The Climb | A podcast for Women in Business | Presented by the Inner Mountain Foundation

How can women entrepreneurs harness AI and innovation to transform their industries? And what does it take to thrive, adapt, and lead in male-dominated fields like tech? In this episode of The Climb, Natasha welcomes Heather Lü, a trailblazing entrepreneur whose work has set new benchmarks in telecommunications and AI-powered rail safety. From consulting for Baidu and Lenovo to pioneering cutting-...

Wondering how to align your ambition with deeper fulfillment and create on your own terms? You’re in the right place. In this episode of The Climb, Natasha welcomes Ana A. SanJuan, an Executive Coach, Program Developer, and the visionary behind Inner Mountain’s NEW Masterclass. Ana has a unique knack for combining entrepreneurial spirit with an intuitive understanding of personal growth. We’re thr...

Are you a woman entrepreneur looking to build community and grow your business? As the global business world continues to evolve in the Digital Era, establishing and nurturing relationships is more crucial than ever for growing entrepreneurs. Here to share her expertise is the legendary Stephanie Cartin, Co-Founder of Entreprenista and a powerhouse in community building, podcasting, and investing....

Imagine a world where success comes without sacrifice—a place where balancing parenthood and productivity is not just a lofty ideal, but a daily reality.  In today's flexible work environment, the myth that you must do it all is being shattered by trailblazing women who are redefining what it means to lead and thrive. In this heartfelt episode of The Climb, Natasha welcomes the incredible Ashley C...

Have you ever felt like imposter syndrome is getting in the way of you achieving your dreams? Perhaps you’re unsure of what those dreams even are… Grab your boots, ladies, we’ve got some climbing to do! In this episode of The Climb, co-host Rita Richa welcomes Sabreena Van Bebber, a TikTok content creator and live e-commerce host for MyyShop.  Sabreena’s story is one of courage, resilience, and go...

Feeling stuck in life or in business? Searching for the momentum to spark real change? Look no further—we’ve got the perfect guest for you. In this episode of The Climb, Natasha sits down with Melissa Glick, a renowned business coach and the Founder of Peak CEO. Melissa’s story is one of grit, ambition, and success. From climbing the ranks in sales to building and scaling a 7-figure business—and u...

How can you pursue your dreams—like entrepreneurship and motherhood—and thrive in both? If you’re a woman seeking motivation, affirmation, and community to fuel your journey, this episode is a must-listen. In this inspiring episode of The Climb , co-host Rita Richa sits down with Alice Chang, a serial entrepreneur, mother, and proud IMF Member. Alice opens up about her path to success, sharing how...

When women uplift and support one another, they don’t just climb mountains—they move them. A shining example of this is Carmen Wan, a financial planner and dedicated member of The Inner Mountain Foundation. In this episode of The Climb , host Natasha welcomes Carmen to share her remarkable story of resilience, self-discovery, and unshakable courage. From navigating career pivots and immigrating fr...

Being a woman in business has its challenges, especially when you’re a mom… surviving a global pandemic… and running a business with your spouse! This week’s guest has climbed these mountains (and more) and she’s here to reflect on it all. In this episode of The Climb, Natasha welcomes Erin Coles, Head of Operations at birthFUND and Executive Director of the Million Dollar Women Fund. But before s...

Struggling to stay productive and maintain a work-life balance? Today’s guest will help you “neurohack” your way to higher profits and peace of mind. In this episode of The Climb, Natasha chats with Jennifer “JJ” Jank, a Certified Financial Planner turned “Chief Brain Hacker” who helps business owners and their teams be more productive, effective, and profitable. JJ is here to share simple, scienc...

Think of a trademark as preventative care or an insurance policy for your business. When life tries to attack, you want your IP (Intellectual Property) to be protected! That’s why we invited an IP lawyer (and inspirational business woman) to tell us more. In this episode, Natasha sits down with Lauren Bercuson, an IP Lawyer and Founder of Storylock Legal, to discuss the must-know basics of tradema...

Overwhelm. It can get the best of us… and even cause burnout. But it can also help you shine light on what you need to change to feel happy again. Today, we’re exploring ways to prevent and overcome burnout, find clarity, and reconnect with the joys of entrepreneurship. Our guest is Amanda Nowak, Founder of Element Eight Coaching. Previously the Founder of The Simple Home, Amanda experienced the i...

