Women Influencers

This week on Women Influencers, we compiled three of the great questions my guests have asked me. I am honored to have the opportunity to chat with amazing, influential women on the podcast and it is always an honor to consider and respond to insightful inquiries.

Tressa LoVasco asked why I keep going professionally.

Tina Thakkar asked what motivates and inspires me.

Catherine Bell asked, what's the one thing I did to learn and build my wealth for my family.

Watch to find out how I answered!

Connect with Veronica:

capstrata.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/ #womeninbusiness #CRE

#commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur

In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Woodruff, Founder and CEO of Organized 365 and author of the upcoming book Escaping Quicksand, whose work focuses on helping women organize their homes and lives so they have more time to pursue what they are uniquely called to do.

Lisa shares how her passion for organization began in childhood. Growing up with an artistic mother and an organized father, she often brought order to the household in creative ways — even giving her mother the gift of organizing her cluttered piles as a Christmas present, something her mother genuinely loved. What started as a natural instinct for creating order eventually grew into a mission to help women reclaim their time and energy through organization.

She reflects on a difficult season in her late 30s when life felt overwhelming. After adopting two children, managing complex family needs, losing income during the recession, and navigating the illness and passing of her father, Lisa found herself feeling stuck in what she later described as “quicksand.” That period ultimately led her to start Organized 365 and begin rebuilding her life with a renewed sense of purpose and self-care.

Today, Lisa has built a thriving community of more than 11,000 members and continues to teach that organization is not just about tidy spaces, but about creating the capacity to live intentionally. Her message to women navigating the busy decades of life is both reassuring and empowering:

“You’re going to have so much time.” — Lisa Woodruff

Connect with Veronica:

https://capstrata.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/

Connect with Lisa:

linkedin.com/in/lisawoodruff

https://organize365.com/escapingquicksand/

https://organize365.com/podcast-landing-page/

#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur #CCIM #organize365

In this episode, I sit down with Karen Rands, best-selling author, investor advocate, and founder of the Compassionate Capitalist movement, whose work is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and investors build wealth through informed, purposeful investing.

Karen shares how her outlook on money and success was shaped by growing up with a single mother who valued education but struggled financially, and a father she later discovered was an inventive entrepreneur who built wealth after securing a patent at age 50. That realization became a defining moment for her: it’s never too late to reinvent your life or pursue your vision.

After earning an economics degree from Emory and spending over a decade at IBM working with emerging technologies and startups, Karen stepped into the world of angel investing, eventually leading an investor group that grew into one of the top networks in the Southeast. When the Great Recession halted investment activity and dismantled her platform, she faced one of her greatest challenges, forcing her to rebuild her confidence, clarify her mission, and recommit to helping others access capital and opportunity.

Throughout the conversation, Karen emphasizes her passion for teaching women how to invest, close wealth gaps, and support businesses they believe in, leaving listeners with one powerful piece of advice:

“Get started... You know more than you think you do.” - Karen Rands

Connect with Veronica:

https://capstrata.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/

Connect with Karen:

http://bit.ly/linkCCS

#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur #CCIM #investor #venturecapital

January isn’t just about resolutions — it’s about reflection, gratitude, and renewed purpose. ✨📝 What began as an idea has grown into a community built on authenticity, encouragement, and connection. 🤝💫 As we move into a new year, I’m excited to continue amplifying women’s voices, sharing wisdom, and creating space for meaningful dialogue. 🎙️🔥 Thank you for being part of this journey. 💖🚀

In this episode, I sit down with Vernice Atkins-Bradley, Founder and CEO of Votum LLC, an Orlando-based construction firm, and a respected leader in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Vernice shares how her foundation was built early, growing up on a farm in rural Alabama with her grandparents, where she learned hard work, responsibility, and leadership. After moving to Florida to live with her mother and siblings, she became the oldest child in a large household, a role that shaped her confidence and resilience.

She reflects on a pivotal moment in her career when she was denied a promotion despite being the most qualified, simply because she lacked a four-year degree. As a single mother, Vernice returned to school while working full time, eventually earning both her undergraduate degree and a law degree, before spending a decade with Turner Construction and founding Votum LLC, now operating for more than 15 years.

Throughout the conversation, Vernice emphasizes her commitment to mentoring others, expanding opportunities for women and minorities in construction, and one guiding truth that defines her success:

“You can be successful when you have those relationships that help you to be successful”

- Vernice Atkins-Bradley.

Connect with Veronica:

https://capstrata.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/

Connect with Vernice:

https://votumllc.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vernice-atkins-bradley-18a56429/

#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur #CCIM #construction

This week on Women Influencers, we compiled three of the great questions my guests have asked me. I am honored to have the opportunity to chat with amazing, influential women on the podcast and it is always an honor to consider and respond to insightful inquiries.

