How can women entrepreneurs harness AI and innovation to transform their industries? And what does it take to thrive, adapt, and lead in male-dominated fields like tech? In this episode of The Climb, Natasha welcomes Heather Lü, a trailblazing entrepreneur whose work has set new benchmarks in telecommunications and AI-powered rail safety. Learn how Heather merged advanced technology with a traditional career path, overcame industry barriers, and leveraged self-awareness and community support to fuel her success.

Wondering how to align your ambition with deeper fulfillment and create on your own terms? You’re in the right place. In this episode of The Climb, Natasha welcomes Ana A. SanJuan, an Executive Coach, Program Developer, and the visionary behind Inner Mountain’s NEW Masterclass. Ana highlights the powerful roles of awareness and intuition in leadership, shining light on how IMF’s Masterclass is reshaping the way we approach growth, resilience, and purpose.

In this episode of The Climb, Stephanie Cartin, Co-Founder of Entreprenista, shares her inspiring journey from selling Girl Scout cookies to co-founding multiple successful ventures. Learn how she navigated challenges, harnessed the power of community, and turned her passion projects into thriving businesses.

In today's flexible work environment, the myth that you must do it all is being shattered by trailblazing women who are redefining what it means to lead and thrive. In this heartfelt episode of The Climb, Natasha welcomes the incredible Ashley Carlson, Founder of Elevate Virtual Business Solutions. Ashley's journey is a testament to the power of strategic delegation and innovative thinking. From navigating the challenges of a remote administrative role to building a thriving business while raising two kids, she reveals the truth about delegating and scaling your business as a mompreneur.

Have you ever felt like imposter syndrome is getting in the way of you achieving your dreams? Perhaps you’re unsure of what those dreams even are… In this episode of The Climb, co-host Rita Richa welcomes Sabreena Van Bebber, a TikTok content creator and live e-commerce host for MyyShop. Sabreena’s story is one of courage, resilience, and going deep within to find clarity when life feels uncertain. From navigating a major change in college to overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing an unconventional career path, Sabreena shares how she found her purpose and created a fulfilling life, even in the face of doubt and criticism.

Feeling stuck in life or business? Tune into The Climb as Natasha interviews Melissa Glick, renowned business coach and Founder of Peak CEO. Melissa shares her inspiring journey—from scaling a 7-figure business and achieving a successful exit to losing 100 pounds and chasing even bigger dreams. Discover her strategies for building momentum, scaling success, and transforming your life and work.

