She Became CEO

Comedy is often treated as something instinctive — you’re either funny, or you’re not. This episode challenges that idea. In Episode 42 of She Became CEO, I talk with Lynn Harris about comedy as a craft: something you can study, practice, refine, and build over time — much like any other creative or professional skill. Our conversation focuses on what comedy looks like behind the scenes, especiall...

In this episode, I sit down with Leslie Hocker for a thoughtful conversation about healthy longevity, beauty in midlife, partnership, and purpose-driven business. I chose to share Leslie’s story because it connects deeply with a theme I often return to on this podcast, namely: So many women—especially those who have experienced trauma—hold back from sharing their wisdom because of how they feel ab...

In this milestone 40th episode, I decided to do something different. I wrote down the dominant impression or feeling that stayed with me from each guest. Then, borrowing a tradition from Toastmasters, I acted as a one-person jury and chose one “gold medal” guest — not to rank people, but to highlight specific qualities in communication and presence that stood out. Here’s a quick look at the eight...

In this warm and entertaining episode, I sit down with my dear friend Don McNeill—a speaker, humorist, and lifelong admirer of Mark Twain. Don has spent years studying Twain’s life, voice, and wit, and he now performs as Mark Twain himself, bringing the celebrated American author to clubs, gatherings, and events across North Carolina. We talk about Don’s unforgettable journey into public speaking,...

Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of She Became CEO, I explore a topic many midlife career shifters wonder about but rarely understand in depth: franchising. To unpack the truth behind the franchise model — beyond the myths and sales pitches — I sit down with Stacey Gibson, a career ownership coach with The Entrepreneur’s Source and a seasoned marketing professional with over 30 years of...

If you’re a midlife entrepreneur — or you’re thinking about building a side gig, online business, or network marketing income stream — this episode will expand your perspective. Today’s guest, John Solleder, has spent over 42 years in network marketing, direct selling, leadership training, and entrepreneurship development. He has guided more than 5,000 entrepreneurs, built organizations across mul...

It started as something small — just noticing 11:11 on my phone one day. Then it happened again. And again. Soon, the number followed me everywhere. Was it a sign from the universe, or just my brain searching for patterns? In this episode, I explore how repeating numbers can become mirrors — reflecting what we believe, what we’re ready to see, and what we still need to stabilize in life. I connect...

Guest: Azgari Lipshi — entrepreneur, founder of Asgari.com , and serial business builder who has launched and sold companies across industries and continents. Episode Summary: What does it really take to start a successful business — and how do you recover when passion projects fail? In this candid conversation, Ilze talks with Azgari Lipshi, a serial entrepreneur who launched her first supplement...

What does growing wisdom have to do with growing your wisdom teeth? And why does Dr. D-Nice believe every woman should enter a beauty pageant at least once in her life? In this lively, laughter-filled conversation, we explore the intersection of confidence, purpose, and the kind of joy that doesn’t depend on likes or followers. Dr. Denise Hunter — known to audiences as Dr. D-Nice — is a medical do...

In this entertaining and reflective episode, I share a true story in a way that will make it sound like a tall tale. I also talk about how we see and perceive in the best way I can, without overwhelming my audience with complexity. Finally, I share 33 statements as my gift to you. They are condensed wisdom from the painful but valuable experiences I've had. Enjoy, and please follow and give my pod...

What happens when a woman stands on stage and dares to speak about her body, her rights, and her pleasure? According to my observations, people take sides, but usually, nobody stays neutral. In this episode of She Became CEO, I sit down with public speaking and communication expert Natalie Jones for a conversation that is as bold as it is practical. Natalie doesn’t just teach speaking techniques—s...

If you’re a woman in your fifties or beyond and you’ve felt the pull to finally start that business, this episode is for you. Messages are floating online that sound comforting, hopeful, even empowering—but they’re only half the story. And half-truths can cost you precious time, money, and confidence. In this episode, I unpack three of the most common half-truths about midlife entrepreneurship—wha...

