#WisdomOfWomen Show

The salient point of this weeks episode is the remarkable journey of Bridget Firtlel, a dynamic entrepreneur who has successfully navigated the worlds of finance and spirits.

Bridget, previously entrenched in the high-stakes environment of Wall Street, transitioned to founding Owney’s Rum, a venture that has flourished under her leadership. In a significant turn of events,

Bridget shares her recent decision to repurchase Owney’s Rum from Proximo Spirits, marking a pivotal moment in her entrepreneurial narrative.

Throughout the discussion, we explore the complexities of her dual role as a founder and a mother, delving into the notion of success that transcends mere financial gain to encompass personal fulfillment and family priorities.

We invite our listeners to reflect on the insights shared by Bridget as she articulates her vision for the future, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and resilience in the journey of business development.

Our Guest This Week:

In this week’s episode of #WisdomofWomen we have a 🌟 Cocktail Capitalist🌟 in our midst!  

Bridget Firtle is a powerhouse founder who left a high-flying Wall Street hedge fund career to build one of New York’s most beloved spirits brands—Owney’s Rum—long before “craft distilling” was a movement. With her rare blend of financial acumen and street-level grit, she grew Owney’s into a national success and forged a strategic partnership with Proximo Spirits before successfully exiting in 2020. Never one to stay still, Bridget went on to found Rockaway Soda, launch New York Raised Us, and establish The Cyclone Group—all while investing in and advising purpose-driven ventures. Recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30, The Financial Times, The New York Times, and CNBC, she’s known for breaking molds, building legacies, and leading with fierce independence. A native New Yorker to the core, Bridget brings both edge and empathy to the entrepreneurial game—proving that building a company of substance starts with the courage to bet it all on your vision.

Takeaways:

• Bridget's journey showcases the transition from Wall Street to founding a successful spirits brand.
• The conversation highlights the challenges and triumphs of being a woman entrepreneur and mother.
• Bridget's repurchase of Owney’s Rum signifies her commitment to her vision and entrepreneurial roots.
• The episode reflects on the evolving definition of success beyond financial gain to personal fulfillment.
• Listeners are encouraged to embrace their unique paths and pursue authentic definitions of success.

Chapters:

00:07 Amplifying Women's Voices in Leadership

00:32 Bridget's Journey: From Wall Street to Craft Distilling

13:24 Navigating Business Challenges

20:24 The Balancing Act: Entrepreneurship and Parenthood

28:33 The Evolution of Success

Burning Questions Answered:

1.What does it take to walk away from a successful exit… and then choose to reclaim the company you built?

2.How do you know when it’s time to return to the work that once lit you up?

3.What does “success” actually mean after you've lived the corporate path, exited a company, and become a mother?

4.How do you build boldly while honoring your values, your family, and your independence?

GUEST OFFERS & CONTACT INFORMATION:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-c-firtle-a101511b/

https://www.instagram.com/bridgetcfirtle/?hl=en

Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and prosperity.

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yja3w7nh

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4tak8ajk 

Amazon Prime: https://tinyurl.com/366syddj 

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdhananz 

RSS Feed: https://feeds.captivate.fm/womengetfunded/ 

Coco Sellman, the host of #WisdomOfWomen, believes business is a force for good, especially with visionary women at the helm. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, she has launched five companies and guided over 500 startups. As Founder & CEO of A Force for Good, Coco supports purpose-driven women founders in unlocking exponential growth and prosperity. Her recent venture, Allumé Home Care, reached eight-figure revenues and seven-figure profits in just four years before a successful exit in 2024. A venture investor and board director, Coco’s upcoming book, *A Force for Good*, reveals a roadmap for women to lead high-impact, high-growth companies.

Learn more about A Force for Good:

Website: https://aforceforgood.biz/

Founders Circle: https://courses.aforceforgood.biz/landing-founders-circle

#WisdomOfWomen Show: https://aforceforgood.biz/podcast-wow

FFG Tool of the Week: https://aforceforgood.biz/weekly-tool/

The Book: https://aforceforgood.biz/book/

Force for Good Business Show: https://aforceforgood.biz/podcast-ffgbr/

In our new episode, the topic of discussion revolves around the imperative for women in business to cultivate a leadership style that aligns with authenticity and well-being, as articulated by our distinguished guest, Roslyn McLarty.

As the founder and CEO of Within, a platform dedicated to aiding purpose-driven entrepreneurs, Roslyn shares her profound insights on navigating the complexities of founder burnout and the importance of self-awareness in the entrepreneurial journey.

Throughout our dialogue, we explore the transformative power of aligning personal values with professional endeavors, particularly in a landscape often dominated by the hustle culture. Rosalind’s journey, from co-founding a successful sports media brand to recognizing the detrimental effects of traditional grind culture, underscores the necessity for women leaders to redefine success on their own terms.

In sharing her experiences and the methodologies she employs, we aim to empower our listeners to foster resilience and authenticity in their own entrepreneurial pursuits.

Our Guest This Week:

In this week’s episode of #WisdomofWomen we have a 🌟 🌟 in our midst!  

Roslyn McLarty is the Founder & CEO of Within, a personal development platform helping purpose-led founders build companies that scale impact without sacrificing their well-being.

