In this episode of The Trailblazer Pod, Leah Sroka, a personal jeweler in NYC's Diamond District, uncovers her journey from retail floors to founding her own fine jewelry business. Leah shares the lessons she learned building her career, from mastering the craft of jewelry-making to navigating the intricacies of entrepreneurship as a woman.

She dives into why virality doesn't equal sales, why diamonds aren't a simple investment, and how pressure shaped her career, while peace defines her success today. Leah also discusses the importance of networking, confidence, and using your unique strengths to grow a business with purpose.

If you're interested in women-led businesses, entrepreneurship, jewelry industry insights, or redefining success, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories.

More on Leah:

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

Michelle Mozes, rebrand expert, business coach, and creative entrepreneur, joins us for an honest conversation about personal branding, authenticity, and building a business that supports real life; not burnout.

Michelle opens up about her journey with anxiety and depression, how fear became a catalyst for growth, and why finding yourself is an ongoing process at every stage of life. We dive into big-picture vision, scaling a business smarter (not harder), creativity in chaos, and what it truly means to stand out in a crowded market by being fully yourself.

This episode is especially powerful for women entrepreneurs, creatives, coaches, and busy moms who want to grow a meaningful business without losing themselves in the process.

For more on Michelle: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemozes/ Website: https://michellemozes.com/ Podcast:

In this episode, we sit down with Melanie Goldberg Silver, writer, attorney, and author of Bedtime Stories for Strong Jewish Girls to talk about identity, resilience, and the power of storytelling. Raised in Brooklyn with a richly diverse Jewish heritage, Melanie shares how her early experiences with anti-Semitism shaped her worldview and ultimately led her to activism, writing, and a legal career focused on combating terrorism finance.

For Melanie, writing became a vital outlet for self-expression and advocacy, from her college years to navigating unexpected professional pivots later in her career. Her children's book, Bedtime Stories for Strong Jewish Girls, brings together inspiring stories of strong Jewish women throughout history, created to empower young readers with confidence, curiosity, and pride in their heritage.

We also discuss the importance of women supporting women, why representation and historical storytelling matter now more than ever, and how Melanie hopes to pass resilience, knowledge, and inspiration on to her daughters and future generations.

This conversation is about strength, identity, setbacks, and the hope that the next generation will keep asking questions, seeking knowledge, and finding inspiration in their history.

Follow Melanie for more: Personal IG: https://www.instagram.com/thatgmel/ Book IG: https://www.instagram.com/strongjewishgirls/ Buy the book: https://a.co/d/1MDWRPC

What happens when Jewish women in business come together with intention, support, and shared values? In this episode, Faye, Chana, and Rosie explore the power of community, collaboration, and connection for women entrepreneurs.

The conversation dives into why networking events and safe spaces are essential for Jewish women navigating business, family life, and ambition.

You'll hear how collaboration (not competition) leads to successful ventures, why professional communication skills are vital, and how identifying gaps in resources can spark new business opportunities. Most importantly, this episode celebrates women learning from each other, sharing experiences, and building environments where ambition and values can coexist.

✨ If you're a Jewish woman entrepreneur, business owner, or aspiring founder, this episode is for you.

Topics covered:

Jewish women in business & entrepreneurship

The importance of community and collaboration

Networking events and resource sharing

Balancing business, family, and values

Overcoming fear and building confidence

Creating safe spaces for open dialogue

What does it mean to lead as a Jewish woman today? In this honest conversation, Jessica Cohen shares her journey from a driven young girl with big dreams to a woman serving her community through public service. From law school and life pivots to confronting anti-Semitism and finding the courage to run for city councilwoman, Jessica reflects on how identity, resilience, and community shape leadership. This interview explores what it looks like to embrace ambition as a woman, balance multiple roles without shrinking yourself, and show up for your community, even when it's hard. Jessica also discusses the importance of Jewish visibility in public life, the role of technology in government, and why women should never apologize for wanting more. Whether you're a Jewish woman navigating leadership, considering public service, or searching for inspiration to step into your full potential, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and real-world wisdom. ✨ Topics include:

• Jewish women in leadership
• Facing anti-Semitism and turning adversity into action
• Law school, career pivots, and public service
• Balancing ambition, family, and community

For more on Jessica Cohen:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicacohen18/

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

This week's guest is Donna Griffit, world-renowned corporate storyteller and pitch alchemist. Donna shares how she became a storytelling expert, helping founders find their voice, cut through the noise, and own their narrative. We explore entrepreneurship, why self-promotion isn't bragging, and the unique dynamics women navigate, and the opportunities they can claim in building and funding companies. This conversation is about asking for what you want, telling your story with intention, and turning inflection points into opportunity.

Sound Bites

• "The storyteller has to tell her own story."

• "You have to find your company's story."

• "It's okay to freak out, but let's then be tactical."

• "It's all about your listener. It's not about you."

• "If you don't ask, the answer is always no."

More on Donna Griffit

Website: https://donnagriffit.com/

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzkJG4mKRbHPe6XOZj_6rvyQVzlaZQoux

Book: Sticking to My Story: The Alchemy of Storytelling for Startups

Kylie Ora Lobell reflects on a childhood shaped by feeling unseen, the ways food and writing became coping mechanisms, and how those experiences ultimately led her to a deeper search for meaning. In this conversation, Kylie opens up about identity, faith, rejection, and the power of community, offering an honest and relatable perspective on what it means to find belonging and purpose. Whether you're navigating your own spiritual journey or simply looking for more meaning in your life, this episode has something for you.

Sound Bites "You have to keep trying whatever it is you want in life." "I hope it helps Jews from birth be proud of who you are."

'Choosing to be Chosen' is available for pre-order on Amazon and Barnes and Noble and out February 17: https://a.co/d/ba2YoR0

Handles X: @kylieoralobell IG: @kylieorawriter TikTok @kylieoralobell Website: https://koldigitalmarketing.com/

For Elissa Sagoskin, sports have always been more than a pastime; they're a part of who she is. Now, she's channeling that passion into coaching and representing Jewish female athletes on the world stage, with her sights set on the 2028 Olympics. Elissa is also a mother to her son, Amichai, who has cerebral pals, and through him, she's learned to flip the script on how we see bodies, movement, and minds. She challenges us to celebrate different ways of being in the world, reminding us that she doesn't see disability… she sees ability.

Sound Bites

• "I didn't see disability, I saw ability."

• "You can move in a different way."

Follow Elissa Sagoskin: https://www.instagram.com/elissa_sagoskin/

Israel Flag Football: https://www.instagram.com/israelflagfootball/

Elissa's blog: https://www.changeperceptions.net/

Elissa's TEDx talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/elissa_sagoskin_sagoskin_the_making_of_a_superhero

What happens when the whispers of your intuition are louder than you realize yet you still don't know how to listen? In this episode, Dr. Zahava Berkowitz, founder of Ima Acupuncture, reflects on the quiet signals she once brushed aside, the life-altering choices that followed, and the moment she finally understood her inner guidance had been trying to steer her all along. And when she did trust that inner voice, she went on to create a thriving, healing-centered practice helping others reconnect with themselves.

Sound Bites "I was really nervous, and I thought it was normal" "It was 100% my intuition, like, screaming at me" "I just didn't have the skill set to know that yet"

IMMA: website: https://helloimma.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imma.wellness/

Yael Dahan is the founder of Penny's Dance studio. Yael's dream of starting her own dance studio came to fruition when she decided to take control of her career path. She had limited resources but a burning passion. Penny's Dance Studio is named after and in honor of her grandmother Penny who shared her love for dance, hard work and helping others with her granddaughter. Yael shares the values that shaped her, the courage it took to follow her own path, and the joy she's found in building a community around movement and legacy.

Penny's Dance Studio

Website: https://pennysdance.com/

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

Yael's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaelsjournal/