• Elevate Your Leadership: Liz Sklar's Tips on Executive Presence and Communication
    Oct 1 2024

    Are you a visionary woman founder looking to elevate your communication skills and drive business results? This episode of #WisdomOfWomen is a must-listen! Join Coco Sellman as she sits down with Liz Sklar, a Director at Stand & Deliver, a global communications firm renowned for helping leaders and teams engage, influence, and inspire others. Liz's impressive career spans from acting to executive communication, offering a unique perspective on authentic leadership and personal growth.

    Discover the secrets behind effective communication, from harnessing the power of voice to embracing vulnerability and feedback.

    How can you maintain motivation and reconnect with your core values?

    What strategies can you use to communicate data effectively and create meaningful connections within your team?

    Liz candidly discusses these questions and more, providing practical advice on building confidence, fostering innovation, and driving growth.

    Tune in to learn from Liz's experiences and gain the wisdom you need to enhance your communication skills and elevate your entrepreneurial journey. This episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories that will empower you to take your business to the next level.

    Chapters & Topics

    1. Introduction of Liz Sklar on the Wisdom of Women Show

    • Coco Sellman warmly introduces Liz Sklar, a director at Stand and Deliver, renowned for helping leaders and teams engage, influence, and inspire others. They discuss the importance of authentic communication and the power of voice, and Liz shares ways for listeners to connect with her, including reaching out via email or exploring Stand and Deliver's resources.
    • Leadership in the innovation economy

    2.Exploring Influence and Transition

    • Liz Sklar shares her journey from acting to her current role in executive communication and presence. She reflects on the challenges she faced as an actor and how she learned to embrace her identity and presence. She also discusses the impact of theater training on developing executive presence and the importance of owning one's role as a leader.
    • Executive communication and presence

    3.Embracing Vulnerability and Feedback

    • Coco Sellman and Liz Sklar delve into the significance of vulnerability and feedback in personal and professional development. They highlight the need to view feedback as a valuable gift and to shift the mindset from defensiveness to curiosity and experimentation in order to foster growth and innovation.
    • Feedback and vulnerability in leadership

    4.Stand and Deliver Overview

    • Liz provides an overview of Stand and Deliver, a communications firm that works with clients globally to help individuals and teams improve their communication skills and achieve business results. She emphasizes the importance of communication in leadership and highlights the firm's focus on coaching, team building, and cultivating cohesive communication cultures.
    • Communication strategies for business growth

    5.Maintaining Motivation and Reconnecting with Core Values

    • Liz and Coco share insights on helping teams stay motivated and navigate growth challenges. They highlight the significance of reflecting on personal values, reexamining core purpose, and embracing flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances for sustained growth and impact.

    6.Importance of Communicating Data and Creating Meaningful Connections

    • Liz and Coco delve into the significance of effectively communicating data and fostering meaningful connections within teams to drive innovation. They highlight the importance of storytelling and linking data to a deeper purpose
    Show more Show less
    34 mins
  • Empowering Women with Ambition: Fran Maier on Match.com and BabyQuip
    Sep 24 2024

    Are you a visionary woman founder looking to build a high-impact, high-growth company? This episode of #WisdomOfWomen is a must-listen! Join Coco Sellman as she sits down with Fran Maier, the powerhouse CEO of BabyQuip and a serial entrepreneur with a track record of launching and scaling transformative ventures like Match.com and TrustE. Fran's journey is nothing short of inspiring, and in this episode, she shares invaluable insights that every woman entrepreneur needs to hear.

    Discover the secrets behind Fran's success, from her strategic approach in making Match.com a household name to her innovative leadership at BabyQuip. How did Fran navigate the early challenges of the internet era? What pivotal moments shaped her career, and what lessons did she learn along the way? How can women founders embrace ambition and wealth creation to bridge the funding gap? Fran candidly discusses these questions and more, offering practical advice on building confidence, seeking support, and avoiding burnout.

    Tune in to learn from Fran's experiences and gain the wisdom you need to elevate your entrepreneurial journey. This episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories that will empower you to take your business to the next level.