How can you pursue your dreams—like entrepreneurship and motherhood—and thrive in both? If you’re a woman seeking motivation, affirmation, and community to fuel your journey, this episode is a must-listen. In this inspiring episode of The Climb, co-host Rita Richa sits down with Alice Chang, a serial entrepreneur, mother, and proud IMF Member. Alice opens up about her path to success, sharing how being part of a supportive community of women entrepreneurs transformed her approach to business and leadership. From securing her first investor to navigating the challenges of starting a business while welcoming a new baby, Alice offers actionable advice, heartfelt inspiration, and empowering insights for women striving to balance ambition and personal growth. Discover why Alice believes the concept of “work-life balance” is a myth and hear her candid perspective on navigating entrepreneurship, motherhood, and female leadership. Tune in for a conversation packed with wisdom and real-world strategies to help you conquer your climb. Mountains we’re climbing in this episode: Alice’s Journey to Entrepreneurship: Discover what inspired Alice to take the leap into entrepreneurship and the innovative strategies she used to secure her first investor. Balancing Motherhood and Business: The struggles of launching a business while pregnant, dealing with burnout, and striving for work-life balance. Collaboration for Growth: See how Alice partners with other women entrepreneurs to fuel mutual success and scale her business. Overcoming Burnout and Rediscovering Passion: Hear Alice’s actionable advice for reigniting your motivation and love for your work. The Inner Mountain Philosophy: Discover how Alice connects with the IMF’s principles of shared growth and personal discovery to stay inspired. Key Takeaways for Female Entrepreneurs: Entrepreneurship can make you feel lonely, but with an understanding and supportive community, you won’t feel so alone. The more self-reflection you do, the more you will be able to know your limits and set boundaries that enable you to achieve your dreams. You can’t be 100% perfect all the time in every area of your life. Knowing where you're not excelling is a strength because you can then shift your focus to what you’re good at instead of what you’re not good at. Business success is not just about listening to your heart, it’s about collaboration, building resilience, and taking risks despite the unknown. Take one small step at a time. If you feel yourself losing your passion, take a pause and give yourself space to refresh and rethink your next step. Reflection Question: How might uplifting other women connect to your personal goals as an entrepreneur? Subscribe to "The Climb", share your journey with us, and create a world where every woman is empowered to reach her summit. #TogetherWeClimb. Resources: Inner Mountain Foundation: www.innermountain.org SoGal Foundation: https://www.iamsogal.com Listen to our episode with Amanda Nowak: http://bit.ly/3W2D85L Buy Diane Wang’s book, The Inner Mountain: https://bit.ly/4j0Dd3K Connect with Alice Chang: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicewuchang Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tasteofalice Climb with us! Website: www.innermountain.org Instagram: www.instagram.com/inner_mountain_foundation Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheInnerMountainFoundation YouTube: www.youtube.com/@InnerMountainFoundation The Climb Podcast is proudly presented by The Inner Mountain Foundation. This episode is produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.

When women uplift and support one another, they don’t just climb mountains—they move them. A shining example of this is Carmen Wan, a financial planner and dedicated member of The Inner Mountain Foundation. In this episode of The Climb, host Natasha welcomes Carmen to share her remarkable story of resilience, self-discovery, and unshakable courage. From navigating career pivots and immigrating from China to the United States, to overcoming the isolation of living far from family, Carmen reveals the powerful philosophies that have shaped her perspectives on life, community, and entrepreneurship.

Being a woman in business has its challenges, especially when you’re a mom… surviving a global pandemic… and running a business with your spouse! This week’s guest has climbed these mountains (and more) and she’s here to reflect on it all. In this episode of The Climb, Natasha welcomes Erin Coles, Head of Operations at birthFUND and Executive Director of the Million Dollar Women Fund. But before she became a badass business expert and non-profit leader, Erin and her husband started a wedding band (The Metropolitan Players) and scaled it into a sustainable business. Now, two kids, one scary burnout, and a few pivots later, Erin’s sharing the wisdom she’s gained from her roller coaster ride in entrepreneurship.

Struggling to stay productive and maintain a work-life balance? Today’s guest will help you “neurohack” your way to higher profits and peace of mind. In this episode of The Climb, Natasha chats with Jennifer “JJ” Jank, a Certified Financial Planner turned “Chief Brain Hacker” who helps business owners and their teams be more productive, effective, and profitable. JJ is here to share simple, science-based tips for boosting productivity and work-life balance so you can sleep soundly every single night.

Think of a trademark as preventative care or an insurance policy for your business. When life tries to attack, you want your IP (Intellectual Property) to be protected! That’s why we invited an IP lawyer (and inspirational business woman) to tell us more. In this episode, Natasha sits down with Lauren Bercuson, an IP Lawyer and Founder of Storylock Legal, to discuss the must-know basics of trademarking, plus the key lessons she’s learned along her entrepreneurial journey.

Overwhelm. It can get the best of us… and even cause burnout. But it can also help you shine light on what you need to change to feel happy again. Today, we’re exploring ways to prevent and overcome burnout, find clarity, and reconnect with the joys of entrepreneurship. Our guest is Amanda Nowak, Founder of Element Eight Coaching, who she helps overwhelmed women find the clarity they need to create balance, fulfillment, and sustainable success in their lives. You deserve a life you don’t have to take a vacation from. If you want to make a change in your business, pursue something different, or simply rediscover what gives you joy, start here - start now.

If you’re dreaming of building a multi-million dollar business, we want you to know that it’s possible. It just takes a bit of mentorship, a few mindset shifts, lots of delegation, and of course, a healthy dose of self-care. Today’s guest is Jenna Spencer, the Founder of and Visionary at AssistPro®, an agency that provides busy leaders with virtual executive assistants. Jenna built this business as a mother of 3 and has since doubled her annual growth every single year. How does she do it (and stay sane through it all)? Join us to find out. Mountains we’re climbing in this episode: How mentorship took Jenna from part-time assistant to entrepreneur/founder Advice on finding a mentor and building a mentor relationship Lessons learned from rapid, sustained business growth The importance of embracing change while growing and scaling a business Using AI to optimize business and employee efficiency How to change your mindset around delegation & start optimizing your time Tips for overcoming perfectionism The top two self-care activities Jenna can’t live without Key Takeaways for Female Entrepreneurs Growing Their Business: Lots of different people can be your mentor, even if you’re not in a mentor relationship with them. You can always learn from others and apply their teachings. Don’t be afraid to ask people questions! When scaling your business, be prepared to learn as you go and become a different version of yourself. Remember, you ARE capable. Delegation could be the key that unlocks your business’s potential for growth. Get out of your own way and start delegating tasks so you can focus on what you do best. How much energy are you spending to get things perfect? Next time you’re feeling consumed by perfectionism, try slowing down and asking yourself: Is this good enough for right now? (Because you can always change it later!) Reflection Question: What role models do you have who exemplify success? Why and how? Subscribe to "The Climb", share your journey with us, and create a world where every woman is empowered to reach her summit. #TogetherWeClimb. Resources: Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS): https://www.eosworldwide.com Traction by Gina Wickman: https://www.eosworldwide.com/traction-book Start With WHY by Simon Sinek: https://simonsinek.com/books/start-with-why The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk: https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/resources/the-body-keeps-the-score Connect with Jenna Spencer: Website: https://assistpro.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-spencer-0980ba93 Climb with us! Website: www.innermountain.org Instagram: www.instagram.com/inner_mountain_foundation Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheInnerMountainFoundation YouTube: www.youtube.com/@InnerMountainFoundation The Climb Podcast is proudly presented by The Inner Mountain Foundation. This episode is produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.

Every entrepreneur wants to focus on their purpose, create impact, and make more money in ways that feel good, right? It may sound easier said than done, but today’s guest is proving that an aligned, purpose-driven life is absolutely within your reach. Yetunde Shorters is an Award-Winning Publicist, Twin Mom, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Coach who helps women entrepreneurs identify their purpose, use it for impact, own their authenticity, and build a brand that’s aligned with their core values. If you know you’re meant for more, but need help stepping into that, Yetunde is the cheerleader you need (literally, she has pom poms ready to shake for you!).

This episode is packed with invaluable insights as Kim shares her transition from running an in-person fitness business to establishing herself as an online thought leader in coaching and publishing. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of the publishing world and the challenges of standing out in today's content-heavy, AI-driven environment.Kim also opens up about her experiences in launching an Internet radio station, offering practical advice on overcoming inner critics and perfectionism. Tune in as Natasha reflects on her own inner dialogue and the quest for nurturing inner strength. From managing multiple income streams and breaking free from the cyclical hamster wheel to valuing oneself confidently and setting boundaries, this episode is a treasure trove of inspiration and actionable advice.Don't miss this candid conversation, brought to you by the Inner Mountain Foundation, as Kim and Natasha discuss unlearning hustle culture, the power of movement, and prioritizing self-care. Whether you're a high-achieving woman looking to overcome imposter syndrome or an entrepreneur navigating the ups and downs of business, this episode is tailored for you. Let's climb together!

