In this episode of Serious Lady Business, host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Maria Haugen, founder of FoXX Health, a health tech app designed to empower women in managing their health. Maria shares her personal health journey that led to the creation of FoXX Health, highlighting the systemic issues women face in healthcare, including the dismissal of their symptoms. The conversation explores the development of the app, its features, and how it aims to improve communication between women and healthcare providers. Maria discusses the challenges of securing funding, the importance of community support, and her vision for the future of women's health. The episode emphasizes the need for women to trust their instincts and be proactive in their health journeys, while also encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to validate their ideas beyond their immediate circles.
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FoXX Health, women's health, health tech, health app, healthcare disparities, self-advocacy, health tracking, women's empowerment, health journey, health data
In this episode of Serious Lady Business, host Leslie Youngblood engages in a heartfelt conversation with Minyang (MJ) Jiang, the Chief Strategy Officer at Credibly. MJ shares her inspiring journey from being an immigrant child to a successful executive, emphasizing the importance of resilience, self-inventory, and the power of asking questions in leadership. They discuss the challenges women face in male-dominated industries, the significance of mentorship, and the need for authenticity in storytelling. MJ also highlights her role in empowering small businesses through innovative financial solutions and her commitment to developing the next generation of leaders.
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women in business, leadership, resilience, career growth, entrepreneurship, small business finance, generative AI, mentorship, female empowerment, personal development
In this Serious Lady Business conversation, Leslie talks with Kelly Hubbell, founder of Sage Haus, about why “moms need teams too” and how running a household like a business—complete with roles, systems, and support—can reclaim time, reduce burnout, and unlock growth at work and at home. Kelly shares how calculating her own “invisible labor” (about 22 hours/week) led her to hire a house manager/family assistant, then build Sage Haus to help other families do the same through tailored job descriptions, rigorous vetting, and a Home Systems Playbook that documents expectations so support can plug in seamlessly. They normalize household help across budgets, discuss practical first hires (meal prep, laundry, after-school coverage), and show the ripple effects on mental health, relationships, entrepreneurship, and community—framing this not as a luxury, but a high-ROI investment in family well-being.
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This episode tracks the fearless, nonlinear creative path of Trinette Faint—from teen model in Chicago and Paris to Hollywood sets, six years at Google, published novelist, and now award-recognized screenwriter and filmmaker. Trinette credits her mother’s early “exposure therapy” to big cities and courageous self-advocacy for giving her the confidence to navigate new rooms, reset when needed (hello, palate-cleansing summer waiting tables in Maine), and keep choosing her own story—especially after a difficult year of loss, layoff, and recovery. That “dark winter” became rocket fuel: acting classes, screenwriting at UCLA, and the premiere of her short film Party Pants, a resonant portrait of midlife reinvention. The throughline? Don’t wait for permission. Follow the nudge, do the work, and let your creative legacy be something you live into—at any age.
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Leslie Youngblood and Andrea Liebross explore the journey of women entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of coaching, community support, and the need for belief and structure in achieving business success. They discuss the challenges of the 'messy middle' in entrepreneurship, the significance of visualizing one's future self, and the necessity of taking massive action to overcome fear and achieve goals. Andrea shares insights from her own experiences, including the process of writing a book and the value of integrating work and life rather than striving for balance. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of community and the resources available for women looking to grow their businesses.
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coaching, women entrepreneurs, empowerment, business strategy, mindset, community support, work-life integration, belief, action, personal growth
Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Alyssa Carrier, founder and CEO of AC Disaster Consulting. They discuss Alyssa's journey into disaster management, the importance of compassion in the industry, and the challenges of navigating a male-dominated field. Alyssa shares her insights on building a diverse team, aligning mission with profitability, and the unique strengths women bring to emergency management. The conversation also touches on the significance of trusting one's gut in business decisions, the day-to-day realities of disaster consulting, and the inspiration drawn from icons like Taylor Swift. Alyssa offers valuable advice for young women entrepreneurs and reflects on her legacy and future goals.
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Host Leslie Youngblood engages in a deep conversation with Margaret Brower, a renowned coach in the catering and venue sales industry. They explore Margaret's journey from being uncertain about her career path to becoming a successful consultant. The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing patterns in sales, the unique pressures faced by middle management, and the power of observation in leadership. They also delve into the significance of adaptability versus performance, the necessity of embracing change, and the importance of naming one's wins to foster growth and confidence in business.
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Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Jenny Beres, co-founder of Pink Shark PR, about the importance of visibility for women founders. They discuss the challenges women face in promoting themselves and their businesses, the power of storytelling, and the necessity of taking control of one's public narrative. Jenny shares success stories of women who have transitioned from being hidden to highly visible, emphasizing the need for women to own their expertise and embrace their unique stories. The conversation also touches on the myths surrounding media and PR, the long-term commitment required for success, and practical steps women can take to increase their visibility. Ultimately, they highlight that being seen is crucial for fulfillment in business and life.
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Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Mackenzie Siren, co-founder of Chicago Climate Connect, a nonprofit dedicated to building a community around climate change in Chicago. Mackenzie shares her journey from software product management to climate tech, emphasizing the importance of local action and community building. They discuss the challenges of starting a nonprofit without a traditional background in climate or business, the significance of inclusivity, and the myths surrounding climate work and entrepreneurship. Mackenzie highlights the need for accessibility in climate initiatives and the importance of starting small to test ideas without significant risk.
