement
11:54 The Impact of AI on Recruitment
15:02 Future Job Market Trends and Adaptation
17:59 Optimizing Resumes with AI Tools
22:36 Navigating AI in Job Applications
25:38 The Personal Touch in Job Applications
27:38 Passion for Helping Others
29:34 Embracing Change in Recruitment
31:15 Tools for Modern Recruiters
35:27 Building a Meaningful Career
40:55 Celebrating Accomplishments and Finding Joy
resources

Helpful AI Tools:

• Gamma for Presentations - https://gamma.app/
• Seamless AI - https://seamless.ai/
• JuiceBox - https://juicebox.ai/
• Apollo - https://apollo.io/
• Krisp - www.krisp.ai
• SeekOut - www.seekout.com

 Connect with Dena & Ignite Human Capital:

Ignite Human Capital - https://ignitehumancapital.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denaayala/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ignitehumancapital/

Connect with The Women On Top:

Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.  Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories!

• Website: https://thewomenontop.com/
  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop 
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/
  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

In this episode, we sit down with Arianna Davis Santana, Executive Editor of Digital at the TODAY Show, to explore what it really means to build a career at the center of modern media, and what ambition looks like once you’re inside it.

Arianna’s career spans some of the most influential names in media: from Oprah Daily (formerly O, The Oprah Magazine) to the TODAY Show, where she now leads digital strategy and editorial direction while also appearing on-air to break down what’s trending online.

Before that, she helped launch OprahMag.com, the fastest-growing site launch in Hearst Magazines’ history, and later helped lead its evolution into Oprah Daily.  She has also shaped editorial storytelling at Refinery29, where she wrote deeply reported features and personal essays centered on culture, identity, and the lived experiences of women.

Across every chapter of her career, Arianna has been inside the rooms where modern media is shaped - interviewing icons like Oprah Winfrey, Hillary Clinton, Mariah Carey, John Legend, Will Smith, and more, while also building digital platforms that define what millions of people read, watch, and share.

But this conversation goes far beyond titles.

We talk about:
-The evolution of ambition in modern media
-What success actually feels like once you achieve what you thought you wanted
-Why leadership sometimes requires a little “Miranda Priestly energy”
-How authenticity, kindness, and authority can coexist in powerful women
-And how AI, digital culture, and storytelling are reshaping the future of media

Arianna also opens up about the deeper lessons she’s learned along the way, including how career setbacks, reinvention, and visibility all shape who you become when no one is watching.

At its core, this episode is about rewriting success, redefining ambition, and learning how to lead without losing yourself in the process.  

Connect with Arianna:
Website: https://www.ariannadavis.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariannagab
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariannadavis/
What Would Frida Do?: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/arianna-davis/what-would-frida-do/9781541646322/?lens=seal-press
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ariannagdavis

Connect with The Women On Top:

Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.  Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories!

• Website: https://thewomenontop.com/
  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop 
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/
  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

What does it really take to build a powerful career and a fulfilling life—and why are so many women deciding the traditional path just isn’t worth it anymore?

In this episode of The Women On Top, Molly McCartan, Managing Partner at The Whisper Group and Founder & CEO of The Mom Pact, pulls back the curtain on her journey through the high-stakes world of mergers and acquisitions, and the deeper calling that led her to advocate for working women everywhere.

We also explore the growing movement of women stepping away from traditional careers—and what needs to change to truly support women in the workplace, at home, and within themselves.

If you’ve ever questioned the path you’re on, felt the weight of “doing it all,” or wondered what it would look like to build your own table—this episode is for you.

Chapters
00:00 Empowering Women in Business
02:41 Navigating Mergers and Acquisitions
06:08 Building a Supportive Network
08:58 Strategies for Business Success
11:43 Avoiding Common Pitfalls
15:01 Overcoming Burnout and Self-Doubt
25:34 The Pressure to Prove: Women's Challenges in the Workplace
27:42 Negotiating for Yourself: The Importance of Self-Advocacy
29:17 Balancing Work and Family: The Ongoing Struggle
30:04 Finding Support: The Role of Partners in Career Success
31:54 The Workforce Exodus: Why Women Are Leaving Their Jobs
33:13 Creating Resources for Working Moms: The MomPact Initiative
34:29 Advocating for Change: The Need for Better Policies
36:20 Mental Health Resources: A Crucial Need for All
37:51 Closing the Gender Gap: The Fight for Equality
40:44 The Reality of Corporate Loyalty: Understanding Your Worth
42:24 Supporting Yourself: Best Practices for Busy Women
45:45 Embracing Imperfection: The Journey of Growth
47:54 Building Your Own Table: Empowering Women to Lead
49:50 Paying It Forward: The Importance of Mentorship

Connect with Molly:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollymccartan52
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollyowensmccartan/
The Mom Pact: https://www.entreprenista.com/articles/molly-mccartan-is-building-the-mom-pact-to-advance-ambitious-working-mothers-through-strategy-community-and-career-support

Connect with The Women On Top:

Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.  Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories!

• Website: https://thewomenontop.com/
  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop 
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/
  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

Today’s episode is a re-release of my conversation with Jenneh Rishe, shared in loving memory of her life.