Before launching Within, she co-founded The GIST, the groundbreaking women-run digital sports media brand making sports more inclusive and fun for millions of underserved fans.

At The GIST, Roslyn grew the company to a multi-million-dollar enterprise with a 40-person team — predominantly women and non-binary folks — earning recognition as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and attracting backing from Facebook, Comcast NBC, Techstars, and Billie Jean King’s Trailblazer Program.

Her own experience of founder burnout revealed the hidden cost of traditional “grind culture” and inspired her to help visionary entrepreneurs align success with authenticity, joy, and longevity.

Today, through Within’s coaching, content, and community, Roslyn empowers founders to scale purpose-driven companies while staying deeply connected to who they truly are.

Takeaways:

• Burnout among founders reveals the detrimental effects of traditional grind culture on well-being.
• Roslyn's journey emphasizes the importance of aligning personal integrity with entrepreneurial success.
• Emphasizing intuition and creativity leads to sustainable business practices and authentic leadership.
• Engaging in emotional intelligence and self-awareness fosters better decision-making in leadership roles.
• The episode advocates for a new model of leadership that honors women's unique experiences and contributions.

Chapters:

00:07 Amplifying Women's Voices in Business

07:25 The Journey of a Founder: From Burnout to Authenticity

11:13 Understanding Burnout: A Personal Journey

16:57 Finding Alignment: The Path to Self-Discovery and Business Success

21:47 The Role of Intuition in Business Growth

32:21 Transitioning to a New Approach in Leadership

34:06 The Spiritual Journey of Entrepreneurship

Burning Questions Answered:

1. What does burnout really look like when you’re ignoring the signs?
2. Why do founders cling to perfectionism, people-pleasing, and control — and how do you break the cycle?
3. How do you scale a company without sacrificing your wellbeing, identity, or intuition?
4. What does it take to build a business from your deepest alignment — not fear?

Favorite Quotes:

"Entrepreneurship is a spiritual journey.”

“The challenges coming up in your business are your opportunities to heal and evolve.”

Guest Offers & Contact Information:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/roslyn-mclarty-51058223/

https://www.instagram.com/roslynmclarty

https://within.beehiiv.com/ (newsletter)

https://www.withincoaching.co/

Join Roslyn and me for a walk in the West Village: 

https://luma.com/user/usr-F6kMufGxvwDXaUX 

Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and prosperity.

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yja3w7nh

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4tak8ajk 

Amazon Prime: https://tinyurl.com/366syddj 

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdhananz 

RSS Feed: https://feeds.captivate.fm/womengetfunded/ 

Coco Sellman, the host of #WisdomOfWomen, believes business is a force for good, especially with visionary women at the helm. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, she has launched five companies and guided over 500 startups. As Founder & CEO of A Force for Good, Coco supports purpose-driven women founders in unlocking exponential growth and prosperity. Her recent venture, Allumé Home Care, reached eight-figure revenues and seven-figure profits in just four years before a successful exit in 2024. A venture investor and board director, Coco’s upcoming book, *A Force for Good*, reveals a roadmap for women to lead high-impact, high-growth companies.

Learn more about A Force for Good:

Website: https://aforceforgood.biz/ 

Are Your GROWING or PLATEAUING? https://aforceforgood.biz/quiz/

FFG Tool of the Week: https://aforceforgood.biz/weekly-tool/ 

The Book:  https://aforceforgood.biz/book/ 

Growth Accelerator: https://aforceforgood.biz/accelerator/ 

The primary focus of our discussion centers on the transformative impact of Gentreo, an innovative online estate planning platform founded by Renee Fry.

Through the lens of personal anecdotes and professional insights, we explore how Gentreo is revolutionizing estate planning by making it accessible, affordable, and comprehensible for families across the United States.

Renee's unique experiences, including overcoming significant health challenges, have shaped her vision for a service that not only simplifies the estate planning process but also empowers families to make informed decisions.

The conversation delves into the importance of addressing these often-daunting tasks proactively, ensuring that individuals do not leave their loved ones burdened with uncertainty. We invite our listeners to consider the profound implications of estate planning and how Gentreo can facilitate a smoother path toward securing one’s legacy for future generations.

Our Guest This Week:

In this week’s episode of #WisdomofWomen we have an 🌟 Revolutionary Estate-Building Innovator🌟 in our midst!  

Renee Fry is the CEO and Co-Founder of Gentreo, a pioneering online estate planning platform that makes protecting what matters most simple, affordable, and accessible. With a career spanning public policy, entrepreneurship, and leadership in high-growth ventures, Renee helped lead GT Solar’s IPO and served in Governor Mitt Romney’s cabinet before launching her own company. A graduate of Penn State and Harvard Business School, she has guided Gentreo into partnerships with more than 100 credit unions, banks, and organizations nationwide. Her vision is to transform estate planning from a daunting, expensive task into an empowering experience for every family. Featured in outlets like Forbes and Kiplinger’s, Renee is a glassbreaking leader committed to changing how America plans for the future—one family at a time.

Takeaways:

• Renee discusses the transformative vision behind her estate planning platform, Gentreo.
• Listeners are encouraged to understand that estate planning is vital for all families.
• The episode highlights personal stories that shaped the speaker's journey as an entrepreneur.
• Renee's experience with unexpected health challenges underscored the significance of having a solid estate plan.
• The conversation stresses the need for accessible and affordable estate planning solutions for everyone.

Chapters:

03:46 - Personal Growth and Overcoming Challenges

11:04 - The Birth of Gentrio

19:47 - Approach to Growth and Partnerships

23:11 - Navigating Life Milestones

36:00 - Legacy and Inspiration: A Family's Journey

38:03 - Inspiring the Next Generation

Burning Questions Answered:

1.Why do so many families get stuck—or blindsided—when something unexpected happens?

2.What does “estate planning you can actually use in real life” look like?

3.How do personal crises shape the companies we feel called to build?

Guest Offers & Contact Information:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-fry-a4ab133/

Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and prosperity.

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yja3w7nh

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4tak8ajk 

Amazon Prime: https://tinyurl.com/366syddj 

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdhananz 

RSS Feed: https://feeds.captivate.fm/womengetfunded/ 

Coco Sellman, the host of #WisdomOfWomen, believes business is a force for good, especially with visionary women at the helm. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, she has launched five companies and guided over 500 startups. As Founder & CEO of A Force for Good, Coco supports purpose-driven women founders in unlocking exponential growth and prosperity. Her recent venture, Allumé Home Care, reached eight-figure revenues and seven-figure profits in just four years before a successful exit in 2024. A venture investor and board director, Coco’s upcoming book, *A Force for Good*, reveals a roadmap for women to lead high-impact, high-growth companies.

Learn more about A Force for Good:

Website: https://aforceforgood.biz/

Founders Circle: https://courses.aforceforgood.biz/landing-founders-circle

#WisdomOfWomen Show: https://aforceforgood.biz/podcast-wow

FFG Tool of the Week: https://aforceforgood.biz/weekly-tool/

The Book: https://aforceforgood.biz/book/

Force for Good Business Show: https://aforceforgood.biz/podcast-ffgb

Our episode this week revolves around the transformative power of women's entrepreneurship and the critical importance of amplifying women's voices in the business sphere. We are privileged to host Wendy Diamond, a distinguished entrepreneur and advocate for compassionate capitalism, who has dedicated her career to empowering women globally. She elucidates her journey of creating Women's Entrepreneurship Day, an initiative aimed at fostering economic empowerment and systemic change for women entrepreneurs.

Through her numerous ventures, Wendy highlights the significant impact that women-led enterprises can have on societal progress and economic development. This episode serves as a rallying call for listeners to engage with and support the movement towards gender equality in business, emphasizing the vital role of collaboration and community in achieving these goals.

Our Guest This Week:

In this week’s episode of #WisdomofWomen we have a 🌟 Trailblazing Visionary of Compassionate Capitalism 🌟 in our midst!  She is a Legendary Firestarter for Women Worldwide!

Wendy Diamond is a serial entrepreneur, impact investor, and global changemaker whose ventures span business, philanthropy, and media. She is the founder of LDP Ventures and the visionary behind the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WEDO), a movement celebrated in 144 countries and 65 universities to empower women in business worldwide. Wendy also pioneered the pet lifestyle industry as Chief Pet Officer of Animal Fair Media, Inc., where she built the first-ever media company devoted to animal rescue and the pet–human bond. As an author of 10 books, sought-after global speaker, and frequent media guest, she has amplified conversations around purpose-driven business, women’s leadership, and social good. Recognized by the United Nations, she continues to convene heads of state, investors, and women founders to drive systemic change through entrepreneurship.

Takeaways:

• Women's Entrepreneurship Day, established in 2013, aims to empower women globally through entrepreneurship.
• Wendy's initiatives focus on providing microloans to impoverished women, fostering economic empowerment.
• The collaboration of governments and business leaders is essential to create systemic change for women entrepreneurs.
• Empathy and community are critical for successful entrepreneurship, as demonstrated by Wendy Diamond's journey.
• The Women's Entrepreneurship Day Organization actively seeks to engage women in meaningful collaborations worldwide.

Burning Questions Answered:

1.What actually happens when you join WEDO — beyond the feel-good impact?

2.How has Wendy designed WEDO so members get access, education, and community that genuinely moves their businesses forward?

3.What kinds of rooms does WEDO open for women — from the UN to hedge fund salons to maximum security prisons?

4.How can you contribute as an ambassador, member, or founder in a way that feels aligned and sustainable?

Chapters:

05:24 The Birth of Women's Entrepreneurship Day

15:11 Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

16:51 The Impact of Women's Entrepreneurship Day

26:08 Shifting Focus to Impactful Causes

Favorite Quotes:

“You’d rather have a little of something huge than a lot of nothing.”

“Wherever you are in this world, you can make a difference.”

Guest Offers & Contact Information:

Attend the WEDO Summit on November 14th – Virtual or in NYC at the United Nations:  

https://tinyurl.com/ytepawth

Become a WEDO member:  http://joinwedo.org

https://wendydiamond.com/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendydiamond/ 

Join the Win-Win-Win Challenge!