Edie Weintraub asked what I learned during my experience at REconvene.

Beth Azor asked me about my investing experiences.

John Crossman and I discussed advocacy for minorities and women.

Watch to find out how I answered!

Connect with Veronica:

capstrata.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/

#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur

In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Johnson-Kelley, CCIM, a top-producing retail broker, industry leader, and pastor’s wife whose path is rooted in generational influence, grit, and intentional balance.

Jessica shares how her love for retail began in childhood trips to Dillard’s and JCPenney with her grandmother — the woman who raised her, funded her education, showed up for every milestone, and planted in her a lifelong sense of style, strength, and possibility.

She talks about finishing her degree online as a stay-at-home mom of three boys, then launching a real estate career while pregnant with twins. After seven years in residential, a community connection encouraged her to consider commercial real estate. With no prior experience, she sold a boutique firm on her drive and potential, later moving to Cushman & Wakefield and specializing in retail. Her first-year income was small, but her conviction wasn’t — and over time it opened door after door.

Jessica also reflects on remarriage, serving in her church, and mentoring young brokers. Through it all, she returns to one core principle: your career should never eclipse the people you love. Protecting time for her five children and building healthy boundaries has been both her greatest challenge and her greatest success.

“Your family is your first client.” — Jessica Johnson-Kelley, CCIM

Connect with Veronica:

https://capstrata.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/

Connect with Jessica:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-johnson-ccim/

 www.johnsonkelleycre.com 

https://www.instagram.com/brickandbizcre/

#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur #CCIM 

In this episode, I sit down with Heather Hansen, a former trial attorney turned speaker, coach, and founder of Belief Builders. After 25 years in the courtroom, Heather now helps leaders and teams overcome doubt, communicate with confidence, and build unshakable belief in their vision and their work.

Heather shares how growing up with strong, working women—her mother and grandmother—gave her the foundation she needed to thrive in a male-dominated profession. As one of the few women in trial law, she leaned on psychology, communication, and storytelling to guide clients, influence juries, and navigate the emotional intensity of medical malpractice cases. But the greatest turning point came when she realized she was exceptional at advocating for others, yet hesitant to advocate for herself.

Learning to “ask for what she wanted in a way that made her likely to get it” changed the course of her career. That shift led her from burnout to reinvention, and ultimately to the work she does today: teaching individuals and organizations how to choose themselves, communicate with clarity, and build belief from the inside out.

Heather’s journey is a powerful reminder that advocacy isn’t just a skill for the courtroom — it’s a skill for life, leadership, and every dream we dare to pursue.

“Choose yourself, and then advocate for that choice.” — Heather Hansen



Connect with Veronica:

https://capstrata.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/

Connect with Heather:

https://www.beliefbuilders.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-hansen-84243512/

https://www.instagram.com/anelegantwarrior/

#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur #CCIM #BeliefBuilders

This week, in the 100th episode of Women Influencers, I sit down with Merrie Karimov, founder of Harbour Hope International, a Central Florida nonprofit dedicated to helping survivors of human trafficking rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

Merrie’s story is one of compassion turned into purpose. Raised in rural Colorado, she discovered early on a deep empathy for the “least likely”—those who feel unseen or forgotten. That calling led her across the globe, from South America to South Asia and ultimately to Moscow, where she met her husband before settling in Florida. It was through her travels and early experiences mentoring vulnerable youth in Los Angeles that she first encountered the reality of human trafficking—a reality that would eventually define her life’s work.

In 2015, Merrie founded Harbour Hope after meeting her first survivor in Central Florida. What began as a single act of compassion grew into a movement: a network providing mentorship, case management, and long-term support for survivors and their children. Now marking its 10-year anniversary, Harbour Hope has become a beacon for restoration and community collaboration.

Merrie’s journey reminds us that impact begins when we move from good intentions to informed action—and that lasting change happens together, not alone.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.” — African Proverb (shared by Merrie Karimov)

Connect with Veronica:

https://capstrata.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/

Connect with Merrie:

www.harbourhope.org

https://www.linkedin.com/in/merrie-karimov-912860275/

To order the book: https://harbourhopeinternational.audiencetap.com/qc/26fShkLk1BWKN

#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur #CCIM #HarbourHope

This week on Women Influencers, we compiled three of the great questions my guests have asked me. I am honored to have the opportunity to chat with amazing, influential women on the podcast and it is always an honor to consider and respond to insightful inquiries.

Dr. Laurel Mellin asked if I have any wire in my brain that Emotional Brain Training could help me with.

Diego Leiva asked me how I will continue to grow the podcast.

Traci Miller asked about my recent investment in Commericial Real Estate.

Watch to find out how I answered!

Connect with Veronica:

capstrata.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/

#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur