Worthy for Thirty: Where stories of leaders doing good while doing well are told!

Remember, you can receive 25% off your first Amia order by entering promo code WORTHY at checkout. For those migraine sufferers out there this could be something good to try.

Let me know what you think about the video header!

In Episode 3 of Worthy for Thirty’s ‘Back-to-School’ series, I spoke with Carrie Kerpen, the Founder of The Whisper Group. Carrie is a serial entrepreneur who has exited multiple businesses, including Likable Media, a social media agency she co-founded with her husband, Dave. Carrie founded The Whisper Group to help women-owned businesses prepare for and navigate the exit process. The Whisper Group provides mentorship, education, and resources to help women entrepreneurs build sellable businesses and achieve successful exits.

Salient Takeaways:

* The importance of mentorship for women entrepreneurs: Carrie believes that mentorship is essential for women entrepreneurs who are looking to exit their businesses. She emphasizes the value of having a mentor who has been through the process themselves and can provide guidance and support.

* The seven tenants of building a sellable asset: Carrie outlines the seven key components that are necessary for building a business that is attractive to buyers. These components include understanding your why, your how, your income, your secrets sauce, your profitability, your executive team, and your Roar factor.

* The challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in the exit process: Carrie discusses the unique challenges that women entrepreneurs face when it comes to selling their businesses. These challenges include being undervalued by buyers, feeling alone in the process, and having to prove themselves more than their male counterparts.

* The importance of doing good while doing well: Carrie believes that it is important for businesses to have a positive impact on the world. She emphasizes the importance of building businesses that are both profitable and sustainable.

* The power of community: Carrie highlights the importance of building a community of like-minded women entrepreneurs. She believes that by connecting with other women who have been through similar experiences, entrepreneurs can learn from each other, support each other, and feel less alone.

This episode provides valuable insights for women entrepreneurs who are considering selling their businesses. And first, determining the merits of their business — this is where Carrie comes in! Carrie's expertise and experience make her an invaluable resource for anyone who is looking to navigate the exit process successfully!

Links

Carrie is a podcast host too!

Follow Carrie on Instagram

Our full conversation on YouTube

I hope everyone enjoyed my conversation with Amia’s, Co-Founder, Jon Katz. Remember, you can receive 25% off your first order by entering promo code WORTHY at checkout.

Back to episode 2 of our ‘Back-to-School’ series. This time it’s with long-time supporter, Jason Schulweis of The Female Quotient. Jason introduced us to Phil Schermer at Project Healthy Minds.

A little bit about The Female Quotient: The Female Quotient (The FQ) is a woman-owned business dedicated to achieving gender equality in the workplace and beyond.

* Their intersectional and inclusive approach brings together conscious leaders and rising stars across industries worldwide.

* The Female Quotient is a non-profit organization with a mission to advance gender equality in the workplace and close the pay gap.

* The Female Quotient provides executive advisory and board advisory work to help companies create a more equitable workplace.

* The Female Quotient hosts events such as the Equality Lounge at major industry and business conferences.

* The Female Quotient has a digital content platform that provides insights and resources on gender equality.

* The Female Quotient's Flipping Point 5 initiative works with Fortune 50 and Fortune 100 companies to help them close the pay gap within five years

During our conversation, Jason shares his insights on how to build a successful career by connecting the dots. He believes that it is important to be comfortable collecting dots, which are people, experiences, and skills that you acquire along the way. Once you have collected enough dots, you can start to connect them in different ways and see how they can help you move forward in your career.

Salient points from the conversation:

* It is important to be comfortable collecting dots, which are people, experiences, and skills that you acquire along the way.

* Once you have collected enough dots, you can start to connect them in different ways and see how they can help you move forward in your career.

* There are many different ways to connect the dots, such as through your education, work experience, and personal relationships.

* It is important to be open-minded and flexible when connecting the dots, as you may not always see the connections right away.

* Once you have connected the dots, you can start to develop a plan for your career.

* It is important to be patient and persistent when building your career.

* There will be setbacks along the way, but it is important to keep moving forward.

* With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your career goals.

Additional insights:

* Jason believes that it is important to have a mission-focused mindset when building your career.

* He also believes that it is important to be passionate about what you do.

* Jason is a strong advocate for gender equality in the workplace — hence his role.

* He cited examples that shows a strong correlation about The Female Quotient’s mission and the positive impact it’s having on the world around us.

Conclusion:

By being comfortable collecting dots, being open-minded and flexible, and having a mission-focused mindset, you can increase your chances of success.

Watch the full conversation on YouTube

Hello Everyone!

Let’s kick off our ‘Back to School’ content series with my conversation with AMIA co-founder, Jon Katz. Jon is a friend I met through a job interview 5 years ago in NYC. While things didn’t work out where we’d work together, we stayed in touch. Once I saw Jon launch AMIA foods out of a personal need I had to reach out and invite him on the podcast. I know his business is going to benefit the millions of chronic migraine sufferers in the US!

In addition, Jon discusses the steps he’s taken to gain a foothold in both brick-and-mortar retail and DTC, the feedback he’s received, the challenges he faces, and the annoucement of his new co-founder (you’ll need to listen).

Use promo code WORTHY at check to get 25% off your first AMIA order.

Migraines are a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While medication is often the go-to treatment, there are natural ways to manage and potentially reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. In this interview with Jon, we delve into the world of migraine management through diet and explore his journey in building a successful startup focused on providing migraine-friendly food solutions.

Key Takeaways from the Interview:

* Migraines and Diet: Jon’s personal experience with migraines led him to discover the significant impact of diet on migraine frequency. By making dietary modifications based on research from Dr. David Buchholz’s book "Heal Your Headache," he experienced a 50% reduction in migraine attacks.

* The Birth of Amia: Inspired by his own success trying to prevent the onset of migraines through diet and the lack of convenient migraine-friendly food options, Jon founded Amia. The company aims to provide easy-to-access, trigger-free food products for migraine sufferers.

* Challenges and Triumphs: Jon openly discusses the challenges of starting a business, including fundraising difficulties and the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance, customer focus, and adaptability in overcoming obstacles.

* Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Jon shares valuable advice for those considering starting their own ventures. He stresses the importance of thorough preparation, a strong stomach for stress, and a genuine passion for the problem you're trying to solve.

* The Power of Customer Focus: Jon highlights the significance of understanding and connecting with customers. By actively seeking feedback and building relationships with migraine sufferers, Amia has been able to develop products that truly meet the needs of its target market.

Actionable Takeaways:

* Educate Yourself: Learn about the potential connection between diet and migraines. Consider reading books like "Heal Your Headache" by Dr. David Buchholz to gain insights into food triggers.

* Experiment with Your Diet: If you suffer from migraines, try eliminating potential triggers like aged cheeses, processed meats, and excessive caffeine. Keep a food diary to track your migraine patterns and identify any correlations.

* Support Migraine-Friendly Businesses: Consider supporting companies like Amia that offer products specifically designed for migraine sufferers.

* Embrace a Growth Mindset: If you're considering starting your own business, develop a growth mindset and be prepared for challenges. Focus on learning from setbacks and adapting to changing circumstances.

* Prioritize Customer Relationships: Building strong relationships with your customers is essential for business success. Actively seek feedback and tailor your products or services to meet their needs.

By incorporating these insights into your lifestyle and supporting businesses like Amia, you can take proactive steps to manage your migraines and empower yourself on your wellness journey.

Watch the full conversation on YouTube

Upcoming conversation drops

* Jason Schulweis, CCO, The Female Quotient

* Carrie Kerpen, Founder, The Whisper Group

* Mike Lamagna, Founder, Long Wharf Supply Co.

Hello Everyone!

How was your Memorial Day Weekend? Care to share your highlights with the community?

My family and I celebrated my daughter, Sydney’s 8th birthday at a local roller rink, enjoyed a BBQ with our neighbors, and walked in our town’s Memorial Day Parade.

In this episode of the Worthy for Thirty podcast, I was thrilled to welcome Hallie Seltzer, Founder and President of Pinpoint Productions.

Thank you, Jamie Hill of Shallot Communications for reaching out to me after listening to my conversation with Jessica Sloan, and asking to connect me with Hallie.

With nearly two decades of experience in live events, Hallie has worked with prestigious brands like Google, Netflix, and Dior, turning ambitious ideas into unforgettable experiences. Hallie shares her journey from wanting to be an actress when she began college in Washington DC to an industry leader and discusses the core values driving Pinpoint Productions to innovate and impact the event production landscape.

Thank you for reading Worthy for Thirty. This post is public so feel free to share it.

Thanks to Polina Pompliano for the interview prep suggestions she made in a previous The Profile post!

Join us as we dive into Hallie's inspiring story, her approach to creating meaningful and community-centered events, and her advice for aspiring event professionals.

Key Topics:

* Hallie's Journey: From college freshman who wanted to be an actress to leading event producer.

* Pinpoint Productions' Evolution: The need for authentic partnerships and meaningful engagement in the event industry.

* Creating Impactful Events: How Pinpoint integrates community values and sustainable practices.

* Pro Bono Work: The significance of giving back and selecting nonprofits to support.

* Mentorship and Team Values: Cultivating a team that shares core values and the importance of mentorship.

Calls to Action:

* Follow Us: Subscribe to the Worthy for Thirty podcast, here, or on your favorite podcast listening platform, and follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

* Connect with Hallie: Interested in collaborating with Pinpoint Productions? Visit their website to learn more about their services and impact.

* Join the Conversation: Have questions or comments about this episode? Share your thoughts on social media using #WorthyFor30.

* Get Involved: If you're a nonprofit organization in need of event production support, reach out to Pinpoint Productions to explore potential partnerships.

Tune in to hear how Hallie Seltzer is redefining the landscape of event production and the passion that fuels her mission to create unforgettable and impactful experiences.

Links:

PinPoint Productions on Instagram

Hello Everyone!

Spring is here. Who followed and saw the solar eclipse? Any good pictures? Share them here:

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Wall Street Journal best-selling author, Mita Mallick, who wrote Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths To Transform Your Workplace.

Creating a truly inclusive workplace requires more than just diversity initiatives. In this write-up, we'll delve into key points from my interview with Mita Mallick, a DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) expert, to understand how to foster a work environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

Unveiling Our Biases

We all have biases, and Mallick emphasizes self-awareness as the first step to overcoming them. Reflect on your social circles: are they diverse? Who do you interact with outside of work? Here are some questions Mallickk offers to consider:

* How many of your close relationships are cross-cultural?

* Who are the people you spend your leisure time with?

* When you go about your daily errands, who serves you?

* What kind of social spaces do you frequent?

* Who lives in your neighborhood?

* When celebrating something important, who are the first five people you contact?

A lack of diversity in your personal life may limit your ability to recognize and challenge biases in the workplace.

Going Beyond Diversity

Diversity training is a common approach, but Mallick contends that inclusion is the ultimate goal. A diverse workforce is important, but it's about creating a space where everyone feels a sense of belonging and has the opportunity to thrive.

Simple practices can make a big difference:

* Be mindful of who dominates conversations in meetings.

* If someone seems quiet, take the initiative to connect with them.

* Show appreciation for colleagues' contributions with handwritten thank-you notes.

* Broaden the scope of invitations to social gatherings.

The Power of Sponsorship

Mentorship is valuable for career development, but sponsorship takes it a step further. Sponsors are advocates who actively promote your work and champion your growth when you’re not in the room.

Here are some tips for finding a sponsor:

* Identify someone you admire for their work ethic and achievements.

* Offer to assist them with a project they're leading.

* Build a strong relationship over time.

* Don't hesitate to ask for their guidance and support.

Equal Pay for Equal Work

The gender pay gap is a persistent issue, and Mallick highlights how motherhood can still negatively impact a woman's salary. Regular compensation reviews by managers are crucial to ensure equal pay for equal work.

Call to Action

Building an inclusive workplace is a continuous journey. By being aware of our biases, actively fostering inclusion, and advocating for equal pay, we can all contribute to a more equitable work environment.

Here are some ways you can get started:

* Listen to the full podcast episode to gain deeper insights.

* Consider reading Mita’s book.

