The Women Who Lead Podcast

Marion brings over a decade of experience in tech and business development, having worked with global leaders like Cisco, Techstars, and MongoDB. She’s a connector, bridge-builder, and passionate advocate for women in STEM. This episode highlights the real challenges and wins of female founders, especially those crossing cultural boundaries and striving to make their mark in competitive industries. Tune in for actionable advice on mindset shifts, authentic networking, and the power of community in driving startup success.

Carrie Gallant brings a fresh, human-centered approach to negotiation that moves beyond outdated “lean in and smile” tactics. Drawing on her experience as a former lawyer, mediator, and executive coach, she reveals why negotiation is really about honoring your value and setting clear boundaries. You’ll learn why women often struggle with negotiation, the role of human design in leadership, and how to join the “Tall Poppy Revolution” — standing tall alongside ambitious women who refuse to play small. Whether you’re preparing for a salary negotiation or stepping into a leadership role, this episode offers practical strategies and deep mindset work to help you negotiate boldly, authentically, and successfully.

Victoria Yampolsky brings a rare blend of analytical expertise and creative passion to the world of startup finance. She’s dedicated to empowering women founders by making fundraising approachable, fun, and effective. In this episode, listeners will gain insider strategies on building investor relationships, crafting realistic financial projections, and developing resilience in the face of rejection. Victoria’s upcoming bootcamp and speed pitching events offer hands-on opportunities to sharpen your fundraising skills and connect with the right investors. Plus, hear about her pioneering work in passing legislation that holds venture capital firms accountable for diversity in funding. If you want to elevate your financial fluency and build confidence in raising capital, this episode is your must-listen guide.

Kinita Seema Schripsema brings a rich cross-cultural perspective to leadership and coaching, having lived extensively in India, Canada, and the United States. Her company, SEEMA Global Consulting, focuses on cultural understanding, leadership development, and DEIB initiatives. Kinita shares how her early cultural immersion has deeply influenced her leadership style and passion for self-leadership. She explains the significance of her company’s name—SEEMA—which means “boundaries” in Hindi, underscoring the importance of healthy boundaries in both life and business. A Gallup Global Certified Strengths Coach, Kinita emphasizes the transformative power of strengths-based coaching, especially for women, and how understanding one’s strengths can boost confidence and authentic leadership. She also discusses building inclusive communities that celebrate diversity as a gift and not just a checkbox. Kinita offers encouraging advice to women leaders who may feel isolated or different in their roles, highlighting the importance of connection, self-awareness, and embracing one’s story. This episode is a heartfelt conversation that blends personal experience with actionable strategies for growth and empowerment.

Lynn Whitbeck joins Christine Fernandes on the The Women Who Lead Podcast to redefine how entrepreneurs approach sales. Lynn emphasizes that sales is a gift—a natural way to serve and make a meaningful impact—when done with the right mindset. They dive deep into the elements of Lynn’s CROWN Methodology, which includes thinking like your client, creating a repeatable process, leaning into authentic self-expression, approaching sales with worthy intent, and nurturing client relationships for ongoing growth. They discuss overcoming common sales objections, the power of stacking “yeses,” and debunk myths about follow-up, proving why persistence combined with value is crucial. Lynn also shares practical tools for managing client relationships—even with simple systems like Google Sheets—and underscores the importance of trust, humor, and genuine connection in turning prospects into raving fans. This episode offers a fresh, joyful perspective on sales that’s perfect for any woman ready to grow her business with heart and impact.

In this episode, Wendy Vineyard shares her deeply personal journey of estrangement and reconciliation with both her mother and her adult son, revealing the pivotal mindset shift that transforms heartbreak into healing. She explains why the only person we can truly change is ourselves, and how empathy and compassion become the keys to breaking down walls in fractured relationships. Wendy outlines the essential “yes, yes” rules every mom should know before reaching out to their adult children and offers practical guidance on setting boundaries that foster respect and deeper connection rather than distance. She also dives into effective self-soothing techniques for managing anxiety and emotional triggers, explores how unresolved family wounds can show up in the workplace, and underscores the importance of self-care, vulnerability, and humility in healing family dynamics. Throughout the conversation, Wendy emphasizes the balance between fostering healthy independence in adult children while maintaining a loving, supportive connection.

Join us as we dive into the intersection of energy, leadership, and personal growth. Our guest Lita Mae Button reveals how boxing has become a powerful tool for emotional healing and empowerment, especially for women facing challenges in their careers or personal lives. Discover the importance of maintaining high energy levels and how they can positively influence your leadership style. We discuss practical strategies for integrating fitness into your daily life to enhance confidence and resilience. This episode is packed with insights and advice for anyone looking to lead with empathy and strength. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from an inspiring leader and discover new ways to empower yourself and those around you.

In this inspiring conversation, Lynda Sunshine West delves into the heart of storytelling and its transformative power. She discusses her personal journey of overcoming 365 fears in 365 days, illustrating how vulnerability can be a strength that fosters genuine connections and opens doors to new opportunities. Lynda emphasizes the importance of integrating personal stories into business to create a lasting impact and shares practical tips on how to overcome the fear of judgment. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has ever doubted the power of their voice or questioned if their story is significant enough. Tune in to discover how you can leverage your story for personal growth and professional success.

Join us for a captivating conversation with Marisa Kiley on The Women Who Lead Podcast. Marisa opens up about her personal experiences, providing a heartfelt message to single mothers and women everywhere. She discusses the importance of authenticity and the transformative power of storytelling. As we delve into her journey, Marisa offers valuable lessons on empowerment and healing, encouraging listeners to connect with their true selves. Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired and uplifted by Marisa's incredible story. Tune in and become part of a community that values growth, authenticity, and leading with heart.

Join us as we explore the transformative journey of self-discovery with Divine Muzia. This episode is a deep dive into the barriers that hold us back from reaching our next level of success. Divine shares her personal journey and the foundational principles behind Elevated Minds Therapy, a practice dedicated to helping women lead with purpose and power. From addressing mental health concerns like anxiety and performance anxiety to recognizing the roots of limiting beliefs, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. Whether you're an entrepreneur, corporate leader, or someone seeking personal growth, this episode offers the inspiration and tools needed to embrace your potential and thrive.