Create your 2026 Growth Plan and A Force for Good will donate $100 to WEDO

https://courses.aforceforgood.biz/WEDO-Celebration 

Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and prosperity.

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yja3w7nh

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4tak8ajk 

Amazon Prime: https://tinyurl.com/366syddj 

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdhananz 

RSS Feed: https://feeds.captivate.fm/womengetfunded/ 

Coco Sellman, the host of #WisdomOfWomen, believes business is a force for good, especially with visionary women at the helm. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, she has launched five companies and guided over 500 startups. As Founder & CEO of A Force for Good, Coco supports purpose-driven women founders in unlocking exponential growth and prosperity. Her recent venture, Allumé Home Care, reached eight-figure revenues and seven-figure profits in just four years before a successful exit in 2024. A venture investor and board director, Coco’s upcoming book, *A Force for Good*, reveals a roadmap for women to lead high-impact, high-growth companies.

Learn more about A Force for Good:

Website: https://aforceforgood.biz/

Founders Circle: https://courses.aforceforgood.biz/landing-founders-circle

#WisdomOfWomen Show: https://aforceforgood.biz/podcast-wow

FFG Tool of the Week: https://aforceforgood.biz/weekly-tool/

The Book: https://aforceforgood.biz/book/

Force for Good Business Show: https://aforceforgood.biz/podcast-ffgb

In this new episode I'm joined by Frances Zelanzny, co-founder and CEO of Anonybit, a company dedicated to redefining privacy and identity security in the digital age.

We delve into Frances's extensive experience in the realms of cybersecurity and digital identity, exploring her unique perspective shaped by her background as a daughter of a Holocaust survivor and her professional encounters that have influenced her courageous leadership.

Throughout our conversation, we illuminate the critical importance of privacy-preserving technologies, particularly in an era where identity theft and fraud are rampant. As we engage with Frances, we gain insights into her journey, the challenges she faces as a woman in a predominantly male industry, and her vision for a future where identity is safeguarded to promote social and economic progress. Ultimately, we emphasize the collective responsibility to enhance identity security and the transformative potential of women-led businesses in addressing these pressing issues.

Our Guest This Week:

In this week’s episode of #WisdomofWomen we have an 🌟 Privacy Pioneer🌟 in our midst!  

Frances Zelazny is the Co-Founder & CEO of Anonybit, a pioneering decentralized biometrics company transforming how we protect identity and privacy in the digital age. With over 25 years of experience scaling enterprise SaaS across cybersecurity, fintech, digital identity, and analytics, she has built a reputation for turning complex technologies into market-defining businesses. She has shaped international policy on biometrics, working with governments, multilateral organizations, and the private sector to ensure responsible and impactful adoption.  Recognized on the Women in Fintech Power List 100, SIA Women in Security Forum Power 100, and as one of the 25 Most Influential Women Leaders in Biometric Digital Identity, Frances is a fierce advocate for building innovative, privacy-first technologies that also advance social and economic progress

Takeaways:

• Frances's experience in biometrics positions her as a leader in privacy and identity protection.
• Identity is fundamental to social and economic development, impacting opportunities across all demographics.
• Frances emphasizes the importance of responsible technology deployment to ensure user privacy and security.

Chapters:

00:02 Amplifying Women in Leadership

05:01 Defining Moments of Advocacy and Innovation

10:12 The Importance of Privacy in Digital Identity

20:00 The Evolution of Biometric Technology and Privacy Challenges

31:59 The Impact of Digital Identity on Society

32:41 The Importance of Identity in Economic Development

Burning Questions Answered:

1.What does it truly mean to build “privacy-preserving” technology?

2.How did her father’s Holocaust survival shape her leadership and worldview?

3.Why is digital identity the foundation of social and economic progress?

4.What’s really at stake if we fail to secure digital identity?

5.How can founders design for ethics and responsibility from day one?

Favorite Quotes:

“We must operate under the assumption that all of our personal data is already on the dark web.”

“You can’t have innovation without responsibility.”

Guest Offers & Contact Information:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/franceszelazny/

https://anonybit.io

https://www.linkedin.com/company/anonybit/ 

Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and prosperity.

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yja3w7nh

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4tak8ajk 

Amazon Prime: https://tinyurl.com/366syddj 

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdhananz 

RSS Feed: https://feeds.captivate.fm/womengetfunded/ 

Coco Sellman, the host of #WisdomOfWomen, believes business is a force for good, especially with visionary women at the helm. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, she has launched five companies and guided over 500 startups. As Founder & CEO of A Force for Good, Coco supports purpose-driven women founders in unlocking exponential growth and prosperity. Her recent venture, Allumé Home Care, reached eight-figure revenues and seven-figure profits in just four years before a successful exit in 2024. A venture investor and board director, Coco’s book, *A Force for Good*, reveals a roadmap for women to lead high-impact, high-growth companies.

Learn more about A Force for Good:

Website: https://aforceforgood.biz/

Founders Circle: https://courses.aforceforgood.biz/landing-founders-circle

#WisdomOfWomen Show: https://aforceforgood.biz/podcast-wow

FFG Tool of the Week: https://aforceforgood.biz/weekly-tool/

The Book: https://aforceforgood.biz/book/

Force for Good Business Show: https://aforceforgood.biz/podcast-ffgb

In this episode we are joined by an esteemed guest, Laurel Mintz, a distinguished figure at the intersection of marketing and venture capital, shares her journey as the founder and CEO of Elevate My Brand and general partner at Fabric VC.

With a commitment to amplifying the voices of underrepresented founders, Laurel elucidates her mission to foster innovation and drive impactful change within the business ecosystem.

Throughout our conversation, we delve into the intricacies of her unique approach to investments, emphasizing the importance of industry differentiation and the strategic application of marketing expertise in nurturing emerging brands.

Join us as we uncover valuable insights that illuminate the path toward prosperity for women-led enterprises, underscoring the significance of collaboration and support within this evolving landscape.

Our Guest This Week:

In this week’s episode of #WisdomofWomen we have an 🌟 Equity-Infused Brandsmith 🌟 in our midst!  

Laurel Mintz is a powerhouse at the intersection of marketing and venture capital. As Founder & CEO of Elevate My Brand, she has spent 16 years architecting award-winning campaigns for icons like Verizon, Paw Patrol, Sprinklr, and Squishmallows, helping brands cut through the noise and scale with measurable growth. As General Partner of Fabric VC, she channels her expertise into backing diverse founders building the next wave of consumer-tech, health, and fintech innovations. Known for blending a marketer’s creativity with an investor’s rigor, Laurel champions purpose-led companies that drive both profit and impact. Her mission is simple yet bold: to elevate innovation, amplify underrepresented voices, and shape a business ecosystem that lifts humanity forward.

Takeaways:

• Laurel discusses her journey from family business to venture capital and marketing.
• The episode highlights the significance of industry differentiation for startup success.
• Listeners are encouraged to invest thoughtfully and educate themselves about the venture capital process.
• Coco and Laurel stress the necessity for women to engage in investing and support diverse founders.
• The episode concludes with a call to action for women-led businesses to create positive societal change.

Chapters:

00:08 The Emerging Model of Leadership

04:19 Exploring the Entrepreneurial Journey

12:17 Differentiating in the Venture Space

27:20 Founders and Their Financial Journeys

30:03 Getting in the Game: Small Checks and Big Opportunities

Burning Questions Answered:

1.What truly differentiates successful brands in crowded markets?

2.How can founders prepare their businesses to attract investment?

3.Why are women underrepresented as investors — and how can we change that?

4.What should first-time investors know before writing their first check?

5.How can women founders balance creativity, purpose, and profitability?

Favorite Quotes

“The only way to stand out is with differentiation. You’ve got to bring it.”

“Go forth, be fabulous, and make change possible.”

Guest Offers & Contact Information:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/fabric-vc 

https://www.instagram.com/fabricventure/ 

Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and prosperity.

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yja3w7nh

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4tak8ajk 

Amazon Prime: https://tinyurl.com/366syddj 

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdhananz 

RSS Feed: https://feeds.captivate.fm/womengetfunded/ 

Coco Sellman, the host of #WisdomOfWomen, believes business is a force for good, especially with visionary women at the helm. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, she has launched five companies and guided over 500 startups. As Founder & CEO of A Force for Good, Coco supports purpose-driven women founders in unlocking exponential growth and prosperity. Her recent venture, Allumé Home Care, reached eight-figure revenues and seven-figure profits in just four years before a successful exit in 2024. A venture investor and board director, Coco’s upcoming book, *A Force for Good*, reveals a roadmap for women to lead high-impact, high-growth companies.

Learn more about A Force for Good:

Website: https://aforceforgood.biz/ 

Are Your GROWING or PLATEAUING? https://aforceforgood.biz/quiz/

FFG Tool of the Week: https://aforceforgood.biz/weekly-tool/ 

The Book:  https://aforceforgood.biz/book/ 

Growth Accelerator: https://aforceforgood.biz/accelerator/

In this episode I'm joined by Andrea Carpenter, a next-generation entrepreneur who is redefining leadership and succession in family businesses.

We engage in a profound exploration of her unconventional pathway, which includes acquiring and leading an established firm rather than adhering to the prevalent startup narrative.

Andrea expounds upon the intricacies of facilitating successful transitions while prioritizing interpersonal relationships and preserving the integrity of familial connections within business contexts. As we delve into pivotal moments that have shaped her vision, we uncover insights on the significance of intentional leadership and the need for strategic planning in ensuring the longevity and prosperity of women-led enterprises.

This episode serves not only as an inspiration but as a practical guide for aspiring leaders to navigate the complexities of business transitions with foresight and empathy.

Our Guest This Week:

Today we have a 🌟 Truth-Telling Transitionist🌟 in our midst!  

Andrea Carpenter is a next-gen entrepreneur, G2 successor, and the incoming President of The Transition Strategists—where she helps families and founders design people-first business transitions that protect both relationships and results. 