    Chapters & Topics

    1.Introduction and Personal Updates

    Coco and Fran catch up on recent life events and set the stage for their conversation. Key Points: Challenges and successes in building high-growth ventures, the importance of confidence and support for women founders.

    2.Influential Books and Entrepreneurial Journey

    Discussion on books that have shaped their lives and Fran's career path, including her time at Match.com and TrustE. Key Points: Resilience of characters, impact of women's rights, lessons from Match.com and TrustE.

    3.Fran Maier's Career Journey

    Fran shares her journey from Santa Fe to Stanford, her marketing career, and the pivotal moments that led her to BabyQuip. Key Points: Career transitions, brand management, early experiences with the internet.

    4.The Founding of Match.com

    Insights into the early days of Match.com, the strategy to attract women users, and the challenges faced. Key Points: Early internet challenges, focus on safety and anonymity, membership business model.

    5.Overcoming Challenges and Seeking Support

    Personal stories of missed opportunities and the importance of seeking help. Key Points: Gender differences in seeking support, the impact of confidence and support systems.

    6.Fran Maier's Journey to BabyQuip

    The transition from Airbnb host to BabyQuip CEO and the impact on women entrepreneurs. Key Points: Gig economy opportunities, empowering women entrepreneurs, positive impact on families.

    7.Embracing Ambition and Creating Prosperity

    Conversation on the struggles of entrepreneurship, the need for ambition, and wealth creation. Key Points: Addressing funding challenges, the concept of prosperity, creating opportunities for women in business.

    8.BabyQuip Business Model and Community

    Overview of BabyQuip's provider demographics and community support.

    Key Points: Empowering providers with business skills, community support, substantial earnings potential.

    9.Business Strategies and Success Stories

    Discussion on customer acquisition, business growth strategies, and success stories. Key Points: Strategies for customer acquisition, impact of Shark Tank, pandemic pivots.

    10.Insights and Experiences as a Female...

    Show more Show less
    47 mins
  • Harnessing AI for High-Impact & High-Growth: Anne T. Griffin on Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
    Sep 17 2024

    Welcome to the Wisdom of Women Show, where we amplify the voices of trailblazing women in business. In this episode, Coco Sellman sits down with Anne T. Griffin, a seasoned product leader and fractional product coach, to delve into the transformative power of AI, product development, and the unique challenges and opportunities for visionary women founders. Get ready to be inspired and equipped to scale your high-impact, high-growth company!

    Highlights:

    • Introduction of Anne Griffin: Coco Sellman introduces Anne T. Griffin, a powerhouse in AI and product coaching, with a rich background spanning startups and Fortune 500 giants. Anne’s expertise in AI, blockchain, and human-centric product design promises to deliver insights that can revolutionize your business.
    • Influential Books: Anne shares how "Thinking in Bets" by Annie Duke has shaped her decision-making approach. This book's principles on navigating uncertainty and making data-driven decisions are a game-changer for any ambitious entrepreneur.
    • Decision Making and Probability in Business: Anne and Coco discuss the critical nature of decision-making in startups, especially for women founders who often face funding disparities. Learn how to leverage data to make smarter bets and optimize your limited resources for maximum impact.
    • Introduction to AI and Machine Learning: Anne takes us on her journey into the world of AI, from her engineering roots to becoming a leading voice in AI and machine learning. Discover practical applications of AI in product management and how it can drive innovation in your business.
    • Leveraging AI in Business: Anne reveals how visionary women founders can harness AI and emerging tech to accelerate growth and create lasting impact. She emphasizes the importance of aligning AI initiatives with customer needs and business value, rather than jumping on the AI bandwagon for the sake of it.
    • Implementing Generative AI in Real-Time Applications: Anne shares fascinating case studies from Lyft and McDonald's, illustrating the importance of de-risking AI implementation. Understand the challenges and strategies for integrating generative AI into customer-facing applications without compromising efficiency.
    • Ethical Use of AI: Anne highlights the potential pitfalls of AI, such as inadvertent bias and discrimination. She shares eye-opening examples and underscores the importance of thorough testing and ethical considerations in AI deployment.
    • AI in Healthcare: Coco and Anne explore the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, from patient data analysis to improving care delivery. Learn how diverse data and thoughtful implementation can lead to groundbreaking advancements in healthcare.
    • AI, Human Element, and Product Leadership: The conversation shifts to the balance between AI and human interaction in business. Anne emphasizes the importance of maintaining a customer-centric approach and creating meaningful human experiences in the age of AI.
    • Anne's Excitement About AI's Future: Anne shares her excitement about AI's potential to proactively provide valuable insights and improve both personal and professional experiences. Discover how AI can be a force for good, from environmental monitoring to disaster response.

    Closing Thoughts and Contact Information:

    • Coco and Anne wrap up with a discussion on the importance of using AI for good and ensuring ethical implementation.
    • Anne introduces her course "Jumpstart Your AI Career," designed to help individuals understand AI and pursue careers in the field.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Decision-making in business is...
    Show more Show less
    59 mins
  • Breaking Barriers in Tech: Closing the Gender Gap and Empowering Women in STEM with D. Sangeeta
    Sep 10 2024

    Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Wisdom of Women show, where we amplify the voices and wisdom of trailblazing women in business.

    This week, Coco Sellman sits down with Dr. D. Sangeeta, the dynamic founder and CEO of Gotara!

    Dr. Sangeeta shares her incredible journey from scientist to corporate leader and now a visionary entrepreneur. Gotara is revolutionizing the way we close the talent gap in technical fields, especially for women in STEM.

    Tune in to discover how intentional actions and innovative programs can drive massive growth and impact for your enterprise.

    Key Topics Discussed:

    1.Amplifying Women's Voices in Business:

    • Introduction of Dr. D. Sangeeta, a powerhouse in addressing the gender gap.
    • Dr. Sangeeta’s commitment to reading books by women and the impact of "Girl Boss" by Sophie Amoroso.
    • Challenges and successes in building and scaling Gotara.

    2.Dr. D Sangeeta's Career Journey:

    • From material science to unexpected marketing roles at GE, Nielsen, and Amazon.
    • Leadership development and passion for coaching and mentoring.
    • The birth of Gotara, a platform focused on talent and leadership development.

    3.Gender Gap and Talent Retention:

    • Addressing the massive talent gap in technology.
    • Uncovering why women leave their roles and the impact of micro-conversations.

    4.Nano Learning and Addressing Microaggressions:

    • Gotara’s innovative self-paced nano learning program.
    • Real-time application and its transformative impact on recognition and success.

    5.Business Model and Growth Strategy:

    • B2B and B2C components of Gotara’s business model.
    • Intentional strategies to tackle gender gap and attrition issues.
    • Altruistic initiatives and rapid, impactful growth.

    6.Business Pivots and Product Flexibility:

    • Successful pivots from B2C to B2B and from gender gap to talent gap.
    • Building a flexible, future-ready product with a strong MVP.

    7.Sales Strategy and Future Vision:

    • Dr. Sangeeta’s role as Chief Revenue Officer and her hands-on approach to sales.
    • Vision for addressing the gender gap and maximizing technical talent.
    • The critical role of technology in transforming society.

    8.Advice for Women Founders:

    • The importance of product market fit and product sales fit.
    • The necessity of paying customers as a measure of product market fit.
    • Encouragement to be bold and take risks in entrepreneurship.

    Resources Mentioned:

    "Girl Boss" by Sophie Amoroso

    Gotara website: Gotara.com

    Connect with Dr. D. Sangeeta:

    LinkedIn: Dr. D. Sangeeta

    Gotara: Gotara.com

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

    YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yja3w7nh

    Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4tak8ajk

    Amazon Prime: https://tinyurl.com/366syddj

    Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdhananz

    RSS Feed: https://feeds.captivate.fm/womengetfunded/

    Show more Show less
    42 mins
  • Liz Owens: Unapologetic Growth, Building Worthy AF Apparel, Embracing Femininity, and Empowering Women in Business
    Sep 3 2024

    In this electrifying episode, Coco Sellman sits down with the dynamic Liz Owens to unpack the essence of building a high-growth, high-impact company while staying true to one's authenticity.