* Most importantly, take action today! Small changes in your daily interactions can make a big difference.

Watch the full conversation on YouTube

Follow Mita Mallick on Instagram

Hello Everyone -

What was the best April Fool’s prank you saw on social media?

For today’s episode drop, I had the fortune of sitting down with Deborah Malone, the Founder of the Internationalist to discuss purpose-driven marketing. I met Deborah 10+ years ago at one of her incredible events in partnership with the ANA.

In the world of international marketing, staying connected and informed is crucial. That's where The Internationalist steps in. As a marketer-driven resource, The Internationalist has established itself as a trusted source for best practices, industry insights, and thought leadership.

This episode explores the intersection of purpose and marketing with Deborah. She discusses how companies can leverage marketing to make a positive impact while achieving business goals.

Summary:

* Deborah Malone founded The Internationalist, a publication connecting the people and ideas in international marketing.

* The Internationalist's "Marketing Makes a World of Difference" initiative showcases companies using marketing for social good.

* Examples include initiatives like encouraging recycling through parking meters and a Tide campaign in India promoting gender equality in laundry responsibility.

* Authentic purpose goes beyond slogans and permeates all aspects of a company's culture and decision-making.

* Strong marketing can bridge the gap between intention and action, inspiring consumers to live more sustainable lifestyles.

* Avoid greenwashing or being called inauthentic or insincere. Focus on clear communication of your company's purpose and positive impact. Make sure your message aligns with your brand's core values.

Key Quotes:

* "Marketing makes a world of difference... because not only was the marketing doing some great things, but it demonstrated that within the corporation, the marketing department really was about innovation and about thinking a little bit more broadly." - Deborah Malone

* "The issue though becomes you can look at all these case studies and be inspired, but whatever you choose to think about, it has to be authentic, of course, to the brand." - Deborah Malone

* "There's a lot of marketers that are afraid to be labeled as ‘greenwashers’ and they say nothing about some of the great things that they're doing." - Deborah Malone

Additional Notes:

* This episode also mentions Patagonia and REI as companies with strong corporate cultures focused on purpose.

* Intention vs Impact Jessica Sloan: A statistic Deborah references is that 92% of consumers are motivated to live sustainably but only 16% actively change their behaviors.

I encourage listeners to lean in and learn more about The Internationalist's "Marketing Makes a World of Difference" initiative and explore case studies of companies using marketing for good. The Internationalist website is a wealth of information and inspiration!

Watch the full conversation on YouTube

Hello Everyone -

A lot of new faces and names since we last spoke.

We're thrilled to have you join the Worthy for Thirty community. Take a moment to introduce yourself and share what drew you here. What are you hoping to gain from your subscription?

And if you find this content valuable, help us reach more curious minds by spreading the word on Substack and social media.

Together, let's expand our collective knowledge and make learning a shared experience!

Cracking the Code to Corporate Giving: Insights You Can Take Back to The Office

This episode dives into the world of corporate social responsibility, specifically how companies can create impactful giving programs. Our guest, Jessica Sloan, Executive Director at Raised By Us, a nonprofit that empowers businesses in this important topic area, shares actionable insights you can leverage to boost your company's social impact.

The Struggles are Real:

Let's face it, many companies struggle to bridge the gap between good intentions and real-world change. Jessica acknowledges this, highlighting the disconnect between a company's desire to give back and the actual impact of their efforts.

The Key to Success: Employee Engagement

So, how do you bridge that gap? The answer is clear: Employee Engagement. Jessica emphasizes that traditional, one-size-fits-all programs often fall flat. The key is to understand what matters most to your employees.

Actionable Steps:

Here's how you can take action:

* Unmask Employee Passions: Conduct surveys to understand the causes your employees care about. This allows you to tailor your program to resonate with their interests, fostering a stronger connection.

* Make it Fun and Social: Partner with giving platforms that gamify the experience. This injects excitement and encourages friendly competition, boosting participation rates.

Beyond the Money: Expanding Your Impact

Financial contributions are important, but they're not the only way to give back. Jessica highlights the power of strategic partnerships with nonprofits. Here are some ways to expand your impact:

* Think In-Kind: Donate needed supplies or equipment to support the nonprofit's work.

* Volunteer Power: Organize volunteer opportunities for your employees to give back their time and skills.

* Become an Advocate: Amplify the work of your chosen nonprofit by promoting its mission and raising awareness.

Getting Started:

Feeling overwhelmed? Jessica provides a roadmap to help get you and your company, started:

* Define Your Goals: What impact does your company want to make?

* Employee Input Matters: Survey your team to understand their interests.

* Resource Check: Be realistic about your capacity to give (financial, in-kind, volunteer time).

* Seek Guidance: Partner with an organization like Raised By Us to develop a strategic program.

The Call to Action is Clear:

By implementing these insights, your company can create a social impact program that excites employees, strengthens your company culture, and makes a lasting difference in the world. Don't wait, take action today!A Parting Thought:

A growing percentage of for-profit businesses continue to think beyond the financial bottom line. They’re asking what and how can they serve their communities. Metrics on doing good perhaps isn’t as black and white as ROI but what’s the inverse if the business does nothing to give back or do good or support causes and non-profits important to their employees?

Correlation doesn’t equal causation yet the numbers for employee satisfaction, fulfillment, and retention have to be noticeable when a company makes a concerted effort to do good and give back.

Running a for-profit business WHILE doing good can be done at the same time.

It reminds me of my conversation with Jonah Goodhart, Co-Founder, Montauk Labs.

“…And I think the key, for us at least, is doing it in a sustainable way.

And sustainable way means having a business model that's attached to it.

So somebody has to generate revenue off of it in order to make it work, but you can have those double bottom lines.

You can have a scenario where it can be a business that is absolutely a business, but at the same time does good.”

I’d love to get your thoughts on CSR and share what you’ve experienced

Links:

Raised by Us on Instagram

Raised by Us on LinkedIn

Watch my full conversation with Jessica on YouTube

Hello Everyone -

I hope your 2024 is off to a great start. A great conversation is on deck and you’ll want to dive in head first!

As a refresher and introduction:

* Welcome to the Worthy for Thirty podcast, where we delve into the world of impactful business leaders.

* Hosted by Eric Tash, we spotlight visionaries who merge success with social impact.

* I was honored to introduce Lan Phan, founder and CEO of Community of Seven, renowned for her insights into purpose and mindset to the show.

Key Points:

* Background and Inception of Community of Seven:

* Lan's journey begins with a successful career trajectory, yet internal dissatisfaction.

* A pivotal moment during the pandemic led to the inception of Community of Seven.

* Personal struggles ignited a shift towards serving others and finding purpose.

* Navigating Identity and Purpose:

* Lan reflects on the importance of owning one's narrative and identity.

* The realization that true fulfillment stems from aligning actions with core values.

* Lessons learned from past experiences, including poverty and career transitions, shape Lan's perspective.

* The Power of Mindset and Consistency:

* Lan emphasizes the significance of mindset in shaping our destiny.

* Daily habits and intentional actions foster transformation and growth.

* Consistency, coupled with a growth mindset, paves the way for sustainable change.

* Transformative Leadership and Community Building:

* Community of Seven serves as a platform for life-changing leadership and personal development.

* Lan's book, "Do This Daily," offers a practical blueprint for living authentically and purposefully.

* The importance of creating a committed community and environmental support in building personal growth.

Closing Thoughts:

* Lan's journey underscores the metamorphic power of aligning actions with purpose.

* Each individual possesses the agency to define their narrative and pursue a life of fulfillment.

* "Do This Daily" serves as a guide for embracing authenticity, fostering growth, and constructing a supportive community.

How to Connect with Lan Phan:

* Follow Lan Phan on LinkedIn and YouTube for insightful content and updates on Community of Seven.

* Pre-order Lan's book, "Do This Daily," for a practical guide to purpose-driven living and evolutionary leadership. Releasing in April.

This episode encapsulates the journey of Lan Phan and the impact of Community of Seven, offering listeners actionable insights for aligning purpose with success. Join us on the Worthy for Thirty podcast, where purpose meets profit.

Hello Everyone -

I hope your 2024 is off to a solid start! What are the immediate goals you’ve set so far?

Excited to share my next conversation with Steven Izen, Founder & CEO, Lokai.

Conversation Highlights:

* Lokai's Origin Story:

* Inspired by the Hawaiian term "Lokai" representing balance

* Infused elements from Mount Everest and the Dead Sea into its products, symbolizing life's highs and lows. Staying humble at your highs, hopeful at your lows.

* Lokai's Social Impact:

* Donates 10% of net profits, totaling $8 million, so far, to charitable causes.

* Rooted in Steven's journey after his grandfather's Alzheimer's diagnosis, Lokai aims to remind individuals to navigate life's contrasts with grace.

* Steven's Entrepreneurial Journey:

* Started Lokai during college, officially launching after graduation.

* He highlights the role of athletics and education in preparing for entrepreneurship.

* Executing an Idea or Vision:

* Steven emphasizes the importance of long-term thinking and sustainable plans in entrepreneurship.

* Advises against overworking to avoid burnout, focusing on sustainable growth.

* Living Lokai's Ethos:

* He advocates about giving back as a way to gain perspective and balance amidst life's challenges.

* Lokai partners with 20+ nonprofit organizations, prioritizing impactful contributions.

* Steven is a proud Make-A-Wish’s national board member

* Transparency in Giving Back:

* The brand engages consumers in the impact by sharing stories and outcomes of donations.

* Values transparency in showcasing the direct impact of donations on various causes.

* Product Focus and Brand Authenticity:

* Steven and his team prioritizes product excellence over excessive marketing spending.

* Highlights consumer stories, emotional connections, and authenticity as drivers of brand loyalty.

* Cultivating a Purpose-Driven Culture:

* Fosters a balanced work-life culture at Lokai with initiatives like "Balance Fridays."

* Steven and his team look for prospective employees who align with Lokai's values and mission.

* Family as a Personal Anchor:

* Stresses the grounding influence of family, especially kids, in maintaining perspective amidst business highs and lows.

* Parting Wisdom for Entrepreneurs:

* Steven encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their passions with a long-term vision, emphasizing the need for genuine dedication and passion.

Watch the full conversation on YouTube 👇

Follow Steven & Lokai on Social Media 👇

Lokai on Instagram

Steven on Instagram

Hello Everyone -

Happy New Year! Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2024!

In this episode of Worthy for Thirty, we delve into the inspiring journey of Mike Clarke, co-founder of StoryVoice, a platform that connects children from all over the world for live, interactive storytime sessions. Mike shares his story of leaving a tech career in New York City to work on the frontlines of the Syrian refugee crisis in Lebanon. It was there that he met his co-founders and witnessed firsthand the challenges children faced in accessing education and language resources. This experience sparked the idea for Storyvoice, a platform that leverages technology to bridge the gap and foster a love of reading in children everywhere.

Mike Clarke's journey to co-founding StoryVoice:

* 2016: Moved to Lebanon to work with refugees and leverage technology for their benefit.

* 2016: Organized a hackathon for refugee challenges, and met future co-founders Ahmad and Leen.

* 2016-2019: Worked with UN agencies and embassies to develop tech solutions for refugee issues.

* 2018-2019: Witnessed the challenges faced by Syrian refugee children in Lebanese schools due to language barriers.

* 2019: Developed the Kindi app, a platform for children to request on-demand reading buddies.

The pivot to StoryVoice:

* Late 2019: Realized the limitations of Kindi and decided to pivot to a one-to-many model.

* Barcelona retreat: Conceptualized StoryVoice as a centralized platform for global storytime.

* Focus: Creating a free, safe, and exciting space for children worldwide to enjoy reading together.

Current status:

* StoryVoice is now a thriving platform hosting weekly live read-aloud shows with authors, educators, and celebrities.

* It has reached over 100,000 classrooms and families across 35 countries.

* In late 2022, StoryVoice was acquired by Scholastic, a leading children's book publisher and education company.

Links:

Follow Storyvoice on Instagram

Follow Scholastic on Instagram | Linkedin

Follow Mike on Instagram | Connect with Mike on Linkedin

Full conversation on YouTube 👇