Wellspoken" Podcast

This week's episode, Del Rae sits down with Attorney and Domestic Violence Survivor, Heidi DeFord. Born and raised in Coon Rapids MN, Ms. De Ford graduated from the University of MN with a degree in Organizational Communication in 1992. While in college Ms. DeFord began working at Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) as a Health Unit Coordinator. This experience not only allowed Ms. DeFord to gain valuable experience it also exposed her to people from many different backgrounds, cultures, and lifestyles both with colleagues and the patients and clients served. Ms. DeFord considers this one of the most formative times of her life.

Ms. DeFord eventually transferred from HCMC to Hennepin County Economic Assistance where she worked as a Financial Worker. During her time with HC Economic Assistance, Ms. DeFord worked on a multi-disciplinary team focused on children under 10 who had had contact with law enforcement and who were deemed most at risk for continued delinquent behavior. Following this assignment Ms. DeFord worked with homeless families in HC shelters. During this time Ms. DeFord also decided to apply to law school.

Ms. DeFord attended law school while working full-time for HC and graduated in June 2003. She sat for the bar exam the same year and was admitted to practice in October 2003. Ms. DeFord also served as the American Bar Association liaison for the negotiations competition committee for 2 years. In 2019, Ms. DeFord was recruited to the Hennepin County Attorney's office. Ms. DeFord spent 13 months handling jury trials, specifically for serious personal crime felony cases. In August 2020, she transferred to the child protection division where she continues the work she loves. Ms. DeFord currently mentors several younger lawyers and handles some of the most complicated cases in the child

EPISODE QUESTIONS:

1. I met you at a women's event and your story was inspiring & empowering. Share a few highlights of your life journey with us. 

RESOURCES:

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, or text SMART to 88788. More information in regards to the National Domestic Violence Hotline and resources can be found at thehotline.org.

CONNECT:

Connect with DelRae Messer on Instagram | Website

What kind of impact do you want your investments to have in the world? In this week's episode, Dr. DelRae Messer sits down with Janine Firpo, an accomplished speaker, author, and entrepreneur, with a long history of working at the intersection of women and their money.

From the early years of Apple Computer to senior positions with Hewlett-Packard, the World Bank, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Janine has been in front of audiences – large and small – and as diverse as groups of impoverished women in India and Africa to corporate leaders, heads of state and other dignitaries. In 2017 Janine left a successful 35-year career in technology and international development to focus on how women can create a more just and equitable society through their financial investments.

Her book, Activate Your Money: Invest to Grow Your Wealth and Build a Better World, was published by Wiley in May 2021. Later that year, she joined forces with Ellen Remmer to co-found Invest for Better, a nonprofit that is catalyzing a movement in which millions of professional women are educated, enabled, and empowered to activate the power of their money for themselves and for the world.

Janine walks her talk. She is taking action to move all her own assets into investments she feels good about and is watching them grow with market-rate returns. She is also a lead investor in Next Wave Impact, a venture fund designed to help more women become angel investors. And, Janine chairs the board of Zebras Unite, an organization that is developing the capital structures, community, and culture that many female-led start-up businesses need to thrive.

EPISODE QUESTIONS:

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Activate Your Money: Invest to Grow Your Wealth and Build a Better World by Janine Firpo

Invest for Better Website

Invest for Better Youtube Channel

CONNECT:

Connect with Janine Firpo on LinkedIn

Connect with DelRae Messer on Instagram | Website

Have you ever experienced the effects of Diet Culture in your life? This week, we're sitting down with Dr. Morgan Francis, a Doctor of Clinical Psychology and a Licensed Mental Health Therapist, and owner of Scottsdale Premier Counseling in Scottsdale, Arizona. At her private practice, she treats young adults, individuals, couples, and families. Her mission is to break through the mental health shame game. With over 25 years of experience specializing in the treatment of Body Image and Eating Disorders, Dr. Francis empowers you to make peace with your body and food. Her online body image course, “Bye Bye Body Blame: You Deserve to Love Your Body Without Having To Lose Weight” teaches you how to stop dieting once and for all.

In February 2020, Dr. Francis launched a free mental health service called Mindful “text” Messages that go straight to your phone. She wants to help you make your mental health your number one priority. Dr. Francis is also a public speaker for various organizations, schools, and nationwide events. Dr. Francis captivated the audience with her message “Owning Your Worth and Appreciating Your Body” at the 2018 Powerhouse Women’s Event alongside Lindsay Schwartz and Lori Harder. She again served on the 2019 Powerhouse Women’s Panel.

