Ivy League Sisters: High Achievers Get Real

In this powerful episode, Harvard Business School alum Jennifer Bessinger opens up about her transformative journey from chasing external validation to living life on her own terms—whether in the boardroom or on the hockey rink she joined at 40. Jennifer shares raw, honest insights on: Navigating gendered double standards in leadership Recognizing when competitiveness fuels you—and when it keeps y...

Join us for a powerful conversation with Michelle Jeong—entrepreneur, single mom, and founder of FIRE Capital—who has rebuilt her life through bold pivots, personal truth, and financial self-trust. Hosted by Crystal Flores, this session offers an honest look at what it takes to start over and thrive on your own terms. What You’ll Learn How to navigate life’s pivots with clarity, resilience, and se...

Join us or an inspiring conversation with multifaceted creative and Cornell alumna , who traded corporate security for the unpredictable yet fulfilling world of entrepreneurship and costume design. As a mother, business owner, and artist, she shares her journey of transformation and how embracing uncertainty became her greatest strength. In this episode, we'll dive into: Her pivotal decision t...

In this episode we dive deep with Dartmouth alumna , a bike tour guide and quilt-maker in Italy who traded Wall Street for winding roads. Alex takes us through the twists and turns of her life, as an Art History major whose path from GE Capital's prestigious Leadership Program to the sun-dappled shores of Lake Como reads like a masterclass in following your heart's compass. Through Alex’s...

In this authentic and enlightening conversation with Ivy League Sister and tech entrepreneur Tammy Ferris, we explore the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and human connection in business, and what it means to make technology truly accessible for small business owners. From her unexpected entry into computer science at Dartmouth to building an AI-focused community for entrepre...

In this vulnerable and inspiring conversation with financial wellness coach Myrna Laine-Hyppolite, we explore the raw reality of navigating career transitions and building financial independence as a high-achieving woman. From her journey starting in Haiti to becoming a CFO and founding her own business, Myrna shares powerful insights on: Myrna opens up about her own moments of doubt, vulnerabilit...

In this raw and revealing conversation with leadership coach Rachel Wexler, Dartmouth '97, we peel back the layers of what it really means to be a high-achieving woman navigating today's complex landscape. We dive deep into: Why being "always on" is killing our joy and what to do about it The hidden cost of people-pleasing and the power of setting boundaries How timers can paradoxically create mor...

In this heartfelt episode, Thandi Jarrett-Abdulali, a veteran higher education professional with two decades of experience in alumni relations, opens up about the delicate balance of people-pleasing, career ambitions, and authentic connection. Thandi shares raw, honest insights on: Breaking free from the "busy trap" and making time for meaningful relationships Navigating motherhood and career whil...

In this powerful episode of the Ivy League Sisters podcast, host Lauren Balukjian sits down with Rev. Dr. Molly Field James, whose journey from teenage cancer survivor to church leader will inspire and move you. Key highlights: Molly's recent promotion to a senior leadership role in the Episcopal Church Her shocking bone cancer diagnosis at age 13 and its profound impact How facing mortality as a...

In this powerful episode, Wharton/Lauder UPenn alum Sydel Vinita Howell opens up about her transformative journey from battling imposter syndrome to becoming an empowered leader and coach. Sydel shares raw, honest insights on: Recognizing the difference between fear-based thoughts and genuine intuition Breaking free from people-pleasing and perfectionism The power of mindfulness and self-reflectio...

In this illuminating episode, we sit down with Kari Cravalho, ACC, MBA, a Princeton graduate turned empowering coach. Kari takes us on her journey from following societal "shoulds" to embracing her authentic self. Key topics: Breaking free from expectations: Kari's transition from competitive fencing to finding her true calling Navigating the delicate balance between a thriving caree...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Patricia Rea, psychiatrist and Dartmouth alumna, as she shares her journey of determination and self-discovery. From being among the first women at Dartmouth to becoming a mother at 49, Dr. Rea offers valuable insights for high-achieving women navigating their careers and personal lives. In this episode, we explore: Challenging the status quo in male-...

65+ Financial Issues Women Face Today by Ellevest The  gender pay gap : Women overall make  84 cents  for every dollar men make. And those numbers are  even lower  for women of color, specifically: Black women make 67 cents, Native American women make 55 cents, Latinas make 57 cents, and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander women make anywhere from  52 to 90  cents for every dolla...

Financial Freedom and Female Empowerment In this eye-opening conversation with wealth management expert Helena Rosenthal, Dartmouth '08 and '14, we dive deep into: The surprising history of women's financial rights Breaking down barriers in wealth management The importance of community in building confidence Navigating major life transitions with grace The often overlooked connection b...

In this heartfelt conversation Ivy League Sister, Dr. Julie Bradley, (Dartmouth '02, '22) opens up about her journey as a high-achieving radiation oncologist, mother, and woman navigating life's challenges. Join host Lauren Balukjian as they explore: - The struggle to balance professional success with personal fulfillment - Learning to let go of perfectionism and embrace rest - Navigating the emot...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Krista Haley Rue, Esq., a Princeton-educated lawyer embarking on a bold new chapter in her life. In this candid discussion, Krista shares her remarkable journey: From battling alcoholism to embracing sobriety Navigating the high-pressure world of law Confronting imposter syndrome and self-doubt Rediscovering spirituality and purpose As Krista prepares to...

This podcast episode features an inspiring conversation with Rachel Chang, an alum of Cornell's Johnson Graduate School of Management, an entrepreneur and educator who founded The Ivy School in Thailand. Rachel shares her journey from growing up in Thailand to pursuing higher education in the United States and eventually returning to start her own international school. She discusses the challenges...

In this insightful episode, we speak with Jossie Haines, a tech industry veteran and advocate for women in STEM. Jossie shares her journey from being a 16-year-old Princeton student to becoming a leader in Silicon Valley. She discusses the challenges she faced as a woman in tech, including bias and burnout, and how those experiences led her to become a champion for diversity and inclusion. Jossie...

In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, Lauren Balukjian sits down with Maury Stephan, a Dartmouth alum from the class of '87, who shares her journey from corporate banker to holistic healer.  Maury opens up about her unconventional career path, the power of breathwork and body awareness, and the personal challenges that have shaped her life.  Maury's story is one of resilience, self...

Welcome to the Ivy League Sisters podcast where you’re invited into the world of high-achieving women who earned that coveted Ivy League degree and now are here to get real and honest about the pressures and expectations that come with claiming this achievement. I’m Lauren Balukjian and I’m the founder of Ivy League Sisters, a mentorship community where intellectually curious and slightly rebellio...