Līga Brence is a Latvian entrepreneur and world traveler. She is the owner and CEO of the brand "Liga Nature SPA," which she created from scratch over the span of 30 years. Today, Liga joined me for an open and heartfelt conversation in which this courageous woman shared about her successes and hardships as she was building her beauty salons, SPA centers, and her organic product line. Her English...

In this episode, I weave together stories of caregiving, resilience, and the hard choices that come when love and responsibility collide. You’ll hear reflections on Danielle’s story of choosing her own health over continuing as her ex-husband Matt’s caregiver, Bruce Willis’ wife Emma Heming’s public sharing about boundaries, and my own experiences with stepping back when my care wasn’t being recei...

What happens when the people we love most speak words that cut deep — not because they are true, but because they come from unhealed pain? In this episode, I share the stories of two mothers who faced that reality, and I reflect on the shadows of trauma, the echoes of narcissistic abuse, and the delicate balance between guilt and responsibility. Together, we explore fear as a dark angel, guilt as...

In this episode, I sit down with Canadian life coach Paige Royal. Paige is a Master Coach & Trainer specializing in energetic frequency, emotional alchemy, NLP, Timeline Therapy, and Hypnosis. She helps leaders, coaches, and educators break through unconscious, mental, and emotional blocks and shift into the frequency of who they’re here to be and what they truly desire to have. Her work defie...

Many of us have been significantly hurt in ways that cannot be seen from the outside, and although humans tend to be pretty resilient, many of us suffer from these traumatic changes in more ways and for longer than we understand. In this episode, I share my story and share information about three types of trauma and seven criteria that can help determine whether you are suffering from post trauma...

In this Episode, I share my observations and conversations during a meeting in a local brewery and what thoughts about faith, beliefs, and revelations they sparked within me.  The main topic was "Faith." What's the difference between faith and belief? Can one have faith and doubts at the same time? Faith and religion. Faith in the brakes of your car... Please rate and follow. Thank you from the bo...

So far, I have always scripted all episodes, and then I read my scripts with little improvisations. This one is 100% unscripted. I know that there are people who speak their thoughts into a recorder and then write texts based on those audio recordings. I am a listener of one female podcaster who was born a talker, and I can tell she never scripts anything. I am not like that. I always think quietl...

Many women in their fifties and beyond are carrying invisible weight—grief, unspoken dreams, financial pressure, and the deep conditioning to serve others before themselves. In this episode, I speak to that reality with compassion and clarity. You’ll meet (or revisit) three women: ✨ Ellen, a corporate analyst who dreams of more freedom but fears self-promotion. ✨ Marta, a first-generation immigr...

Even though my podcast is new, people have pitched me to be on my podcast as guests. So far, I have said no, even though at this point, I have started thinking about having guests. This podcast is to help my listeners and prospective guests understand the direction in which this podcast is evolving, so that there is less confusion and disappointment.  In this episode, I will share with my listener...

She Became CEO. Of Her Voice. Of Her Money. Of Her Life. Launched it under a new podcast name; this is a transitional episode. I made this decision for a couple of reasons: first, I no longer wish to push the story of how to remember my name in the front of my message. I no longer want it to be about me, but how, using my experience and skills, I can help other women to pivot from victimhood and b...

Since it's a nice number (episode 20), I think it's a perfect time to announce that this is the last episode under the podcast title "Ill Zebra's Transformations." I will continue using this very same channel, but you will see a new podcast name and logo. In this celebratory episode, I am wrapping up my story, briefly revisiting the story that caused me to start this podcast, and what a profound t...

In this episode, I blended biology and psychology. In the biology part, I'm talking about sex hormones and intimacy, or lack thereof. You will hear me sharing somewhat contradictory opinions about the supplementation of iodine in our daily diet, and talking about other supplements. In the psychology part, I reference three highly reputable experts and quote some of their wisdom. 

Do you feel comfortable in your body? Do you know people who don't? Until recent years, this wasn't a widely discussed topic. Then, it became popular, and we saw people who had decided to change their gender coming out of the closet. We learned to be inclusive and were encouraged to indicate the preferred pronouns in our signature line. I have had the privilege to always feel feminine, which match...