If you’re dreaming of building a multi-million dollar business, we want you to know that it’s possible. It just takes a bit of mentorship, a few mindset shifts, lots of delegation, and of course, a healthy dose of self-care. Today’s guest is Jenna Spencer, the Founder of and Visionary at AssistPro®, an agency that provides busy leaders with virtual executive assistants. Jenna built this business a...

Every entrepreneur wants to focus on their purpose, create impact, and make more money in ways that feel good, right? It may sound easier said than done, but today’s guest is proving that an aligned, purpose-driven life is absolutely within your reach. Yetunde Shorters is an Award-Winning Publicist, Twin Mom, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Coach who helps women entrepreneurs identify their...

This episode is packed with invaluable insights as Kim shares her transition from running an in-person fitness business to establishing herself as an online thought leader in coaching and publishing. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of the publishing world and the challenges of standing out in today's content-heavy, AI-driven environment. Kim also opens up about her experiences in lau...

Welcome to "The Climb," brought to you by the Inner Mountain foundation and inspired by the empowering work of Diane Wong. In today's episode, hosts Natasha Walstra and business maven Pallavi Pande dive into the dynamic journey of running a sustainable business amidst the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Tune in to learn how Pallavi identified a niche market for sustainable single-use disposab...

Robin Higgins embarked on her journey with the exact expectations that shaped the futures of many of her peers — the drive towards professional success as the unwavering path to financial security. Her narrative began to unfold within the collegiate halls as a chemistry major, a field she pursued not out of genuine passion but instead for practicality and, by her admission, somewhat trivial reason...

Lea Durante is a scholar whose educational journey took her through the halls of the nation's most prestigious institutions, including Harvard and Johns Hopkins. A testament to her pursuit of knowledge, Lea's academic endeavors led her to an astonishing discovery that piqued her intellectual curiosity—the intricacies of the endocannabinoid system. She became fascinated by how this complex network...

In this installment of "The Climb," titled "Paths to Success: Embracing Varied Experiences," join us with the extraordinary Dee Kerr. Journey through Dee's evolution from crafting technological innovations to making strides in the literary publishing industry, all while emphasizing the importance of relishing in unique and non-direct career achievements. Go on Dee's journey with us, from starting...

In this episode, "Crafting Your Brand: Self-Care and Connection with Emily Paulsen," prepare to delve deep as Emily shares her entrepreneurial journey, from corporate roles at Abercrombie and Fitch and The Wendy's Company, to founding her venture, Electric Collab, a haven for women entrepreneurs. We'll unpack her belief in branding's multisensory power and the resonance of an emotional connection...

In this episode of 'The Climb,' host Natasha Walstra talks with Dr. Noor A Ali. Dr. Noor discusses her transition from a career in medicine to starting several businesses. They cover topics like personal branding, with Dr. Noor explaining the concept behind her 'Think Like a Woman' initiative, which aims to help female entrepreneurs overcome challenges in health insurance and realize their potenti...

In this enriching episode of 'The Climb', host Natasha Walstra engages in a profound conversation with Stephanie Thoma around the nuances of introversion and the art of genuine connection. Titled 'The Introvert's Guide to Energy Management and Authentic Connections', Natasha unpacks the journey from introspection to public speaking, touching on the energy dynamics introverts face. Listen as they d...

Listen to host Natasha Walstra as she talks with Krystle George, a mental health expert and the founder of Mindful Vibe Wellness. In this episode, Krystle discusses her shift from corporate behavioral health to starting her own company, a decision influenced by her family's history of helping others and a realization during the pandemic. Learn about the importance of community, mentorship, and sel...

In this episode, we're diving deep into the issues faced by women in leadership roles, confronting the subtleties of discrimination, and the challenges of managing imposter syndrome. Jeff brings his invaluable insights from coaching and consulting, particularly for mid-sized founder-led companies and female senior executives. We discuss the importance of external objectivity in tough scenarios, th...

Natasha Walstra talks with our guest, Peyton Meredith. Peyton, a single mom, moved from California to South Carolina, showing great determination and faith. Her path took her from working in sports television to studying Chinese medicine and alternative therapies. She overcame personal challenges and is now the COO of a successful company. The episode focuses on her transition from developing a wo...