Wealthing Podcast

In this episode of the Wealthing Podcast, host Alicia Castillo Holley welcomes Bruce Pittman, Chief Innovation Officer at SpaceBilt and a decades-long veteran of the aerospace industry. With a career spanning NASA, startups, and private sector consulting, Bruce shares insights from his roles at NASA Ames Research Center, Skycorp, and as co-founder of the Space Portal Office. He has helped pioneer commercial space access, launch space-based observatories, and shape the future of space manufacturing and on-orbit assembly.

Alicia and Bruce explore his fascinating journey from a college co-op student at NASA to an influential innovator in space commercialization. Bruce recounts career-defining moments—from building spacecraft that orbited Venus for 14 years to co-founding companies like SpaceHab and Kistler Aerospace. They dive into the realities of entrepreneurship in the space industry, including risk-taking, failure, and the power of strategic pivots. Bruce emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with smart collaborators, staying flexible, and learning from every experience—successful or not. He also shares what he's working on now: revolutionizing space manufacturing with SpaceBilt. The episode closes with Bruce's reflections on legacy, humility, and his belief in making the universe a fairer place—on Earth and beyond.

🌐 Wealthing Club: wealthing.club

In this episode of the Wealthing Podcast, Alicia Castillo Holley sits down with Connie Bowen, a visionary leader reshaping the future of agriculture and work. Connie is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Farmhand Ventures, an innovative organization dedicated to empowering workers and entrepreneurs in agriculture through venture funding and practical support. With a rich background that includes roles at agrifoodtech accelerators, venture capital firms, and startups, Connie brings a unique, worker-centered approach to agricultural innovation. Her work focuses on building more equitable, human-centered solutions that connect people, technology, and sustainability.

During the conversation, Alicia and Connie discuss the critical challenges facing the agricultural workforce today and how Farmhand Ventures is building a new ecosystem to support skilled workers and emerging entrepreneurs. Connie shares her insights on why the current narrative around automation and innovation often overlooks the most important part of agriculture: people. She explains how her organization identifies opportunities to invest in businesses that honor workers' dignity, creates sustainable value chains, and bridges the gap between tradition and technology. The discussion also highlights the importance of accessible pathways for workers to become business owners and the need for funders to rethink how they approach impact and investment in the food system.

Founders building a better future of work in agriculture should get in touch through our website - we genuinely love cold outreach. Funders looking to learn more should feel free to reach out to me directly at [email protected], and subscribe to Agriculture is for People to keep up with her latest musings on the agricultural systems.

https://www.farmhandventures.com/

🌐 Wealthing Club: wealthing.club

In this episode of the Wealthing Podcast, host Alicia Castillo Holley welcomes Arna Ionescu Stoll, the CEO of Wavely Diagnostics. With a background rooted in human-centered design from IDEO and a passion for healthcare innovation, Arna shares her journey from consultant to startup leader. Her career has been shaped by a desire to not just design meaningful products but to see them through to real-world impact—especially in the realm of pediatric care.

Arna discusses how WavelyDx, born out of groundbreaking research from the University of Washington and Seattle Children's Research Institute, is transforming the way families diagnose ear infections. Instead of schlepping kids to the doctor for what may or may not be an ear infection, WavelyDx offers a simple, app-based solution that allows parents to check their child's ears at home using a smartphone and a low-cost paper funnel. This innovation not only brings peace of mind to parents but also reduces unnecessary medical visits and their associated costs and environmental impact.

Now available on Amazon for just $9.99, with a $5.99/month subscription for the app, WavelyDx empowers parents to take control of their children's healthcare from the comfort of their home: Buy WavelyDx on Amazon.

Arna also shares her vision for expanding Wavely into a full "virtual medicine cabinet" of AI diagnostics, offering accessible, reliable tools for families to monitor and manage a range of health issues at home. Her story highlights not just innovation, but also leadership, motherhood, and the powerful intersections between personal experience and professional mission.

🌐 Wealthing Club: wealthing.club

https://www.amazon.com/Instant-at-Home-Ear-Check-Infections/dp/B0DVNQ7P41/ref=sr_1_1

Dr. Pam Marrone is a visionary in sustainable agriculture and a trailblazer in biotech entrepreneurship. With a Ph.D. in entomology and over 400 patents to her name, she has devoted her 30+ year career to developing environmentally friendly biological products for pest management and plant health. Pam is one of only 32 women to found and take a company public and is now leading her fourth startup, the Invasive Species Corporation, which tackles invasive species through biological innovation.