    They explore Liz's revolutionary brand philosophy, Worthy AF Apparel, her exclusive promotional offers for listeners, and the raw challenges of social media management.

    The conversation dives deep into the power of living unapologetically and embracing femininity in the workplace, core values that drive Liz's brand.

    Liz shares her compelling journey from childhood dreams of fashion design, through the world of acting, to her current influential role in the fitness industry.

    The discussion highlights the relentless pursuit of personal growth, time management, and overcoming imposter syndrome, emphasizing the continuous learning and self-improvement that fuels entrepreneurial success. Liz reveals her strategy for organic brand-building and her passion for fostering a supportive community of visionary women founders.

    Chapters & Topics:

    Wisdom of Women Show Introduction and Guest Introduction

    • Coco and Liz reflect on their missed connection at Founders Weekend.
    • A deep dive into Liz's brand philosophy, the importance of living unapologetically, and embracing femininity in the workplace.
    • Topics: Branding and authenticity, entrepreneurial journey, and talent management.

    Book Recommendations and Empowering Women

    • Liz passionately recommends Jane Fonda's autobiography "My Life So Far" and Elizabeth Gilbert's novel "Stern Men."
    • Discussion on the empowering nature of these stories and the resilience and vulnerability of the authors.

    Liz Owens' Journey to Worthy AF

    • Liz shares her inspiring journey from childhood dreams of fashion design to acting and eventually the fitness industry.
    • Reflection on overcoming perfectionism, extensive travel, and her role as Director of Talent and Culture at Orange Theory.

    Liz Owens' Wedding Experience

    • Liz recounts her bold decision to have a surprise wedding, avoiding traditional pressures and expenses.
    • Discussion on her creative DIY efforts and the birth of her empowering business idea, Worthy AF.

    Discussion on Entrepreneurial Journey and Challenges

    • Liz candidly shares the challenges she faces as a founder, including time management, personal growth, and imposter syndrome.
    • Emphasis on the relentless pursuit of learning and self-improvement in the entrepreneurial journey.

    Empowerment and Branding

    • Liz recounts a transformative moment when someone noticed her bold shirt.
    • Discussion on the significance of owning one's brand and being visible.

    Enclosed Cognition and Building a Brand

    • Liz explains the powerful concept of enclosed cognition and its impact on her clothing brand.
    • Discussion on her organic brand-building strategy, including print-on-demand services, in-person events, and user-generated content.

    Celebrating IVF Moms and Unconventional Apparel

    • Coco expresses admiration for the artistic and unconventional collections of Worthy AF, especially the range designed for IVF moms.
    • Liz shares her personal experiences and connections with the IVF community, emphasizing the importance of making individuals feel worthy.

    Future Plans and Expansion

    • Liz reveals her ambitious plans for hosting events, appearing on podcasts, and expanding her product lines.
    • Announcement of her upcoming podcast project, "Beyond...
    Show more Show less
    45 mins
  • Pallavi Pande: Sustainability Meets Profitability at Walmart & Beyond
    Aug 27 2024

    Blending Business with Family & Sustainability

    Welcome back to another inspiring episode of the #WisdomOfWomen Show, where we amplify the voices of visionary women founders building high-impact, high-growth companies. In this episode, Coco Sellman introduces Pallavi Pande, the dynamic founder of DTOCS, a sustainable palm leaf tableware brand inspired by her Indian heritage. Pallavi’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and authenticity in entrepreneurship.

    FINAL WISDOM

    Pallavi leaves us with a powerful message: Persistence is crucial. Don’t be afraid to adapt and lean into your community for support. Your network can be a valuable asset for long-term growth.