Her somewhat unconventional entrepreneurial journey—buying into and leading an established business instead of starting from scratch—challenges the dominant startup myth and offers a powerful alternative path. As the creator of Your Next Gen Friend, she’s built a soul-centered platform and podcast that gives rising leaders space to explore identity, wealth, and legacy with honesty, grace, and strength. A former UX designer turned transition strategist, Andrea understands both the technical mechanics and emotional layers of family business planning—because she’s lived it. With fierce clarity and generous wisdom, she’s helping the next generation step out from invisible pressure and into intentional leadership

Takeaways:

• Andrea emphasizes the importance of intentional business transitions that prioritize relationships and outcomes.
• The episodes discusses the significance of identifying pivotal moments in life that shape one's entrepreneurial journey and leadership style.
• Effective family business transitions require careful planning and consideration of the emotional and operational dynamics involved.
• The discussion highlights the necessity of establishing a clear vision for the future, particularly in navigating the complexities of business transitions.
• Listeners are encouraged to explore the Objectives Matrix, a tool designed to clarify personal and business priorities for effective decision-making.

Chapters:

03:19 Defining Moments in Life

10:20 Navigating Business Transitions

16:56 The Journey of Growth and Team Evolution

21:20 Transitioning Family Businesses

25:59 Transitioning Business Roles and Responsibilities

30:21 Transitioning Leadership and Business Values

Burning Questions Answered:

1.What does it really take to build a self-managing company that thrives beyond the founder?

2.How can second-generation leaders bring their own vision while honoring what came before?

3.Why do most business transitions fail—and how can women founders avoid the same traps?

4.How do you create space for new leadership without losing your company culture?

5.What are the emotional and strategic steps to design a successful handoff?

Favorite Quotes

“Sometimes what needs to die is just an old version of you.”

“It’s okay to build differently than the generation before you.”

“Legacy is powerful—but it’s also deeply personal.”

GUEST OFFERS & CONTACT INFORMATION:

LinkedIn (Andrea): https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreashaver

The Transition Strategists –

Free Resource: https://transitionstrategists.com/force

Website: https://transitionstrategists.com

LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/transitionstrategists/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transitionstrategists

Your Next Gen Friend –

Website: https://yournextgenfriend.com/

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yournextgenfriend

Podcast: https://yournextgenfriend.captivate.fm/

Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and prosperity.

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yja3w7nh

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4tak8ajk 

Amazon Prime: https://tinyurl.com/366syddj 

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdhananz 

RSS Feed: https://feeds.captivate.fm/womengetfunded/ 

Coco Sellman, the host of #WisdomOfWomen, believes business is a force for good, especially with visionary women at the helm. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, she has launched five companies and guided over 500 startups. As Founder & CEO of A Force for Good, Coco supports purpose-driven women founders in unlocking exponential growth and prosperity. Her recent venture, Allumé Home Care, reached eight-figure revenues and seven-figure profits in just four years before a successful exit in 2024. A venture investor and board director, Coco’s upcoming book, *A Force for Good*, reveals a roadmap for women to lead high-impact, high-growth companies.

Learn more about A Force for Good:

Website: https://aforceforgood.biz/ 

Are Your GROWING or PLATEAUING? https://aforceforgood.biz/quiz/

FFG Tool of the Week: https://aforceforgood.biz/weekly-tool/ 

The Book:  https://aforceforgood.biz/book/ 

Growth Accelerator: https://aforceforgood.biz/accelerator/ 

This episode elucidates the transformative journey of Laura Roos, a distinguished entrepreneur and co-founder of Mary and Jane, a pioneering wellness company dedicated to making micro dosing cannabis mainstream.

Throughout our conversation, we explore the nuances of her entrepreneurial path, characterized by both triumphs and setbacks, which have collectively shaped her approach to leadership and innovation.

Laura shares invaluable insights on the importance of understanding one's ideal dosage, illuminating how her personal experiences have informed the development of her products. We delve into the significant impact that women-led businesses can have on the industry, as well as the necessity for a supportive community in fostering this growth.

By amplifying the voices of women like Laura, we aim to inspire future generations of female entrepreneurs to pursue their visions with courage and conviction.

Our Guest This Week:

In this week’s episode of #WisdomofWomen we have a 🌟Microdosing Maverick 🌟 in our midst!  

Laura Roos is a three-time founder whose entrepreneurial journey has been marked by both grit and grace—one flop, one successful exit, and now a bold new venture. She is the Co-Founder of Mary & Jane, a wellness company on a mission to make microdosing cannabis mainstream by offering fast-acting, low-dose edibles designed for control, calm, and clarity. With over a decade of experience navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, Laura has learned to transform setbacks into steppingstones for growth. Her leadership combines purpose with innovation, centering on products that not only serve customers but also give back—partnering with groups like The Legal Revolution to address the inequities of cannabis convictions. For visionary women founders building companies of substance and scale, Laura’s story is a masterclass in perseverance, reinvention, and building with both courage and conscience.

Takeaways:

• The podcast emphasizes the importance of amplifying women's voices in the business sector, particularly in leadership roles.
• Laura Ruz's entrepreneurial journey showcases the value of resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.
• The discussion highlights the significance of microdosing in cannabis as a means to enhance wellness and mental clarity.
• The conversation explores the evolution of Laura's businesses, underscoring the importance of recognizing when to pivot or let go of ventures.
• Listeners are encouraged to engage with local businesses and support women-owned brands, enhancing community connections.
• The episode underscores the importance of education and understanding in the cannabis market for new consumers.

Chapters:

• 00:08 - Amplifying Women's Leadership
• 02:01 - Laura Ruz: A Journey of Entrepreneurship and Resilience
• 13:58 - The Birth of Minnie and Paul
• 17:35 - Starting a New Venture: Mary and Jane
• 25:37 - Scaling and New Product Development
• 26:57 - Funding Growth: Navigating the Investment Landscape

Burning Questions Answered:

1.What does it mean to lead with courage instead of control?

2.How can founders stay grounded while scaling purpose-driven companies?

3.What are the untold challenges of building a brand in the wellness space?

4.How can entrepreneurs bring more intuition into their decision-making?

5.What daily practices keep visionary women aligned and creative?

Favorite Quotes

“There’s bravery in slowing down when the world tells you to speed up.”

“I don’t separate my wellness from my business—they rise and fall together.”

Guest Offers & Contact Information:

www.shopmaryandjane.com 

https://www.instagram.com/discovermaryandjane/

https://www.tiktok.com/@simplymaryandjane

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraroseroos/  

[email protected]

Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and prosperity.

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yja3w7nh

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4tak8ajk 

Amazon Prime: https://tinyurl.com/366syddj 

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdhananz 

RSS Feed: https://feeds.captivate.fm/womengetfunded/ 

Coco Sellman, the host of #WisdomOfWomen, believes business is a force for good, especially with visionary women at the helm. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, she has launched five companies and guided over 500 startups. As Founder & CEO of A Force for Good, Coco supports purpose-driven women founders in unlocking exponential growth and prosperity. Her recent venture, Allumé Home Care, reached eight-figure revenues and seven-figure profits in just four years before a successful exit in 2024. A venture investor and board director, Coco’s upcoming book, *A Force for Good*, reveals a roadmap for women to lead high-impact, high-growth companies.

Learn more about A Force for Good:

Website: https://aforceforgood.biz/ 

Are Your GROWING or PLATEAUING? https://aforceforgood.biz/quiz/

FFG Tool of the Week: https://aforceforgood.biz/weekly-tool/ 

The Book:  https://aforceforgood.biz/book/ 

Growth Accelerator: https://aforceforgood.biz/accelerator/ 

In this inspiring episode of the #WisdomOfWomen Show, I sit down with Sharon Gillenwater — co-founder and former CEO of Boardroom Insiders, a SaaS business intelligence platform she bootstrapped, scaled, and sold for $25 million — all without a single dollar of venture capital.

From waitress to exited tech entrepreneur, Sharon’s journey challenges Silicon Valley’s myth of what success must look like. She shares her three defining life moments, the heartbreak of a failed first startup, and the radical lessons that led her to build a profitable, purpose-driven company rooted in integrity, empathy, and courage.

You’ll learn how to trust your instincts over conventional wisdom, lead with heart, and grow your business without selling your soul. Sharon’s story is a masterclass in grit, grace, and grounded wisdom — and a roadmap for founders who want to do business differently.

Key Takeaways:

• Profitability and purpose aren’t opposites — they’re partners in sustainable growth.
• “Employee-first” leadership is the most effective customer strategy.
• Bootstrapping builds discipline, freedom, and true wealth.
• Founders must make every decision defensible — with clarity, not convention.
• Being someone’s first customer can forge partnerships that last for years.
• The best exits are built from day one: clean books, lean ops, clear leadership.
• Empathy and usefulness are a founder’s most underrated superpowers.
• Failure is not the end; it’s the foundation of your next great success.

Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction

06:00 – Three Life Moments That Shaped Her Path

12:00 – The Dark Side of Venture Capital

15:00 – Rebuilding from the Ground Up

18:00 – Bootstrapping and Seed-Strapping

24:00 – Building the Tech Without a Tech Background

28:00 – The Art of the Exit

32:00 – Life After Exit & The Next Chapter

38:00 – Scaling with Soul Today

43:00 – Rapid Fire Round

Burning Questions Answered:

1.What really happens when you raise venture capital — and why might it kill your company?

2.Why is “employee-first” leadership the ultimate customer strategy?

3.How can founders recover from failure and rebuild stronger?

4.What does it really take to prepare for an exit that leaves you proud—and paid?

Favorite Quotes:

“You have to be in love with the problem, not the solution.”

“Put employees first—because they take care of your customers.”

“You can fail spectacularly—and still rise again.”

Guest Offers & Contact Information:

www.sharonkgillenwater.com

https://substack.com/@scalingwithsoul

https://www.tiktok.com/@sharonkgillenwater

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonkgillenwater/

https://www.youtube.com/@sharonkgillenwater/shorts

Buy Sharon’s book, Scaling with Soul:  How I Built and Sold a $25 Million Tech Company Without Being an A**hole

From Women-Owned Bookstore:  https://bookshop.org/p/books/scaling-with-soul-how-i-built-and-sold-a-25-million-tech-company-without-being-an-a-hole-sharon-k-gillenwater/21496638?ean=9781964377018&next=t

From Amazon:  https://a.co/d/9LTOM4u

Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and prosperity.