Additionally, in 2019 she was selected as a guest speaker at the Know Tribe Summit, which features the top women in the field of their industry. “So Scottsdale” magazine featured Dr. Francis, where she discussed ending the stigma of mental health. Lulu Lemon recognized Dr. Francis as a “Female Leader” making a difference in the community for inspiring work on Body Image. Additionally, Dr. Francis is a frequent guest on Fox 10 News as an expert in the mental health field. Dr. Francis is a mother to three children ages 11, 9, and 7, and resides in Scottsdale, Arizona with her husband of 13 years.

PODCAST EPISODE QUESTIONS:

RESOURCES:

Fearing the Black Body by Sabrina Strings

Anti-Diet: Reclaim Your Time, Money, Well-Being, and Happiness Through Intuitive Eating

CONNECT:

Connect with Dr. Morgan Francis on Instagram | Website

Connect with DelRae Messer on Instagram | Website

Thinking of leaving your 9-5 to pursue your passion and create more impact, but don’t know where to begin? From gig platforms to side hustles, the gig economy is rapidly changing the way we work and live. With more options to work to live, and not live to work, there are so many other opportunities for growth, expansion, and satisfaction in our careers than ever before, due to the growth and popularity of the gig economy. This week's guest, Nicole Jordan Kunzel, is a prime example of young entrepreneurs thriving in the space.

Kunzel is a passionate woman who has a unique gift for helping people get unstuck by untangling what worries them and creating movement in their lives. Through her insightful conversations, she empowers individuals to overcome obstacles and discover their true path. With years of experience and a natural ability to connect with people, she has inspired countless individuals to break through their barriers and achieve their goals. 

PODCAST EPISODE QUESTIONS:

RESOURCES:

Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn

Connect with DelRae Messer on Instagram | Website

Have you thought about the impact your money can make? In this week's episode, we explore that question with seasoned investor, author, and entrepreneur Eva Yazhari. With 17 years of experience working in the venture capital and asset management industries, Eva is currently the General Partner of Beyond Capital Ventures, a women-led impact venture capital firm, offering a diversified portfolio of companies in "need-to-have" sectors, led by conscious leaders; and CEO of Beyond Capital Fund an early-stage investment fund that improves lives with its early investments.

Eva has worked with over 20 entrepreneurs in the start-up stage, Beyond Capital has grown to be a recognized global brand and was named by Ventureburn as one of 12 venture investors to know in Africa. In addition to Beyond Capital’s core venture investment skills, Beyond Capital has pioneered a unique communications strategy to reach a wider audience regarding impact investing.

Eva serves on corporate boards, including Viebeg Medical, and is an observer seat at Frontier Markets and Redwing Labs, in addition to The Barnard College Athena Leadership Council and the Young Presidents’ Organization Personal Investing Network Executive Committee.

Key Questions:

1.  Share your story with us. How do you define purpose?

2. Your book, The Good Your Money Can Do has ignited a passion within me as a social entrepreneur that I have not felt in years.  What ignited your passion for impact investing?

3. How has your childhood shaped who you are today?

4. What are your 3 top values and why?

5. What failure has been your biggest lesson for feedback?

6. Who has had leadership influence in your life and why? 

7.  What are the first basic steps to becoming an impact investor and how do you believe we can shape a better future together?

8. Share a meaningful moment in your life that is a result of aligning with your values as an investor

9. The pressures on working women are real. How do you practice self-care?

10. What advice would you give to your younger self?

Resources:

The Good Your Money Can Do - https://amzn.to/40YSk4g

Beyond Capital Fund - https://www.beyondcapitalfund.org/

Connect with Us:

Find Eva on Instagram | LinkedIn

Find DelRae Messer on Instagram | Website

Does Culture Predict Performance? Researchers say a company’s culture is a good predictor of market performance. In his book, Culture Renovation, Kevin Oakes shares, “We compare the top quartile of high-performance organizations versus the bottom quartile, and report on the differences. We also correlate specific practices to business impact. And when it comes to elements of a ‘healthy culture,’ it’s crystal clear how they correlate to market performance” 

Culture Renovation Needs to Start at the Top. Citing Carol Dweck’s book Mindset, Oakes teaches that to promote effective renovation, leaders themselves need to embrace a “growth mindset” (embrace challenges and even failures as opportunities to learn and improve) versus a “fixed mindset” (avoid failure at all costs and see negative feedback as threatening).

In this episode, Christina Villalon, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón® , Architecture & Interior Design gives us insight on the initiatives she has created as an impact entrepreneur to hire, develop, cultivate and empower leaders in her organization.

The past few years have revealed employees desires to experience more dignity, respect and purpose in their work. 

1. As a transformational leader and business owner, company culture has been a top priority for you.

2. What are your top 5 tips for culture renovation?

3. You have shared insight with me on your methodology for hiring employees aligned with your values and vision.  Without giving us the secret sauce, give us insight on how you created this formula and a few questions every business owner should ask, before they hire.