    Tune in to hear Pallavi’s full story and be inspired by her journey of blending family, culture, and sustainability into a successful business. Cheers to making the world a better place, one palm leaf at a time! 🌿

    ---

    Ready to dive into the full episode? Hit play and let Pallavi’s journey inspire you to blend your passions with purpose. Follow us for more stories of visionary women founders leading the way!

    Meet Pallavi Pande:

    Pallavi is not just an award-winning entrepreneur; she's a passionate mompreneur who has seamlessly blended her personal and professional life. From rescuing naturally shed palm leaves to creating eco-friendly tableware, Pallavi’s mission is to provide sustainable alternatives for homes and events, all while honoring her cultural heritage.

    THE HEART OF DTOCS:

    Pallavi shares the heartfelt story behind DTOCS, a brand born out of her nostalgic memories of eating on banana leaves in India. Her commitment to sustainability goes beyond just creating products; it’s about making a meaningful impact on the environment and empowering women artisans in India.

    BLENDING FAMILY AND BUSINESS

    One of the most touching aspects of Pallavi’s journey is how she involves her daughters in the business. From being brand ambassadors to contributing creative ideas, her daughters are an integral part of DTOCS. This family-business bond not only motivates them but also fosters a creative and dynamic team.

    SUSTAINABILITY MEETS PROFITABILITY

    Pallavi delves into the challenges she faced in balancing sustainability with profitability. She emphasizes the importance of understanding consumer behavior, adapting strategies, and staying true to core values. Her dedication has led to DTOCS eliminating single-use plastics equivalent to the height of 30 Eiffel Towers! Talk about impact!

    COMMUNITY AND IMPACT

    Pallavi’s commitment to community involvement is truly inspiring. From awarding education scholarships to children in the U.S. and India to donating sewing machines to women for vocational training, DTOCS is making a significant impact. Pallavi’s personal stories of these initiatives highlight the profound difference a small brand can make.

    KEY TAKEAWAYS

    • Perseverance and adaptability are crucial in entrepreneurship.
    • Authenticity in blending personal and professional life can create a powerful brand.
    • Building a strong network and community is essential for long-term growth.
    • Sustainability and profitability can go hand-in-hand with the right strategies.

    WHERE TO FIND DTOCS

    Support this incredible brand by visiting [DTOCS.com](https://www.DTOCS.com) for their beautiful, eco-friendly tableware. Use the code DTOCS10 for 10% off plus free shipping on their website.

    (You can also find DTOCS products on Amazon, Walmart, Wayfair, and Etsy. But when you buy direct from DTOCS.com, more of the profits go to the founder, which we like!)

    Website: www.dtocs.com (Use the code DTOCS10 for 10% off plus free...

    Show more Show less
    46 mins
  • Carla Small: Transforming Learning Challenges into Triumphs
    Aug 13 2024

    **Meet Carla Small**

    Carla Small, a dynamic leader with a profound passion for literacy and education, joins us on this episode of #WisdomOfWomen.

    Carla is CEO and co-founder of EarlyBird Education, a tech platform using cutting edge brain science, AI and gamification to prevent dyslexia. Carla led the Digital Health Accelerator at Boston Children’s while EarlyBird was in incubation, and left her role to launch EarlyBird. As Executive Director of Innovation at Boston Children’s, Carla designed and oversaw the accelerator responsible for startup and new technology incubation – spinning out five companies with portfolio venture funding totaling over $200 million. Prior to this, Carla was a health care strategy consultant, and Dir. of Product Development and Strategy at startup Work/Family Directions. Carla has served on the School Board of the Codman Academy Public Charter School, and on the advisory boards of Edwards Life Sciences and Medtronic Diabetes. She received her MBA from Harvard Business School and her Bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College.

    **Key Takeaways:**


    1. Books That Shape Us:

    Carla shares the influence of Composing a Life by Mary Catherine Bateson, a book that redefined her perspective on career progression. Discover how this book can challenge your own views and reassure you about the many pathways life can take.


    2. Intentional Career Pivots:

    Learn from Carla's “intentional career pivots” and “opportunistic leaps.” Her journey from Boston Children's Hospital to Early Bird provides valuable lessons on navigating and thriving in the health and ed tech industries.