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Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Natalise Kalea Robinson, co-founder and CEO of Parallel Health. They discuss the unique challenges female founders face in fundraising, the importance of community support, and the evolving landscape of investment in female-led startups. Natalise shares her experiences navigating investor biases, the significance of building a strong co-founder relationship, and the need for more female investors in the industry. The conversation emphasizes the power of vision, preparation, and the importance of finding the right investor fit for success in the startup world.
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Keywords
female founders, fundraising, Silicon Valley, entrepreneurship, investor bias, community support, women in business, startup advice, Parallel Health, gender dynamics
Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Delia Grenville, a tech executive and founder of Slyn Consulting. They discuss the importance of rewriting the rules in the workplace, particularly for women, and how to create metrics that reflect personal values rather than corporate expectations. Delia shares her journey from corporate success to consulting, emphasizing the need for human-centric work environments and the importance of recognizing one's own achievements. They also explore the challenges women face in leadership roles, the biases in performance reviews, and the significance of trusting one's intuition in navigating career paths.
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Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Alaina Shearer about the journey of finding one's voice, particularly for women in the workplace. They discuss the challenges women face, the importance of building supportive networks, and the power of authenticity in personal branding. Alaina shares her experiences in entrepreneurship, politics, and the significance of storytelling in empowerment. The conversation emphasizes the need for women to take action, stand for their beliefs, and create a community that fosters growth and support.
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Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Rijon Charne, a fertility attorney and founder of Sunray Fertility Law. Rijon shares her personal journey from a cancer diagnosis shortly after law school to becoming a passionate advocate for fertility rights and reproductive health. The conversation explores the challenges women face in healthcare, the importance of self-advocacy, and the recent changes in Texas law regarding fertility preservation. Rijon emphasizes the need for women to advocate for their health and the ongoing evolution of women's health rights.
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Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Natasha Golinsky, an "accidental agency owner" and founder of On Purpose Projects. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of building a remote team, the importance of clarity in hiring, and the qualities to look for in virtual contractors. Natasha shares her insights on creating a supportive work environment and the necessity of showing up for your team as much as you expect them to show up for you. The conversation highlights the unique experiences of women entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of remote work and team management. In this conversation, Natasha shares her experiences and lessons learned from hiring challenges, building loyalty in a virtual team, and the importance of personal leadership style. She emphasizes the need to trust one's instincts as an entrepreneur and the emotional landscape that comes with running a business. The discussion highlights the significance of reframing challenges as learning opportunities and embracing one's unique journey in entrepreneurship.
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Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Johanna Almstead, a seasoned consultant and investor in the fashion industry. They discuss the power of storytelling in branding, the importance of consistency, and the unique challenges faced by women in business. Johanna shares her experiences working with luxury brands, including Prada, the lessons learned from failed launches, and the significance of finding one's true north in both personal and professional life. The conversation emphasizes the need for authenticity, the redefinition of power, and the importance of personal fulfillment in achieving success.
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Leslie Youngblood speaks with Jill Mari Embry, founder of Balance Innovation Center, about the challenges women face in the male-dominated medical device industry. They discuss personal experiences of bias, the importance of female leadership, and the need for innovation in reproductive health. Jill shares her insights on navigating workplace dynamics, the significance of being heard, and the power of collaboration among women in STEM. The conversation highlights the historical context of women's rights and the ongoing struggle for equality in the workplace.
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Leslie interviews Virginia Puccio, CEO of Fuel AI. They discuss Virginia's journey from working in tech to founding her own company, the importance of women in the AI space, and the ethical considerations in AI development. Virginia shares her insights on leadership, the challenges of building a startup, and how community ties influence her leadership style. The conversation emphasizes the need for diversity in tech and the role of everyday people in shaping AI.
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Host Leslie Youngblood engages in a deep conversation with EJ Kim and Marina Pen, co-founders of NNABI, a wellness startup focused on supporting women through perimenopause. They discuss the concept of perimenopause as a 'second puberty,' the personal challenges they faced, and how they navigate leading a company while managing their health. The conversation emphasizes the importance of education, community support, and self-care for women in midlife, as well as the mission of NNABI to empower women during this transformative phase of life.
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Host Leslie Youngblood speaks with Mandana Milano, founder of Peony Talent, about the challenges and fears that come with entrepreneurship, particularly focusing on financial literacy and the necessity of rebuilding a business. They discuss the importance of facing financial fears, the value of active learning, and the need to adapt and evolve in response to market changes. Mandana shares her personal experiences of navigating financial uncertainty and the various phases of rebuilding her business, emphasizing the importance of staying true to one's mission and values while embracing change.
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Leslie Youngblood interviews Nancy Yaklich, an innovation leader who has transformed various industries through technology. They discuss the importance of customer-centric innovation, the challenges and opportunities in emerging technologies, and the role of women in tech. Nancy shares her experiences in navigating corporate environments, securing executive support for innovative ideas, and the significance of learning from failures. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration, understanding customer needs, and the importance of taking risks in the pursuit of innovation.
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