Navigating This Kaleidoscope Career with FranHauser

In this episode of 'This Kaleidoscope Career,'host Helen Jonsen converses with Fran Hauser, a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and bookstore owner.

She is passionate about helping women acceleratein their careers by writing, speaking, investing in women’s start-up ventures, and in book consulting.

Fran discusses her diverse trajectory, startingfrom her early days in accounting and evolving through various corporate roles at companies like Coca-Cola and Time Inc. where she was in the C-suite as head of digital.

She delves into her transition to startupinvesting, driven by a desire to support female entrepreneurs, and later becoming an author. Her first book 'The Myth of The Nice Girl' became a best seller and is still fueling conversations about women at work. Her third is expected later in 2025.

Fran also talks about her latest venture as abookstore owner and the importance of storytelling, community and family.

Helen and Fran explore the common themes andthrough lines that have guided Fran's journey, focusing on her advocacy for women and her passion for storytelling.

Find Fran here

Find Bedford Books here

Podcast timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Mission

00:27 Welcome to This Kaleidoscope Career

01:22 Meet Fran Hauser

01:44 Fran's Career Journey

03:23 Transition to Startup Investing

04:17 Writing and Advocacy

16:19 The Myth of The Nice Girl

22:13 Balancing Leadership and Authenticity

24:43 Book Bound Podcast and Bookstore

26:10 Reading Like Writers

26:41 Workshops and Bookstore Dreams

27:40 Opening the Bookstore in Record Time

29:42 Building Community and Author Networks

30:52 Navigating the Challenges of BookstoreOperations

34:41 Publishing Workshops and Programs

38:13 Speed Round: Fun and Personal Insights

41:17 Family and Personal Life

44:52 Advice for Women with Kaleidoscope Careers

47:30Conclusion and Final Thoughts