Serious Lady Business

Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Natasha Golinsky, an "accidental agency owner" and founder of On Purpose Projects. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of building a remote team, the importance of clarity in hiring, and the qualities to look for in virtual contractors. Natasha shares her insights on creating a supportive work environment and the necessity of showing up for your team as much...

Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Johanna Almstead, a seasoned consultant and investor in the fashion industry. They discuss the power of storytelling in branding, the importance of consistency, and the unique challenges faced by women in business. Johanna shares her experiences working with luxury brands, including Prada, the lessons learned from failed launches, and the significance of finding...

Leslie Youngblood speaks with Jill Mari Embry, founder of Balance Innovation Center, about the challenges women face in the male-dominated medical device industry. They discuss personal experiences of bias, the importance of female leadership, and the need for innovation in reproductive health. Jill shares her insights on navigating workplace dynamics, the significance of being heard, and the powe...

Leslie interviews Virginia Puccio, CEO of Fuel AI. They discuss Virginia's journey from working in tech to founding her own company, the importance of women in the AI space, and the ethical considerations in AI development. Virginia shares her insights on leadership, the challenges of building a startup, and how community ties influence her leadership style. The conversation emphasizes the need fo...

**SPECIAL OFFER FOR OUR LISTENERS: Receive 20% off their next NNABI purchase when you use promo code SLB20.**   Host Leslie Youngblood engages in a deep conversation with EJ Kim and Marina Pen, co-founders of NNABI, a wellness startup focused on supporting women through perimenopause. They discuss the concept of perimenopause as a 'second puberty,' the personal challenges they faced, and how they...

Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Mandana Milano, founder of Peony Talent, about the challenges and fears that come with entrepreneurship, particularly focusing on financial literacy and the necessity of rebuilding a business. They discuss the importance of facing financial fears, the value of active learning, and the need to adapt and evolve in response to market changes. Mandana shares her pers...

Leslie Youngblood interviews Nancy Yaklich, an innovation leader who has transformed various industries through technology. They discuss the importance of customer-centric innovation, the challenges and opportunities in emerging technologies, and the role of women in tech. Nancy shares her experiences in navigating corporate environments, securing executive support for innovative ideas, and the si...

Leslie Youngblood speaks with Dr. Mary O'Connor, co-founder of VORI Health, about her journey from a successful orthopedic surgeon to a healthcare entrepreneur. They discuss the challenges within traditional healthcare systems, the importance of patient-centered care, and the need for more women in leadership roles in healthcare. Dr. O'Connor shares insights on addressing health disparities, advoc...

*SPECIAL OFFER FOR LISTENERS! Mention Serious Lady Business to enjoy 20% off working with Olga and Lapis Consults. Book a free consultation for more. www.lapisconsults.com* Leslie Youngblood and Olga Topchaya explore the intersection of AI and parenthood, discussing Olga's journey from marketing to AI consulting. They delve into the challenges women face in adopting new technologies, the importanc...

In this conversation, CJ Nord discusses her innovative approach to transforming industrial waste into community power through sustainable supply chain practices. She emphasizes the importance of circular supply chains, community benefits, and the role of women in leadership within the industry. CJ shares her journey of overcoming challenges, building relationships, and inspiring the next generatio...

Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Tania Kottoor, founder and CEO of West X East, about her journey as a female entrepreneur navigating the world of accelerator programs. Tania shares her experiences, insights, and the importance of community support in the startup ecosystem. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding accelerators, the significance of planning for exits, and the value of building...

Leslie Youngblood speaks with artist and entrepreneur Janna Willoughby-Lohr about her journey in the art world. Janna shares her experiences growing up with creative parents, the challenges of pursuing a career in art, and how she navigated her education to create a unique major that combined art and business. They discuss the importance of validation, community involvement, and the skills necessa...

Leslie Youngblood speaks with Jennifer Oliva, founder and CEO of Jen Oliva Media, about the importance of recognizing and leveraging transferable skills in business. They discuss the challenges women face in acknowledging their worth and the need for self-advocacy. Jennifer shares her journey from a career in network news to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the value of storytelling and the importanc...

Host Leslie Youngblood interviews Danika Kong, an immunologist and CEO and Co-Founder of Scismic, a skills technology company. They discuss the evolving skills landscape, the importance of hiring for skills rather than resumes, and how technology can help small businesses scale efficiently. Danika shares her journey from academia to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the need for women entrepreneurs to...

Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Andrea DeWerd, founder of The Future of Agency, about the underrepresentation of women in publishing and the challenges they face in the industry. They discuss the need for more female voices in business literature, the importance of community and mentorship, and the unique perspectives women bring to storytelling. Andrea shares her journey from corporate publish...

In this engaging conversation with Kathy Guillory, we focus on the importance of niching down in business. Kathy shares her transition from the corporate world to founding Belle Bear Marketing, emphasizing the significance of identifying an ideal customer profile (ICP) and the challenges faced when narrowing down a niche. We discuss strategies for effective marketing, the balance between niche foc...

Summary In this episode of Serious Lady Business, host Leslie Youngblood interviews Sally Mueller, co-founder and CEO of Womaness, a brand dedicated to changing the conversation around women's health and menopause. They discuss the challenges of educating retailers and investors about menopause, the evolution of conversations surrounding women's health, and the importance of community support. Sal...

Summary In this episode of Serious Lady Business, host Leslie Youngblood engages in a deep conversation with Katrina High, a chemist and entrepreneur, about the journey from being an employee to becoming a business owner. They discuss the challenges of navigating professional relationships, overcoming jealousy and self-doubt, and maintaining an abundance mindset. Katrina shares her insights on fin...

In this episode of Serious Lady Business, host Leslie Youngblood welcomes Amanda Samoyloff, founder of Samoyloff PR, to discuss her journey as a female entrepreneur. They explore the importance of storytelling in public relations, effective hiring strategies for growing businesses, and the challenges of managing employees. Amanda shares her insights on navigating the complexities of hiring, the co...

Hey there—I’m Leslie Youngblood, and this is Serious Lady Business —the podcast where we get real about what it takes to build a business as a woman today. From late-night Google searches and client curveballs to the wins that make it all worth it—I’m talking about the stuff no one puts in the highlight reel. Each week, I’ll bring you honest conversations, lessons learned, and stories from women w...