What if the experience and connections you’ve built over a lifetime are actually the key to unlocking your next opportunity?

In a world where job boards feel like a black hole and AI is changing the rules overnight, it’s easy to wonder where you fit—and how to move forward with confidence.

In this episode of Smart Women Talk, Katana sits down with Katie Fortunato, co-founder of Higher Innovations, to cut through the noise and reveal what’s really driving opportunity today—and how you can use it to your advantage.

You’ll discover:

• Why most jobs are never posted—and how to access the hidden market
• How your network can open doors faster than any résumé ever will
• The real role of mentorship—and how to step into it at any stage
• What AI actually means for your career (and how to stay relevant)
• Simple ways to turn your experience into meaningful work and income

This isn’t about starting over. It’s about building forward—with everything you already have.
Tune in now and start seeing your next chapter in a whole new way.

Katie Fortunato is Co-founder and EVP of Platform Innovation and Strategy at Hire Innovations, a global leader in human-centered AI talent technologies. She drives innovation across a portfolio of brands—including Recruitics, Talivity, and Jobstream—helping the world’s largest organizations modernize hiring while keeping people at the center.

In 2023, Katie launched Talivity, one of the fastest-growing communities for people leaders, and established the company’s Innovation Lab. Her latest venture, Jobstream (2026), is pioneering a new category in job discovery—connecting talent and opportunity through social platforms with transparent creator monetization.

Prior to entrepreneurship, Katie built brand experiences for MTV, AOL, and The Wall Street Journal, where she led the publication’s first live video brand experience and developed strategic growth partnerships to drive new revenue streams.Katie also serves as President of the Onward & Upward Foundation and sits on the Board of the American Red Cross Metro NY North Chapter. She splits her time between New York City and Greenwich, Connecticut.
You can connect with Katie at GetJobStream.com.