4. What are your top tips for infusing values into your culture? Can you give us examples of how your employees feel valued? How do you resolve conflict in your organization?

5. How has being highly adaptable served you the past few years?

6. Have you experienced imposter syndrome? How do you continue to develop confidence in yourself?
7. The pressures on working women are real. How do you practice self care and create work/life wellbeing?8. What motivates you right now?9. What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self?

Resources: Culture Renovation by Kevin Oakes

Have you felt stuck in your career? Ellen gives us insight on corporate careers, motherhood and being ok with changing your mind.

Ellen Hawes is VP, Digital & ecommerce of eos products, known for its iconic lip balm and cult-favorite shave cream, a beauty and skincare brand that aims to turn the everyday into refreshing moments of awesome. Most recently, Ellen was Assistant Vice President, Digital & ecommerce of L’Oreal USA

managing ecommerce businesses within their Luxury and Consumer Products divisions. Prior to joining L’Oreal USA, Ellen held various positions in the Consumer Goods industry in Merchandising and Financial Planning & Analysis. Ellen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Case Western Reserve University.

Key Questions:

Who has been an influential woman in your life and why?

You have extensive experience in the beauty and ecommerce industry. 

What has inspired you and what has been a challenge,  as you navigated an ever growing and ever evolving beauty industry?

What are you most excited about in your career right now? 

What has been the biggest obstacle/challenge or failure you have overcome?

How has imposter syndrome affected you?

Confidence in ourselves and our abilities to have an impact in this world is a challenge.   Are you confident in your role and what strategies have you found that have worked for you?

You have shared with me that you had to make tough decisions in your career to prioritize your family.  Can you give us insight on your decision making process?

The pressures on working women are real.  How do you practice self-care?

What advice would you give your younger self?

Resources:

EOS : https://evolutionofsmooth.com/

Two Weeks Notice: https://amzn.to/3TOvcmg

This week, we deep dive into the topic of body acceptance and how to build a foundation of healthy self-esteem, confidence and self worth. Living in a world where marketing messages are constantly shaping our perspectives of beauty, body image and success, Dr. Jennie helps us unravel the 5 Ways we Accidentally promote diet culture: Be Aware.

1 - spreading compliments associated with weight loss or with improvements in beauty (promotes thin bodies are better) Try complimenting people in things other than appearance
2 - Using “fat” as an insult.Pay attention to how you talk to yourself with this one.  
3 - Commenting on how “ bad” you have bee. Food isn’t moral = eating food doesn’t make you good or bad
4 - Talking about your newest diet you are trying - normalizes restriction & possible disordered eating
5 - Photoshopping images - We can only show others certain images of ourselves

Jennie has her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy, is a Certified Sex Therapist and her PhD in Health Psychology. She owns clinics in the Minneapolis area that specializes in sexual health. Jennie has been working with high achievers and leadership teams for the past 5 years and recently opened a leadership development firm. She is the mom of  4 boys and usually runs around like a crazy person! 

Resources: Healthy Body Cards by Louise Hay https://amzn.to/42qtRpM

How to love yourself cards by Louise Hay https://amzn.to/3LWzQwX

Share this episode with family friends who deserve self acceptance and self love.

Join the Wellspoken Inner Circle for those seeking more tangible knowledge and skills to connect with others and live with intention. You’ll have access to exclusive content and courses that equip you with tools to cultivate a better you, right at your fingertips and always on your terms. 

https://wellspoken-inner-circle.mn.co/share/rD1txGMN0FwthKb5?utm_source=manual

Welcome to the first episode of The Wellspoken" Podcast, where transformational leaders explore the mindsets, motivations and methodologies of impact driven businesses.

Our first Guest CEO and founder of OtoPro Technologies, Grace Sturdivant, talks about following her vision despite the opinions of others and learning to hold her own as business-owner in a male dominated industry.  

Compelled to stop the largely preventable issues she saw in her clinical practice, Grace realized that the lack of convenient appointments and cumbersome medical models kept many of her patients from seeking hearing loss prevention measures before it was too late.  

In 2018, OtoPro was born to help people preserve their hearing in a quick, easy, customizable way. The daughter of an avid outdoorsman and hunter, it became apparent that there was a particular need for specialized custom hearing conservation services in outdoor sports. 

OtoPro has since become a household name in hunting and shooting communities across the United States and Canada, with clientele including Ole Miss Rifle, Primos Hunting, Ducks Unlimited, and the acclaimed MeatEater organization.

Her episode, "Bringing Sound to People Who Would Otherwise be in a Quiet World", will move you to pursue your path with purpose, while navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship with a growth mindset.

Craving community, connection, mentorship and support?  Become a Wellspoken Insider at Wellspoken inner circle https://wellspoken-inner-circle.mn.co/share/rD1txGMN0FwthKb5?utm_source=manual.