Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Rasheda Williams, an award-winning speaker and communication strategist, about the importance of visibility and storytelling for women and youth entrepreneurs. They discuss how to gain visibility without a budget, the misconceptions surrounding PR, and the power of personal narratives. Rasheda shares her journey of founding Empowered Flower Girl and emphasizes the need for positive youth stories in media. The conversation also touches on the significance of community, networking, and the unique culture of Detroit.

About Out Guest

• Rasheda Williams, Founder of Inspired Life Professionals and Empowered Flower Girl
• Connect with Rasheda on LinkedIn
• Empowered Flower Girl Website
• Inspired Life Professionals Website

Key Takeaways

• Visibility is achievable without a large budget.
• Everyone has a story worth sharing.
• Networking should focus on giving value.
• Imposter syndrome affects many, especially women.
• Your expertise can impact others, regardless of experience.
• Telling your story can be done through various media.
• PR is accessible to everyone, not just those with money.
• Community support is vital for entrepreneurs.
• Detroit has a rich culture of resilience and innovation.
• Positive narratives can change perceptions of youth.

Keywords
PR, storytelling, visibility, women entrepreneurs, youth empowerment, Detroit, marketing, community, networking, imposter syndrome

Host Leslie Youngblood engages with Shanea Dangerfield, founder of Fieldwise Consulting, to discuss the challenges faced by founders and leaders in navigating growth, decision-making, and the importance of mindset. They explore the common feeling of overwhelm when everything seems important, the significance of understanding inflection points in business, and the myth of making the 'right' decision. Shanea emphasizes the value of reframing decisions as 90-day tests, the costs of indecision, and the need for healthy delegation. The conversation also touches on gender dynamics in decision-making, the importance of cultivating a positive company culture, and the necessity of seeking advisory support. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to embrace their unique journeys and focus on their personal growth.

About Our Guest

• Shanea Dangerfield, Founder of Fieldwise Consulting
• Connect with Shanea on LinkedIn
• Follow Fieldwise Consulting on LinkedIn
• Fieldwise Consulting website

Key Takeaways

• When everything feels important, it often leads to paralysis.
• Founders should focus on trade-offs rather than right or wrong decisions.
• Indecision can breed uncertainty within teams.
• Healthy delegation involves clear outcomes and decision ownership.
• Women often face more scrutiny in decision-making than men.
• Mindset and self-talk are crucial for success.
• Advisory support can help navigate complex decisions.
• Company culture starts with the founder's values and actions.
• Recognizing when to seek help is vital for growth.
• Every experience, good or bad, contributes to personal growth.

Keywords
entrepreneurship, leadership, decision making, women in business, company culture, advisory support, mindset, inflection points, delegation, growth strategies

In this engaging conversation, Leslie Youngblood speaks with Angela Wisniewski-Cobbina, founder of Coup d'Etat, about the significance of independent retail as a form of rebellion against the dominance of big corporations. They explore the importance of physical spaces in fostering community and connection, the role of clothing in self-expression, and the journey of opening a boutique in Detroit. Angela shares her insights on navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, the impact of social media, and the importance of authenticity in business. The discussion also highlights the unique culture of Detroit and the need for community support for small businesses, culminating in a powerful message about empowering women and challenging societal norms.

About Our Guest

• Angela Wisniewski-Cobbina - Founder, Coup D’état
• Connect with Angela on LinkedIn
• Follow Angela on Instagram
• Coup D’état website
• Follow Coup D’état on Instagram

Key Takeaways

• Independent retail serves as a form of rebellion against corporate dominance.
• Physical spaces foster community and meaningful conversations.
• Clothing is a powerful tool for self-expression and identity.
• The journey to entrepreneurship is often long and challenging.
• Detroit's unique culture and style deserve recognition.
• Community support is essential for the survival of small businesses.
• Authenticity in branding is crucial for success.
• Social media can create illusions of community and success.
• Success is not just about financial gain but also about personal fulfillment.
• Empowering women is vital for societal change.

Keywords
retail, rebellion, community, Detroit, fashion, entrepreneurship, self-expression, social media, women empowerment, small business

Host Leslie Youngblood engages in a deep conversation with Anja Skodda, a bioengineer and entrepreneur, about the importance of women's health, the role of microbiomes, biological age, and epigenetics in understanding health. They discuss the need for proactive health measures, the connection between hormones and gut health, and the significance of home testing for better health management. Anja shares her journey in science and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of self-care and preventative health for women.

This episode is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The views shared are not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or care. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any health-related questions or decisions.

About Our Guest

• Anja Skodda, Founder of HAPPYBOND, Director Product Development at Liv
• LivBio website
• LivPet Website
• HAPPYBOND website

Key Takeaways

• Women often rely on annual check-ups, missing out on crucial health insights.
• The microbiome plays a significant role in overall health and disease prevention.
• Biological age can differ from chronological age, influenced by lifestyle choices.
• Epigenetics shows how lifestyle affects aging and health risks.
• Preventative care is essential for maintaining health and well-being.
• Home testing can empower women to take charge of their health.
• Understanding hormonal shifts is crucial for women's health during different life stages.
• Self-care is not selfish; it's necessary for being present for others.
• Women need to advocate for their health and not dismiss symptoms as normal.
• Investing in health can lead to better quality of life and longevity.

women's health, microbiome, biological age, epigenetics, preventative care, home testing, hormonal health, aging, health entrepreneurship, wellness

About Our Guest

• Kiara Williams, Founder of Digital Movement Media + Treuse Cinema
• Connect with Kiara on LinkedIn
• Connect with Kiara on Instagram
• Digital Movement Media Website

detroit, entrepreneurship, social impact, organizing, nonprofit, new york, advocacy

Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Soula Chronopoulos, president of Aqua Action, about the critical importance of water security as both an environmental and economic issue. They discuss the impact of AI on water technologies, Soula's journey from neuroscience to water advocacy, and the importance of empowering women in the water tech sector. The conversation also touches on leadership lessons, the significance of community in entrepreneurship, and the challenges faced by innovators in the water space. Soula emphasizes the need for collaboration and the potential for innovation to address the looming water crisis.

About Our Guest

• Soula Chronopoulos, President of AquaAction
• AquaAction Website
• AquaHacking Program
• AquaNation Community
• Connect with Soula on LinkedIn
• Follow AquaAction on LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

• Water is a national security issue, not just environmental.
• AI can help connect entrepreneurs to opportunities in water tech.
• Soula's journey from neuroscience to water advocacy shows the value of diverse experiences.
• Women in water technology are crucial for innovation and solutions.
• Community support is vital for entrepreneurs facing challenges.
• The 'Death Valley' of entrepreneurship is a common struggle that can be overcome with support.
• Innovations in water technology can transform industries and economies.
• Water scarcity is projected to be a major global crisis by 2030.
• Leadership in business often requires resilience and confidence, especially for women.
• Collaboration across borders can lead to significant advancements in water security.

water security, AI, entrepreneurship, women in business, water technology, community, leadership, innovation, sustainability, economic resilience

Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Nikki Sapiro-Vinckier, a reproductive healthcare activist and OB-GYN physician assistant. They discuss Nikki's journey into advocacy, the gaps in the healthcare system, and the importance of empowering patients to advocate for themselves. The conversation also touches on the historical context of reproductive health, the need for more clinical advocates, and the role of men in reproductive health discussions. Nikki shares insights from her upcoming book, 'We Deserve More,' which aims to provide patients with the tools they need to navigate the healthcare system effectively. The episode emphasizes the importance of community, trust, and the ongoing fight for reproductive rights, particularly in a swing state like Michigan.

About Our Guest

• Nikkie Sapiro Vinckier, reproductive healthcare activist, content creator and OBGYN Physician Assistant
• Follow Nikki on Instagram
• Follow Nikki on TikTok
• Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn
• Nikki's Website
• Take Back Trust Website
• Pre-Order We Deserve More

Key Takeaways

• Nikki's advocacy stems from her frontline experience in reproductive healthcare.
• There is a significant gap between patient needs and healthcare delivery.
• Empowering patients to advocate for themselves is crucial in healthcare.
• Historical injustices in gynecology impact current healthcare experiences.
• Trust in healthcare is fragile, especially for marginalized communities.
• Communication is key to effective healthcare advocacy.
• Men should be included in conversations about reproductive health.
• Patients should ask for pain management in advance of procedures.
• Digital platforms can help combat misinformation in healthcare.
• Community engagement is essential for effective advocacy.

reproductive health, advocacy, healthcare access, women's rights, Michigan, Take Back Trust, self-advocacy, healthcare equity, women's health, community engagement

Host Leslie Youngblood interviews Elina Panteleyeva, founder of DoodWoof, a thriving e-commerce brand for doodle dogs. Elina shares her journey from being laid off to launching her business, emphasizing the importance of community building, influencer marketing, and the challenges of entrepreneurship. She discusses the significance of choosing the right audience, the power of being the face of your brand, and the lessons learned in her first year of business. Elina also offers valuable advice for those facing layoffs and highlights the future plans for DudeWoof.

About Our Guest

• Elina Panteleyeva, founder of DoodWoof
• DoodWoof website
• Connect with Elina on Instagram
• DudeWoof on TikTok, and Instagram
• 12 Months to $1 Million Book

Key Takeaways

• Elina turned a personal setback into a launch pad for her business.
• Choosing the right audience is crucial for product development.
• Building community and trust is essential for brand growth.
• Being the face of your brand increases customer trust.
• Creating a product from scratch requires research and persistence.
• Launching on Amazon requires a strategic approach and community support.
• Influencer marketing can de-risk your business and expand reach.
• Building an audience takes time and consistency.
• Starting to build an audience while employed can ease the transition to entrepreneurship.
• Calculated risks, like taking on debt, can be beneficial for business growth.

entrepreneurship, community building, influencer marketing, e-commerce, women in business, brand growth, product launch, audience engagement, small business, marketing strategies