In this episode, Alicia and Pam dive into what it means to pioneer a new category in agriculture and how Pam built multiple biotech companies from the ground up—including one that went public on NASDAQ. They talk about the science behind bio-based pest control, the regulatory and funding hurdles she overcame, and the personal resilience required to stay committed to mission-driven work.

Pam shares how her love for insects inspired her career path, the importance of mentorship and representation in STEM, and why she believes in blending business with impact. The conversation is full of insight for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, sustainability, or science-led innovation.

Pam also opens up about what it takes to lead in male-dominated industries, how failure helped her grow stronger, and her role as a board advisor and mentor to the next generation of agtech leaders.

Whether you're an aspiring founder, an investor in biotech, or just curious about how science can transform agriculture, this episode is packed with inspiring takeaways and practical wisdom.

🔗 Learn More: 🌐 Pam Marrone on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pam-marrone-110ab6 🌐 Wealthing Club: wealthing.club

In this episode of the Wealthing Podcast, Alicia Castillo Holley sits down with Ivan Montoya, a seasoned venture capitalist and operator who brings a rare blend of insight from both sides of the entrepreneurial table. Ivan is Managing Partner at NextGen Venture Partners, where he helps back early-stage startups with a network-driven approach to VC, combining capital with real-world support from hundreds of experienced professionals.

Ivan shares his unique journey into venture—from growing up as the son of immigrant entrepreneurs to building companies of his own and finally stepping into the investor role. He reflects on what it means to be a value-added investor, the importance of founder resilience, and how VCs can foster long-term, sustainable growth instead of chasing short-term wins.

This candid conversation explores how innovation ecosystems are evolving, how funders and founders can better collaborate, and why trust, timing, and transparency matter more than ever in today's startup world.

In this compelling episode of the Wealthing Podcast, Alicia Castillo Holley is joined by Christina Qi, a trailblazer in the world of finance whose story reads like a startup thriller. Christina is the CEO of Databento, a company redefining the modern standard for market data, and the former co-founder of Domeyard LP—a high-frequency trading (HFT) hedge fund that, at its peak, traded up to $7.1 billion per day.

Christina shares the extraordinary path that led her from rejection after a Wall Street internship to launching Domeyard from her MIT dorm room in 2012 with just $1,000 in savings. Domeyard quickly rose to prominence, not just for its trading success, but because it found itself in the media spotlight after the release of Flash Boys by Michael Lewis. What began as a quiet operation turned into a symbol of modern finance, attracting headlines in Forbes, Nikkei, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and more.

But this isn't just a story about big wins—it's about navigating failure, dismantling imposter syndrome, and reshaping the finance industry through transparency and resilience. Christina opens up about the emotional toll of building a hedge fund, her pivot to launching Databento, and the importance of giving back through financial literacy and nonprofit work.

She also reflects on her unexpected role as an industry voice, contributing to the World Economic Forum's AI research, teaching case studies at Harvard, and staying grounded through her involvement in organizations like Invest in Girls, 100 Women in Finance, and the MIT Corporation Development Committee.

Whether you're into startups, markets, or just love a raw, honest conversation about success and setbacks, this episode is a must-listen!

https://wealthing.vc/

In this episode, Alicia Castillo Holley welcomes Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes, the Founder and CEO of Aruwa Capital Management, one of the few women-owned and managed growth equity and gender lens funds in Africa. With over 15 years of experience in investment banking and private equity at global institutions like J.P. Morgan, Adesuwa is a trailblazer in the finance world. She has earned numerous accolades, including the 2X Global Woman Fund Manager of the Year award in 2023 and recognition as one of the 100 Laureates by Institut Choiseul for shaping Africa's future. As the only woman in Nigeria to raise over $10 million in a first institutional fund, she continues to break barriers in impact investing across sectors such as healthcare, financial inclusion, agri-processing, and renewable energy.

In this conversation, Alicia and Adesuwa dive deep into the power of gender-smart investing, the importance of capital access for women-led businesses, and the role of private equity in fostering sustainable economic growth. Adesuwa shares her journey from global investment banking to launching Aruwa Capital, the challenges she faced as a woman in finance, and how she's reshaping the investment landscape in Africa. They also discuss the impact of intentional funding strategies on underrepresented entrepreneurs and what the future holds for women in business. If you're interested in finance, entrepreneurship, and impact investing, this episode is a must-listen!

https://wealthing.vc/

In this episode of the Wealthing Podcast, host Alicia Castillo Holley welcomes venture capitalist Tatijana Janko. Tatijana, originally from Eastern Europe, has built a strong reputation in the investment world, focusing on artificial intelligence, B2B fintech, and early-stage startups. Now based in Los Angeles, she brings over a decade of experience in investing, working alongside her two partners in venture capital. With a background in architecture and engineering, Tatijana shares her unique journey into the world of finance and innovation.

Alicia and Tatijana discuss the evolution of venture capital, particularly in the AI and fintech sectors. Tatijana shares insights into how she evaluates startups, the importance of adaptability in investing, and the challenges of navigating emerging technologies. The conversation also explores how her diverse background shaped her approach to identifying promising ventures and supporting entrepreneurs. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on the intersection of technology, finance, and venture growth from an experienced investor actively shaping the industry.

Miguel Arraiz is an architect-turned-artist whose work explores the intersection of art, community, and impermanence. Originally trained in traditional architecture, he pivoted his career after the 2009 real estate crisis, embracing large-scale ephemeral art installations through Valencia's famous fire festival, Las Fallas. His journey eventually led him to Burning Man, where he is now leading the design and construction of the 2025 Temple, a deeply symbolic space for reflection, grief, and healing.

In this episode, Alicia and Miguel discuss the power of impermanence in art and life—how building something with the intention of letting it go changes our perspective on creativity, ownership, and emotional resilience. Miguel shares his personal transformation, from experiencing heartbreak to finding purpose in a global movement centered on radical expression and communal effort. They explore the unique culture of Burning Man, where gifting and participation replace commerce, and how Miguel's architectural vision is shaping a sacred space for thousands of people to process their emotions and celebrate life.

Beyond the festival, Miguel talks about the challenges of leading a massive volunteer-driven project, the principles behind designing a space meant to burn, and what it means to build for memory rather than permanence. Whether you're fascinated by Burning Man, architecture, or the human need for connection and ritual, this episode offers a compelling look at art's ability to transform both individuals and communities.

🔗 Learn More: 🌐 Miguel Arraiz's Website: miguelarraiz.com🌐 2025 Burning Man Temple Project: 2025temple.com🌐 Wealthing Club: wealthing.club

Gayatri Sarkar is the Founder and CEO of Advaita Capital, a growth-stage venture capital firm focused on deep tech and AI. She is also the Founder of She-VC, a media and podcast platform dedicated to highlighting women and diverse investors in the venture space. Recognized as a global leader under 40 for her contributions to promoting diversity in the investment industry, Gayatri has a wealth of experience spanning roles at Hewlett Packard, IBM, and Goldman Sachs. She previously managed U.S. Treasury projects for the military and major banks as a Federal Reserve Bank Manager. With a background in physics, economics, and game theory from Harvard University, she is also an official nominator for Prince William's Earthshot Prize and a crown patron of the Princess Grace Kelly Foundation. Based in Massachusetts, she is deeply involved in AI policy discussions as part of the National Venture Capital Association's AI working group.

In this episode, Alicia and Gayatri dive into her remarkable journey from physics research to leading a multimillion-dollar venture capital firm. Gayatri shares her insights on breaking barriers as an immigrant woman in finance, the challenges of launching a large investment fund, and the importance of authenticity and conviction in venture capital. They discuss her approach to investing in AI, deep tech, and climate innovation, as well as her commitment to fostering more women-led funds.

Beyond finance, Gayatri opens up about her passion for legacy-building, her unique perspective on wealth and power, and how she envisions a future where capital is a force for both innovation and inclusion. Alicia and Gayatri also discuss the crucial role of trust in venture capital, the evolving landscape of AI and machine learning, and why investors must focus on creating—not just picking—winners. Whether you're a startup founder, investor, or someone passionate about the future of technology and finance, this episode is packed with invaluable insights.

https://www.advaitacap.com/home

https://wealthing.club/