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yja3w7nh

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4tak8ajk 

Amazon Prime: https://tinyurl.com/366syddj 

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdhananz 

RSS Feed: https://feeds.captivate.fm/womengetfunded/ 

Coco Sellman, the host of #WisdomOfWomen, believes business is a force for good, especially with visionary women at the helm. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, she has launched five companies and guided over 500 startups. As Founder & CEO of A Force for Good, Coco supports purpose-driven women founders in unlocking exponential growth and prosperity. Her recent venture, Allumé Home Care, reached eight-figure revenues and seven-figure profits in just four years before a successful exit in 2024. A venture investor and board director, Coco’s upcoming book, *A Force for Good*, reveals a roadmap for women to lead high-impact, high-growth companies.

Learn more about A Force for Good:

Website: https://aforceforgood.biz/ 

Are Your GROWING or PLATEAUING? https://aforceforgood.biz/quiz/

FFG Tool of the Week: https://aforceforgood.biz/weekly-tool/ 

The Book:  https://aforceforgood.biz/book/ 

Growth Accelerator: https://aforceforgood.biz/accelerator/

In this episode I am joined by Janine Firpo, a distinguished values-driven investor and author, who has dedicated her career to fostering a more equitable financial landscape for women.

Throughout our discussion, we explore the profound impact of community support and the necessity of women supporting one another in their professional pursuits. Janine elucidates her journey from the tech industry to her current role as an advocate for women-led enterprises, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy and investment strategies that reflect personal values.

We conclude with practical insights on how women can take actionable steps towards harnessing their financial resources to effect positive change in their communities and beyond.

Our Guest This Week:

Today we have a 🌟 Values-Driven Vanguard🌟 in our midst!  

Janine Firpo is a values-aligned investor, social innovator, and author who has spent more than three decades leading transformative initiatives in technology and international development at organizations like Hewlett-Packard, Apple, and the World Bank. In 2017, she left her corporate and global development career to dedicate herself to helping women use their money to create a more just and equitable world. She is the author of Activate Your Money: Invest to Grow Your Wealth and Build a Better World, and the co-founder of Invest for Better—a nonprofit that has already empowered over 2,500 women in the U.S. and Europe to take confident, values-aligned investment action. Named to the Forbes “50 Over 50” list in 2024, Janine continues to inspire and equip women to grow their wealth while building a sustainable, equitable future for all.

Takeaways:

• Janine's commitment to empowering women through financial literacy highlights the importance of values-aligned investing.
• The significance of women supporting one another in professional environments is underscored through Janine's personal career experiences.
• Investing in community banks that prioritize social equity can lead to impactful changes in underserved communities.
• The discussion outlines the transformative potential of values-driven investments in creating sustainable and equitable futures.
• Janine's narrative illustrates the power of personal stories in shaping one's professional journey and belief systems.

Chapters:

00:07 Amplifying Women's Voices in Leadership

00:35 Transformational Moments and Career Choices

14:50 Understanding Values Aligned Investing

16:33 Investing Strategies and Personal Finance

24:55 Investing in Community: Building Wealth Together

Burning Questions Answered:

1.Why do so many women feel insecure about money and investing?

2.What is values-aligned investing, and how can you do it even with a small amount?

3.How can your money actively support women, communities, and the planet?

4.What practical first steps can women take right now to start investing?

5.How can talking openly about money change your life and legacy?

Favorite Quotes:

“When women come together to talk about money, something magical happens.”

"True evil, the worst evil happens when good people fail to step up.”

“We are afraid of making a mistake, but the only way to build confidence is to start.”

Guest Offers & Contact Information:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-firpo-047282/

www.investforbetter.org/membership

Buy Janine’s book, Activate Your Money

From Women-Owned Bookstore:  https://bookshop.org/p/books/activate-your-money-invest-to-grow-your-wealth-and-build-a-better-world-janine-firpo/18710921?ean=9781394171347&next=t

From Amazon: 

https://a.co/d/dQ10tPn

Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and prosperity.

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yja3w7nh

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4tak8ajk 

Amazon Prime: https://tinyurl.com/366syddj 

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdhananz 

RSS Feed: https://feeds.captivate.fm/womengetfunded/ 

Coco Sellman, the host of #WisdomOfWomen, believes business is a force for good, especially with visionary women at the helm. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, she has launched five companies and guided over 500 startups. As Founder & CEO of A Force for Good, Coco supports purpose-driven women founders in unlocking exponential growth and prosperity. Her recent venture, Allumé Home Care, reached eight-figure revenues and seven-figure profits in just four years before a successful exit in 2024. A venture investor and board director, Coco’s upcoming book, *A Force for Good*, reveals a roadmap for women to lead high-impact, high-growth companies.

Learn more about A Force for Good:

Website: https://aforceforgood.biz/ 

Are Your GROWING or PLATEAUING? https://aforceforgood.biz/quiz/

FFG Tool of the Week: https://aforceforgood.biz/weekly-tool/ 

The Book:  https://aforceforgood.biz/book/ 

Growth Accelerator: https://aforceforgood.biz/accelerator/