In sad news, Jenneh passed away recently, and I’ve chosen to bring this conversation back because it so deeply reflects who she was - her clarity, her compassion, her honesty, and the way she showed up for others even while navigating her own health journey.

Listening back now, her voice carries even more meaning. This episode is not just a conversation, it’s a reflection of her presence, her advocacy, and the impact she made in the lives of so many.  She carried with her fierce hope and faith, and was always looking for the silver lining.

It is an honor to get to share her voice again here, and to keep her story and her work alive.  She has left a powerful legacy and will be missed!

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Chronic Illness Advocacy
01:44 The Journey to Diagnosis
08:22 Lack of Awareness in Women's Health
10:56 Understanding Endometriosis Beyond Gynecology
13:14 The Impact of Endometriosis on Overall Health
15:03 Mental Health and Identity After Diagnosis
17:45 Advice for Those Suspecting Endometriosis
21:38 The Importance of Persistence in Health Advocacy
22:44 Navigating the Healthcare System: A Patient's Role
24:56 Effective Communication with Healthcare Providers
26:00 Shared Decision Making in Healthcare
30:46 Journaling as a Tool for Mental Health
33:41 The Journey of Writing and Future Aspirations
36:14 Finding Hope in Chronic Illness
39:24 Empowering Women to Trust Their Bodies

Learn More About Jenneh Rische:

Website: https://www.jennehrishe.com/

The Endo Co: https://www.theendo.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeabove_illness/?hl=en

Connect with The Women On Top:

Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.  Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories!

• Website: https://thewomenontop.com/
  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop 
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/
  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

Show Notes:

What if the thing standing between you and your most visible, impactful self isn't a lack of strategy — but a fear you've been calling something else?

In this episode, I sit down with Melanie Borden — brand strategist, speaker, and author of Theater of the Mind — for an honest, grounding conversation about what it actually means to build a personal brand as a woman. Not the polished version. The real one.

Melanie has helped hundreds of women step into their professional presence with clarity and confidence, and what she's learned might surprise you: your brand isn't something you create. It's something you uncover. It's the essence of who you already are — and the work is learning how to transfer that into everything you put out into the world.

We talk about the trap of overthinking, the real reason imposter syndrome keeps showing up, and why so many women are waiting for confidence before they start showing up — when it actually works the other way around. Melanie's framework is simple but transformative: visibility builds confidence, not the other way around.

Whether you're just beginning to think about your brand or you've been circling it for years, this conversation is your invitation to stop waiting and start being seen.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• What a personal brand actually is (and why most people get it wrong)
• How authenticity and your "inner essence" are the core of everything you put out
• Why imposter syndrome shows up so often for women — and how to start dismantling it
• The small but powerful habit of collecting proof of your own achievements
• Why creating content with your audience in mind (not yourself) changes everything
• What Melanie means when she says confidence is a result of visibility, not a requirement for it

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Branding and Personal Essence
05:30 Navigating Vulnerability and Imposter Syndrome
10:08 Theater of the Mind: Crafting Your Brand Narrative
15:22 Understanding Readiness in Branding
19:26 Defining Your Brand: Melanie's Perspective
22:26 Empowering Women in Personal Branding
25:05 Facing Fears and Taking Risks
30:10 Learning from Setbacks
33:07 Creating for Your Audience
38:15 The Power of Visibility
44:04 Transformative Impact of Personal Branding

Connect with Melanie: 

Website: https://humantobrand.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanieborden/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humantobrand/

Connect with The Women On Top:

Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.  Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories!

• Website: https://thewomenontop.com/
  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop 
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/
  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

In this conversation, Dalourny Nemorin shares the story behind the fire that drives her, from her Haitian roots to her work as a public defender, and now, her decision to run for Congress.

But this episode goes deeper than titles.

It’s about what it takes to keep going when the work is heavy.  How to stay hopeful without becoming naive. And why community is not just important, it’s everything.

Dalourny reflects on standing on the shoulders of those who came before her, people who believed in change before it was visible, and how that legacy shapes the way she moves through the world today.

This is a conversation about resilience, responsibility, and the kind of hope that refuses to disappear.  A powerful listen for anyone who feels called to something bigger—and is learning how to keep going.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dalourny Nemorin
03:01 Journey to Becoming a Public Defender
05:56 The Challenges of Public Defense
09:02 Resilience in Advocacy
11:59 Navigating Politics as a Woman
15:06 The Importance of Networking
17:52 Mentorship and Guidance
21:12 Running for Congress: A Call to Action
23:58 Understanding the Role of Congress
26:51 The Impact of Federal Policies
29:47 The Future of Advocacy and Change
31:55 Survival Mode: The Struggles of the Working Poor
33:00 Resilience and Optimism in the Face of Adversity
36:52 The Importance of Self-Preservation in Activism
42:07 Proposed Solutions for Healthcare and Housing Affordability
45:23 Navigating Relationships Amidst Political Beliefs
47:13 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Embracing Identity
52:27 Choosing Your Life Path and Defining Success

Links:
Website: https://www.dalourny.nyc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dalourny
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dalourny

Connect with The Women On Top:

Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.  Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories!

• Website: https://thewomenontop.com/
  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop 
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/
  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/