This episode we are joined by Ioanna Onasi, a pioneering entrepreneur in the realm of ethical AI sales. As the co-founder and CEO of Dex2go, Iona elucidates the significance of integrating human-centric AI into sales enablement, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of sales teams.

Our conversation delves into the evolving landscape of leadership and the imperative of fostering opportunities for women-led enterprises. Iona shares her personal journey, highlighting the pivotal moments that informed her entrepreneurial path and the necessity of adaptability within the startup ecosystem.

Ultimately, this episode serves as a clarion call for aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace resilience and innovation in their pursuit of success.

Takeaways:

• Ionna discusses her journey from fashion to technology, highlighting the evolution of her entrepreneurial aspirations.
• Dex2go employs artificial intelligence to enhance sales coaching by personalizing training for sales representatives using psychometric data.
• The conversation explores the significance of resilience for women founders as they navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.
• AI can facilitate the development of essential soft skills, making it crucial for modern sales environments.
• The episode concludes with an emphasis on the importance of self-awareness and continuous learning in professional development.

Chapters:

03:57 The Journey of an Entrepreneur: Pivots and Lessons Learned

12:44 The Importance of Human Connection in AI Solutions

21:33 The Importance of Personalized Learning in Sales Training

30:44 Understanding Human-Centric AI

41:12 The Fourth Industrial Revolution and Its Impact on Women Founders

Burning Questions Answered:

1.What does it take to build a successful AI company without a tech background?

2.How can founders pivot without losing their core mission?

3.What is "human-centered AI"—and why is it the future of sales coaching?

4.Can AI actually enhance our ability to connect and communicate better as humans?

Favorite Quotes:

“AI should help humans connect better, not replace that connection.”

“The most resilient person wins. Period.”

Closing Thoughts:

Ioanna’s journey reminds us that real innovation isn’t just about building tech—it’s about building trust, clarity, and compassion into everything we do.

Whether you're in sales, tech, or just figuring it out as you go, this episode will make you feel seen and inspired.

Offers & Contact Information:

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannemantzouridou/

Website: https://dextego.com/

Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and prosperity.

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The episode discourse centers on the transformative potential of franchising as a viable avenue for business growth, particularly for women entrepreneurs.

As we delve into this topic, we are privileged to engage with Brittney Lincoln, a distinguished leader in the franchising sector and the founder of Females in Franchising.

Brittney elucidates the myriad advantages of adopting a franchise model, emphasizing its capacity to facilitate rapid expansion while offering a support network that mitigates the inherent challenges of entrepreneurship.

We also explore the essential criteria that businesses must meet to transition into a franchise model, including profitability, repeatability, and the importance of a compelling brand narrative.

This episode serves not only to inform but to inspire visionary women in their entrepreneurial journeys, urging them to consider franchising as a strategic option for scaling their enterprises.

Takeaways:

• Brittney shares her journey in franchising and her dedication to empowering women in business.
• The discussion underscores the evolving landscape of leadership, advocating for a new model that champions collaboration and inclusivity.
• Listeners are informed about the importance of profitability and repeatability for businesses considering franchising as a growth strategy.
• The episode stresses the value of community in franchising, noting that franchisees benefit from established support systems and shared experiences.
• The conversation highlights the transformative potential of franchising for women entrepreneurs, enabling them to create generational wealth and community impact.

Chapters:

03:51 Brittany's Journey into Franchising

12:30 Exploring Females in Franchising

26:19 Transitioning to Franchising: Opportunities and Responsibilities

36:56 The Importance of Relationships in Franchising

This episode features an enlightening discussion with Marcia Dawood, a prominent advocate for women in business and impact investing.

The central theme revolves around the critical need to amplify the voices of women entrepreneurs and address the substantial funding gap they face in securing investments.

Marcia, a seasoned investor and author, shares her compelling insights on how women-led ventures are essential in tackling significant global challenges, including women's health.

Throughout the conversation, we explore the importance of building supportive networks and fostering relationships with potential investors long before seeking funding. As we delve into various strategies for bridging the funding gap, listeners will gain valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of investment in women-led businesses and the vital role they play in shaping a prosperous future.

Takeaways:

• Marcia's journey illustrates the significance of early-stage investment in women-led enterprises and the challenges they face in securing funding.
• Listeners are encouraged to build relationships with potential investors long before seeking funding to enhance their chances of success.
• The discussion highlights the biases women face in securing investment and the need for more women in decision-making roles in finance.
• The episode underlines the diversity of women-led initiatives, particularly in healthcare, which have historically received insufficient funding.
• Marcia shares effective strategies for women founders to bridge funding gaps, including crowdfunding and developing investor relationships.