Welcome to "The Climb," brought to you by the Inner Mountain foundation and inspired by the empowering work of Diane Wong. In today's episode, hosts Natasha Walstra and business maven Pallavi Pande dive into the dynamic journey of running a sustainable business amidst the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Tune in to learn how Pallavi identified a niche market for sustainable single-use disposables, pivoted her company Detox toward business-to-business sales, and spearheaded a significant growth surge by investing in brand building and leveraging mentorship. Discover the ripple effects of taking bold actions, the power of near bound marketing, and the pivotal role of data-driven decisions in accelerating business success. Pallavi also shares personal stories, including how her daughters champion the brand and the meaningful community initiatives her brand supports. So, get ready to be inspired by Pallavi Pande’s incredible story of resilience, innovation, and the drive to make a difference.

Robin Higgins embarked on her journey with the exact expectations that shaped the futures of many of her peers — the drive towards professional success as the unwavering path to financial security. Her narrative began to unfold within the collegiate halls as a chemistry major, a field she pursued not out of genuine passion but instead for practicality and, by her admission, somewhat trivial reasons. Despite the lackluster motivation behind her academic choice, Robin persevered, setting the stage for what would later be recognized as a quintessential millennial trajectory — one where the initial steps were taken more out of obligation and expectation than a deep-seated calling.

Lea Durante is a scholar whose educational journey took her through the halls of the nation's most prestigious institutions, including Harvard and Johns Hopkins. A testament to her pursuit of knowledge, Lea's academic endeavors led her to an astonishing discovery that piqued her intellectual curiosity—the intricacies of the endocannabinoid system.She became fascinated by how this complex network plays a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis within the human body. Her studies illuminated how the system's receptors for naturally occurring molecules, anandamide, and 2-AG, are more abundant than any other receptor type within the body. Lea's work centered on how the endocannabinoid system is the silent conductor orchestrating the symphony of physiological processes, from the rhythm of our heartbeat to the strength of our bones, the robustness of our immune defense, and the efficiency of our digestive system.Lea Durante's expertise and passion for the subject have made her a respected figure in human physiology. She is dedicated to uncovering the secrets of balance and well-being=== inherent in our biological makeup.

In this installment of "The Climb," titled "Paths to Success: Embracing Varied Experiences," join us with the extraordinary Dee Kerr. Journey through Dee's evolution from crafting technological innovations to making strides in the literary publishing industry, all while emphasizing the importance of relishing in unique and non-direct career achievements.Go on Dee's journey with us, from starting an educational venture to navigating investor relationships and managing the wide-ranging duties of leadership. She covers pivotal choices for writers, such as selecting the best publishing route and utilizing well-timed book releases for business growth. Dee and Natasha will shed light on creating a vibrant community, the dynamics influencing the book industry, and the critical role of conducting financial analyses for business success.They also reminisce about their mentoring relationship. Dee's role in unlocking Natasha's potential highlights the power of mentorship and the wonderful cycle of giving back.Prepare for a journey through complex career paths, the significance of guidance, and the power of sharing your narrative.

In this episode, "Crafting Your Brand: Self-Care and Connection with Emily Paulsen," prepare to delve deep as Emily shares her entrepreneurial journey, from corporate roles at Abercrombie and Fitch and The Wendy's Company, to founding her venture, Electric Collab, a haven for women entrepreneurs. We'll unpack her belief in branding's multisensory power and the resonance of an emotional connection with your audience.Emily gets personal about the transition from corporation to solopreneurship, the art of DIY branding, and why, at a certain point, inviting professional external objectivity can be pivotal in elevating your brand. Listen in as we discuss the delicate balance between personal and business branding, the significance of visual and digital consistency, and her pro tips for solopreneurs navigating networking and competition.Are you struggling with disconnecting from work or grappling with self-doubt? Emily offers sage advice to stay grounded in your unique value. With touching insights and real-life anecdotes, today's episode of "The Climb" promises to be a beacon for anyone looking to make their mark and sustain momentum in the challenging trek of entrepreneurship. So, grab your gear and join us on the climb – let's conquer these challenges together.