Smart, Driven, Women

Courtney Matson, Managing Partner of Broad Branch Advisors, shares her extensive experience in international development, global health, and strategy consulting. She provides insights about her career journey from nonprofit work to running her own consulting firm, all while balancing her professional ambitions with family life. If you are ready to embrace the internal investigation of your own lea...

Caroline Woods, executive director of Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia, discusses her nonlinear career path and growth into leadership. She emphasizes building confidence over time, embracing detours, and learning from failure rather than fearing it. She also reflects on balancing motherhood and career, highlighting that success comes from flexible priorities rather than perfect balance. If y...

Lisa Angulo Reid, Co-Founder and CEO of Dear Flor, shares her journey from a driven college student to a marketing leader and entrepreneur. She emphasizes the importance of breaking big goals into manageable steps, staying curious, and pursuing work that aligns with both passion and values. She advocates for aspiring founders to know their non-negotiables and confidently take up space. If you are...

Mayor Aliyah Gaskins, the first African American woman elected mayor of Alexandria, Virginia discusses how curiosity shaped her career path, how systems helped her solve complex community challenges, and why authentic leadership matters now more than ever. She opens up about the realities of running for office, while navigating criticism and balancing family life. If you want to be inspired toward...

Audrey Bansil, Vice President of NBCUniversal, discusses challenges such as imposter syndrome, ADHD, and burnout. She emphasizes the importance of nervous system regulation, capacity building, and redefining success. These tools helped shift her mindset from goal oriented to impact oriented.  If you are currently overwhelmed with attempting to achieve your goals, then this episode is for you! Conn...

Marie Clarke, a former lawyer turned C-suite executive, talks about navigating career pivots, trusting your instincts, and redefining success on your own terms. She explores how clarity, systems, and self-trust play a critical role in long-term leadership when stepping into bigger decisions with broader influence.  This conversation is for women who are questioning their next move, feeling boxed i...

Head of Stock Administration at Asana–Christine Zwerling, CEO of Candor–Niya Dragova, and Head of Business Development–Samantha Adams all join the SDW podcast to unpack how candid feedback, operational rigor, and emotional regulation translate into growth. They also discuss finding (and keeping) the right allies so your network actually works, and navigating emotional regulation under pressure. If...

Tamar Draper Mahru, Senior Director of Workplace Experience at Grammarly, shares how her inner drive, human-centered leadership, and early career experiences in workplace design helped her navigate a purpose-driven path, while building environments where others can thrive too.  More importantly, she emphasizes on how intentional connections shape career momentum, team creativity, and personal fulf...

Sarah Fuchs, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Muus Collective, shares her honest journey, from being laid off on maternity leave to building a mobile fashion gaming studio partnered with Revolve and Paris Hilton.  She opens up about balancing leadership and raising four kids, setting unapologetic boundaries, and why being a role model means making space for others.  This is a must-listen for anyone redefi...

Sheila Jambekar, Chief Privacy Officer at Dayforce, shares how she let go of the “shoulds” and built a career that actually fit her life, values, and goals. She opens up about making intentional pivots, trusting herself through high-stakes transitions, and what it really means to pursue true ambition.  It’s a powerful look at what happens when you stop following a path that only looks successful—a...

Soumya Tulloss, Senior Vice President of Agent Sales at Zillow, shares what it really takes to lead with intention, set bold goals, and evolve through every stage of your career. From her early days in finance to leading teams across tech and real estate, Soumya reflects on what she's learned about high standards, self-awareness, and creating clarity amidst chaos. She opens up about balancing moth...

Juslyn Manalo (community advocate, public servant, and the first Filipina elected to the Daly City Council) shares how small acts of purpose can spark lifelong leadership. From fighting for Filipino WWII veterans to stepping into city hall, Juslyn reflects on the values that shaped her, how she overcame self-doubt, and why putting your dreams into the universe is more powerful than you think.  Whe...

Patrice Cleary, owner of Purple Patch and Joia Burger, shares how she walked away from a traditional career to build two of D.C.’s most celebrated restaurants. She proves that success is betting on yourself and making it happen.  If you’re on the edge of taking your own leap, this episode will give you the insight, confidence, and push to go for it. Connect with Patrice: https://www.linkedin.com/i...

Kriselda Valderrama, Representative in District 26 in the Maryland House of Delegates, joins Smart, Driven Women to discuss her path to leadership that required much strength and resiliency. As a working mother and legislator, Kris also shares the importance of support systems in managing both professional ambitions and family responsibilities. If you want to learn how to remain steadfast and focu...

Jacqueline Post Ladha, an accomplished attorney and real estate expert, shares her insights on breaking barriers, advocating for housing affordability, and leading with impact. She dives into the power of preparation in high-stakes negotiations, and the importance of intuition in decision-making. She also discusses how women can assert themselves in male-dominated spaces without compromising their...

Evelyn Miller, Partner at Smart Settlements (a premier Title Company), discusses navigating career pivots and balancing ambition with joy. Evelyn shares her journey from an aspiring civil rights lawyer to a thriving entrepreneur in real estate.  She offers insights on goal setting, perseverance, and finding joy even in the most daunting challenges.  If you want to learn more about embracing some o...

Lynn Pina, Chief Marketing Officer of Geo Blue, dives into the unique challenges and strengths that come with being a firstborn, raising a family, and leading as a CMO.  Packed with insights on resilience, mentorship, and finding the courage to let go, this episode is a must-listen for women at any stage of their journey. To donate to Girls Inc. DC, click here and put Lynn Pina in the comments fie...

Welcome to Smart, Driven Women, where we explore how impactful women navigate the intersections of leadership, personal growth, and life transitions. Hosted by Rona Jobe, CEO of LVL-Up Strategies, this podcast features candid conversations with women leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators who share the lessons learned from their evolving journeys. Whether you're just starting out, facing a career...