Chapters:

02:56 The Journey to Advocacy in Impact Investing

15:40 Building Relationships for Funding: A Crucial Strategy for Women Founders

18:23 Funding Strategies for Entrepreneurs

29:20 Understanding Equity Crowdfunding vs. Angel Investing

34:59 The Importance of Education in Angel Investing

40:05 Investing in Women's Health: The Joy Lux Story

Burning Questions Answered:

1.Why do women still receive only ~2% of venture capital funding—and what can we do to change that?

2.How can women founders bridge the funding gap, especially without friends-and-family capital?

3.Do you need to be wealthy to become an angel investor?

4.What are the different paths to investing in women-led startups—angel, venture, or crowdfunding?

5.How can aligning with values-aligned investors early unlock success for founders?

Favorite Quotes:

"Investing isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s for anyone ready to make a difference.” - Marcia

“Urgency doesn’t come from pressure tactics. It comes from truth.” - Marcia

Closing Thoughts:

This conversation is a must-listen for any woman founder who’s fundraising—or thinking about it. Marsha breaks down the myths of investing (no, you don’t need to be a millionaire), shares actionable paths to raise capital creatively (hello, crowdfunding and debt platforms), and highlights how crucial early investor alignment is. Whether you're on the founder side or investor side, this episode will reframe what’s possible—and invite you to be part of the change.

Offers & Contact Information:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marciadawood/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marciadawood/

Website: www.marciadawood.com

TedX Talk:

In this episode, we delve into the critical importance of intellectual property protection for women founders.

We engage with Lauren Bercuson, a distinguished trademark and copyright attorney, who elucidates the necessity of safeguarding creative and business assets to foster growth and sustainability within women-led enterprises.

Lauren shares her insights on how proactive legal planning can prevent costly pitfalls and ensure that founders can focus on their innovative endeavors without the looming threat of infringement or loss of brand identity.

Throughout our discussion, we explore the nuances of trademarking and copyright, emphasizing the need for comprehensive searches and registrations to secure one's brand and legacy effectively. Ultimately, this episode aims to empower women entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources required to navigate the complex landscape of intellectual property law, thereby amplifying their voices and enhancing their business prospects.

Takeaways:

• Lauren emphasizes the importance of protecting intellectual property for women entrepreneurs.
• Effective trademark protection is crucial for safeguarding business identity and preventing future legal disputes.
• Proactive legal planning can save women founders significant time and resources while ensuring business growth and longevity.

Chapters:

08:54 The Importance of Intellectual Property for Women Entrepreneurs

11:15 Understanding Trademark and Copyright Protection

28:11 Understanding Trademark and Copyright Protection

33:23 The Future of Intellectual Property in the Age of AI

1.What does it look like to build a successful business from something you're deeply passionate about?

2.How do you know when it’s time to leave a traditional career behind?

3.What boundaries actually help women founders thrive?

4.How can social media be used to build a values-aligned brand — without burning out?

“If something’s not lighting you up, it’s OK to say no. Even to good opportunities.” – Lauren

“When you’re clear on your purpose, it’s easier to let go of what doesn’t serve you.” – Coco

“You can run a business with heart and still have boundaries.” – Lauren Bercuson

Offers & Contact Information:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenbercuson/

LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lb-storylock-legal/

Website: https://www.storylocklegal.com/

Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and prosperity.

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Coco Sellman, the host of #WisdomOfWomen, believes business is a force for good, especially with...

In this episode we are joined by our esteemed guest, Erica Rooney.

With her extensive experience in the C-suite and her commitment to fostering inclusive workplace cultures, Erica offers a profound perspective on the systemic challenges faced by women in business, particularly the pervasive issues of glass ceilings and sticky floors.

We delve into Erica's insightful methodologies, including her signature SNAP method, designed to empower women to identify and overcome personal and professional barriers.

We also explore the significance of community and support networks through initiatives like her digital platform, Her Collective, which aims to uplift women entrepreneurs.

This episode serves as a clarion call for women to recognize their potential, assert their influence, and embrace the abundant opportunities that lie ahead.

Takeaways:

• Erica's journey highlights the significance of overcoming systemic biases and recognizing personal agency in career advancement.
• The SNAP method, developed by Erica, serves as a practical framework for addressing limiting beliefs and achieving personal and professional growth.
• The discussion of the 'glass ceiling' and 'sticky floors' elucidates the internal and external barriers women face in the workplace.
• Women must prioritize self-worth and challenge societal expectations to attain true fulfillment in their careers.
• Taking actionable steps towards one's goals is essential for breaking free from limitations.