    3. Breaking into School Districts:

    Gain insights into the complexities of entering the school district market in the ed tech sector. Carla discusses the critical importance of having an evidence-based product, leveraging reputation, and utilizing word of mouth to succeed, especially in the post-COVID landscape.


    4. Early Intervention for Dyslexia:

    Understand the vital role of early intervention for children with dyslexia and other learning challenges. Carla and Coco emphasize the potential mental health implications and the need for equitable access to support, sharing personal stories that highlight the importance of early and effective instruction.


    5. Funding Journey and Vision:

    Carla opens up about the funding challenges and successes for Early Bird, stressing the significance of vision and perseverance. Learn about the diverse range of funders, including health tech and social impact investors, and Carla's gratitude for their support.


    6. Women-Led Enterprises and Purpose:

    Explore the importance of purpose in driving profit for women-led businesses. Carla and Coco discuss promoting the wisdom of women in business, aiming for a cultural shift with more women in leadership roles. This conversation is a must-listen for any woman founder looking to align her business with a greater purpose.


    7. Do you know a child with reading challenges?

    Go to www.earlybirdeducation.com and learn more. You can sign your child up for a simple and fund game-based...

    Show more Show less
    42 mins
  • Kelley O'Keeffe: The Secrets to Rapid Sales Growth in Just 6 Months
    Aug 6 2024

    In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Kelley O’Keeffe, founder of Empowered Engagement Consulting and creator of Scale School. With an impressive track record of selling over $100 million before age 35, Kelley’s 20-year career in sales spans global technology sales, lead generation, account expansion, and renewals. From making 100 phone calls per day during the 2007 recession to leading a 300-person global sales team during the world's largest acquisition and COVID pandemic, Kelley has seen it all.

    Kelley founded The Scale School®, a platform designed to support CEOs in B2B sales through comprehensive training, coaching, and community. In Scale School, Kelley’s unique approach helps CEOs accelerate sales growth that would typically take 18 months to achieve in just 6 months by focusing on:

    • Positioning: Ensuring tight and effective positioning for your business
    • Lead Generation: Emphasizing the critical role of outbound activities.
    • Messaging: Crafting customer-centric messages that resonate with your audience.

    Tune in to discover how Kelley’s methods can help you:

    • Generate cash quickly.
    • Achieve product-market fit faster.
    • Gain leverage for VC funding.

    EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

    • ACCELERATING BUSINESS GROWTH THROUGH CORPORATE CLIENTS: Discover Kelley O'Keeffe’s passion for helping CEOs attain and retain corporate clients to accelerate their business growth.
    • RAPID SALES ACCELERATION IN SCALE SCHOOL: Learn how CEOs can achieve 18 months of growth in just 6 months by focusing on positioning, lead generation, and messaging.
    • GENERATE CASH QUICKLY: Find out how Kelley's methods help founders generate cash in their bank accounts quicker.
    • ACHIEVE PRODUCT MARKET FIT FASTER: Understand the strategies for gaining faster customer feedback to achieve product market fit.
    • GAIN LEVERAGE FOR VC FUNDING: Explore how Kelley’s approach helps founders gain more leverage when asking for VC funding.
    • THE POWER OF POSITIONING: Discover the importance of tight positioning, often overlooked by many founders and teams.
    • FOCUSED LEAD GENERATION: Learn why outbound activities are crucial for effective lead generation.
    • CUSTOMER-CENTRIC MESSAGING: Understand the significance of messaging that resonates with how customers actually think.
    • VALUE PERCEPTION SALES: Delve into Kelley’s unique approach to selling, known as "value perception sales."
    • EMPATHY IN SALES: Explore how empathetic sales approaches and authentic communication drive business success.

    Kelley’s Recommended Read:

    • The Imposter Phenomenon by Dr. Pauline Rose Clance

    GET IN TOUCH LINKS:

    • Kelley O’Keeffe, MBA – LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelleyokeeffe/
    • Empowered Engagement Consulting -
    Show more Show less
    47 mins