Chapters:

10:34 Unpacking the Glass Ceiling and Sticky Floors

17:48 Understanding the SNAP Method

28:47 Overcoming Perfectionism and Embracing Possibility

38:38 Embracing Infinite Possibilities in Leadership

Burning Questions Answered:

1.What happens when your dream business becomes your biggest burden?

2.Why do so many successful women feel stuck—even when they’ve “made it”?

3.How do you let go of people-pleasing without burning everything down?

4.What’s the secret to scaling a business without sacrificing your personal life?

5.How can women lead with impact and reclaim their own freedom?

Favorite Quotes:

“Ambition doesn’t have to mean burnout. We need to normalize wanting more and wanting it differently.”

“Just because you're good at pushing through doesn’t mean you should keep doing it.”

Closing Thoughts:

This episode is a wake-up call for high-achieving women who are quietly burning out behind the scenes of their “success.”

If you’ve been feeling trapped by your own ambition or torn between growth and well-being, this is your sign to do things differently—and reclaim your freedom without apology.

Offers & Contact Information:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericarooney/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericaandersonrooney/?hl=en

Website: https://www.ericaandersonrooney.com/

HER Collective: https://www.joinhercollective.com/

Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and prosperity.

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Amazon Prime:

In this episode we are joined by Patricia Lizarraga, a distinguished trailblazer in finance and a fervent advocate for women in leadership, who shares her extensive experience and insights on the importance of promoting gender diversity within corporate leadership roles.

We discuss not only the financial advantages of investing in women-led companies but also the broader societal implications, as increased representation of women in executive positions fosters a more inclusive and equitable business environment. We delve into the unique challenges women leaders face and explore strategies to empower them through investment, thus reshaping the corporate landscape.

Join us as we illuminate the path toward unlocking prosperity for women-led enterprises and encourage our listeners to actively participate in this vital movement.

Takeaways:

• Patricia leads Hypatia Capital, which invests in companies with female CEOs.
• Investing in women-led businesses is seen as a winning strategy for both societal and financial benefits.
• The WCEO ETF allows individuals to invest in companies led by women, thus democratizing investment opportunities.
• Women CEOs have been shown to outperform their male counterparts, making them valuable assets in the business landscape.
• Diverse leadership teams in companies tend to perform better, underscoring the necessity of having women in leadership roles.

Chapters

00:39 Introduction to Women in Leadership and Investment

12:18 Investing in Women-Led Companies: Debunking Myths and Understanding Opportunities

18:22 The Importance of Women in Leadership Roles

24:10 Investing in Women: The Path to Leadership

29:00 Investing in Women CEOs: A Call to Action

31:54 Inspiring Young Women to Invest

36:51 Empowering Women Through Investment

Burning Questions Answered:

1.Why is investing in women-led companies not just good ethics—but smart economics?

2.What’s the WCEO ETF, and how does it change the game for public companies with female CEOs?

3.Why does visibility matter so much for women leaders?

4.How can we prepare the next generation of women to lead and invest with confidence?

Favorite Quotes:

“The presence of women at the top doesn’t just change the boardroom — it changes society.”

“Investing in women-led companies is a multiplier. The returns are financial and cultural.”

“Visibility isn't vanity. It’s impact. When women are seen, girls believe they can lead.”

Closing Thoughts:

This episode is a rally cry for every woman in business: your leadership matters—not just for your company, but for the world. Patricia shows that when we invest in women, we invest in progress.

From advocating for female CEOs to mentoring young investors, Patricia is building a legacy where women aren’t just participating in the economy—they’re shaping it.

OFFERS & CONTACT INFORMATION:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricializarraga/

LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hypatia-capital-group/posts/?feedView=all

Website: https://www.wceoetf.com/

Email: wcoetf@hypatiacapital.com

Phone: 1-888-338-3166

Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories...

In this episode we are joined by our distinguished guest, Daniella Kahane. As the co-founder and CEO of WIN Women, Daniella shares her journey from a successful career in filmmaking to her commitment to fostering women's voices in business.

Throughout the conversation, we explore the significance of collaboration and relationship-building among women, emphasizing the need to merge our personal and professional lives for mutual benefit.

Daniella elucidates her experiences and insights, particularly regarding the challenges women face in negotiation, and advocates for a shift in mindset that embraces negotiation as a tool for connection rather than confrontation.

This episode serves as a clarion call for women to recognize their intrinsic value and the necessity of advocating for their needs in various contexts, thereby paving the way for a more equitable future.

***Join Daniella and Coco at the WIN Summit on May 16th in NYC! ***

🎟️ Use my code COS25 for an exclusive 25% off your ticket!

Spots are limited → www.winsummit.com/2025

Guest Spotlight:

Daniella Kahane is a Peabody Award-winning filmmaker and the Co-founder and CEO of WIN Summit (Women in Negotiation), an organization dedicated to empowering women through negotiation training and leadership development.

Before co-founding WIN, Daniella built a distinguished career as a filmmaker and content producer, with her work featured at prestigious festivals such as Sundance, Tribeca, Toronto, Telluride, and SXSW.

Daniella is also an angel investor in female-founded brands and co-founder of ATOOF, a luxury artisanal Judaica company. She holds degrees from Barnard College and Columbia University's School of the Arts and has been recognized with the HBO Young Producer’s Award and as a runner-up for the Producers Guild of America Award.

Above all, she is proud to be the mother of three daughters, who she affectionately refers to as her most formidable negotiation partners.

Website: http://www.winsummit.com

Takeaways:

• Daniella discusses how pivotal life moments shaped her journey into film and women's empowerment through negotiation.
• The episode highlights the importance of blending personal and professional relationships to enhance networking opportunities for women.
• Listeners are encouraged to embrace their unique strengths in negotiation rather than conforming to traditional adversarial tactics.
• The hosts emphasize the significance of self-awareness in negotiation, urging women to prioritize their needs and aspirations.
• The conversation illustrates the value of experiential learning at the Wind Summit, where attendees will acquire practical skills for empowerment.

Chapters:

07:04 Defining Moments in Film and Leadership

19:36 The Power of Connection and Advocacy

32:51 Understanding Women's Unique Approach to Negotiation

48:17 Charting a New Course for Women in Leadership

1.Why do most women feel uncomfortable negotiating—and how do we reframe that?

2.What makes negotiation a learnable, deeply human skill?

3.How can storytelling and emotional intelligence improve negotiation outcomes?

4.Why is defining your needs the first step to reclaiming agency?

5.What does it look like to raise daughters who know their worth?

Favorite Quotes:

“Negotiation starts with the self. You can’t steer yourself toward a destination if you don’t know what that destination is.” – Daniella Kahana

“Every negotiation is an opportunity to connect and problem-solve—not a battle to win.” – Daniella Kahana

“We’re building a new model of power—one where empathy and effectiveness go hand in hand.” – Coco Sellman

Closing...

In this episode we discuss about the paramount significance of establishing core values within an organization, positing that these values serve not merely as aspirational statements but as the foundational architecture that guides daily operations and decision-making.

The discussion introduces the "Core Values Revealer," a tool designed to facilitate the identification and articulation of a company's core values, thereby providing a structured approach to align team efforts and foster a cohesive organizational culture.

We also emphasize that core values are indispensable in attracting the right talent and cultivating a company that resonates with both its employees and customers.

Takeaways:

• Core values serve as the foundation for decision-making and cultural alignment within a company.
• Establishing clear core values empowers teams to operate independently while maintaining cohesion and focus.
• The process of identifying core values involves reflecting on the essential qualities that drive a company's mission and vision.
• Implementing core values through daily habits can catalyze significant cultural shifts and enhance overall business performance.
• High potency actions are crucial for achieving breakthroughs and driving impactful change within an organization.
• Utilizing tools like the Core Values Revealer can facilitate the process of defining and implementing core values effectively.

Chapters:

00:19 Addressing Growth Challenges in Business

02:20 Defining Core Values for Success

10:55 Identifying Core Values for Success

20:49 Establishing Core Values for Company Success

27:46 Choosing Core Values

29:38 The Importance of Core Values in Leadership

35:31 Implementing Core Values into Daily Habits

43:03 Catalyzing Breakthroughs: High Potency Actions

This episode part of the Force for Good Tool of the Week Series! Each week we feature one of the 100+ Force for Good Tools.

**These tools are free this week at https://aforceforgood.biz/weekly-tool/ **

*** The Full FFG Toolkit is available with A Force for Good, the Book: https://aforceforgood.biz/book/***

****Have questions on how to pioneer your 100 Year impact plan? Schedule time with Coco: https://calendly.com/coco-sellman/zoom-office-hours-clone ****

Follow the Force for Good Business show to install the unique system of perpetual growth into your company.

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Coco Sellman, the host of the Force for Good Business Show, believes business is a force for good, especially with visionary women at the helm. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, she has launched five companies and guided over 500 startups. As Founder & CEO of A Force for Good, Coco supports purpose-driven women founders in unlocking exponential growth and prosperity. Her recent venture, Allumé Home Care, reached eight-figure revenues and seven-figure profits in just four years before a successful exit in 2024. A venture investor and board director, Coco’s upcoming book, *A Force for Good*, reveals a roadmap for women to lead high-impact, high-growth companies.

Learn more about A Force for Good:

Website: https://aforceforgood.biz/

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1-Day Growth Plan: https://aforceforgood.biz/free-plan/

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