Her Success Story

Ivy Slater, Slater Success Coaching

Ivy Slater interviews gutsy business women as they share their success journey.

  1. 6h ago

    Leading with Impact: Jacqueline Corbelli's Story of Tech Innovation and Advocacy

    This week Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Jacqueline Corbelli. The two talk about breaking through gender barriers in male-dominated industries, the journey of building and scaling BrightLine, a company revolutionizing the television viewing experience with interactive, streaming-driven technology, and practical strategies for women navigating fundraising and leadership in tech. In this episode, we discuss: How technology served as a means to improve business outcomes and consumer experiences, rather than being an end in itself. What BrightLine does to transform the television viewer experience, enabling deeper two-way engagement with streaming content through embedded technologies. The pandemic accelerated changes in TV consumption patterns, creating rapid growth and new opportunities for companies operating in the streaming ad model. Why raising money as a technology entrepreneur is uniquely challenging, especially for women, and how networking and proven results help overcome those challenges. What opportunities does the rise of AI present for women founders today, creating a more level playing field if they harness these new tools for smarter business development and research? Jacqueline Corbelli, Author, Founder and CEO of BrightLine Jacqueline Corbelli is an innovator, transformational change leader, and technology entrepreneur, known for identifying technology inflection points and building companies at the intersection of innovation and impact. She's a founder and the current CEO of two companies, including one folks in the room may know well, BrightLine - the original pioneer of turning TV into a two-way interactive experience.  Jacqueline originally began her career in the financial services industry, where she led corporations through large-scale transformational change efforts across businesses and brands. She's also led major initiatives in African economic development and sustainability, and is a three-time author. Jacqueline began to apply her transformational change methodologies outside of business and into the world of economic development and sustainability. Most recently she founded the US Coalition on Sustainability and created SustainChain, a reinforcement learning AI technology built with the single purpose to unify and accelerate informed action on climate change across global supply chains.  SustainChain is a Fast Company 2023 Innovation by Design, and 2022 World Changing Ideas awards recipient. She sits on numerous public and private boards, including the SDG Center for Africa, the NY Academy of Sciences, Luminari Capital, Second Curve Capital, is a co-founder of Ethics in Action, a commission of the Vatican's Pontifical Academy of Sciences, and is on the Leadership Council of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Her latest book, "Changemaker: A Modern Playbook for Creating Personal Impact and Transformational Change," distills decades of experience across technology, finance, and global development into a playbook for driving meaningful change. She advises on organizational change, including the United Nations and the Vatican, while mentoring future leaders. Her achievements have been recognized with numerous honors, including Fast Company's World Changing Ideas Award, Innovation by Design Award, and New York Business Journal's Women of Influence. Her thought leadership has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Variety, Bloomberg Radio, Fox Business, Business Insider, and Advertising Age. Jacqueline holds a Master's in International Banking, Business, and Finance from Columbia University. She continues to mentor future leaders, serve on global boards, and champion transformational change. Originally from Batavia in upstate New York, she is now based in New York City with her husband. She enjoys her garden, time with her adult daughters, golf and the company of her dog. Website:https://brightline.tv/ https://www.jacquelinecorbelli.com/ Social Media Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelinecorbelli/

  2. Aug 10

    The Power of Authenticity: Ann Cloyd's Insights on Women Leading in Tech

    This week Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Ann Cloyd. The two talk about building a technology solutions company from the ground up, the importance of authentic leadership and long-term relationships in business, and navigating the challenges and surprises of being a woman leader in the tech industry—all while delivering innovative IT services and fostering a supportive, growth-oriented culture at Deep Tech. In this episode, we discuss: How Ann Cloyd transitioned from audio engineering into owning a technology solutions company, recognizing her knack for business and relationship-building along the way. What challenges Ann faced as a woman leader in a male-dominated tech industry, and what surprised her most about the journey, such as the lack of women applicants and unexpected joys like revisiting construction job sites. When support systems, friends, mentors, and family come into play, sharing ideas out loud helps shape and validate the next steps in business growth. Why trusting herself and being authentic, choosing blue jeans and a blazer instead of conforming to a more traditional image—helped Anne build stronger client relationships and business growth. How Deep Tech's approach of meeting clients where they are, rather than pushing predetermined solutions, builds long-term trust and value. Ann Cloyd is the Owner and CEO of DeepTech, a technology solutions provider renowned for its over 25-year commitment to client success. What began in 1999 as a focus on hands-on technology support has blossomed into a partnership model, positioning DeepTech as the integral technology partner for over 200 businesses. As the proud owner of a woman-led enterprise,  Ann Cloyd  is deeply invested in fostering diversity and empowering women within the Information Technology space, frequently sharing her insights at Women in Tech events and actively engaging in continuous industry learning. She leads a dedicated team of over 30 professionals, driven by the belief that the pursuit of the right solution fundamentally drives real results for their loyal client base. As the Owner and CEO of DeepTech, a New York City-based Technology Solutions Provider,  Ann Cloyd  brings over 25 years of proven expertise in delivering reliable, technology-driven solutions that foster business growth. Since founding DeepTech, her mission has been to cultivate lasting client relationships, serving not just as a vendor, but as a dedicated business partner, a comprehensive technology department, and a trusted strategic advisor. Ann Cloyd's journey in the tech industry began in 1999 with hands-on implementation, evolving into a leadership role focused on strategic business development. As the proud head of a woman-owned business, she is deeply committed to advancing women in IT, championing diversity and inclusivity, and frequently shares her insights at Women in Tech events. Her dedication to continuous learning is evident through her active participation in industry conferences, peer networks, and professional development initiatives. Today,  Ann Cloyd leads a talented team of over 30 professionals, supporting a growing client base of more than 200 organizations nationwide, some of whom have been trusted partners for over two decades. On a personal level, her passion for gardening profoundly influences DeepTech's culture, cultivating an environment rooted in growth, meticulous care, and attentiveness. This philosophy, along with core values of client-first service, leading with kindness, and unwavering honesty, guides her leadership and fosters genuine connections within her team and with every client. Website: https://deeptechinc.com/ Social Media Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncloyd/

  3. Aug 3

    From Attorney to Tech Innovator: Parminder Batra's Mission to Make Hotels Safer

    This week Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Parminder Batra. The two talk about redefining career paths as a non-technical founder in the tech industry; the journey from practicing law to creating TraknProtect, a company dedicated to improving hotel staff safety and combating human trafficking; and the powerful impact of mission-driven innovation on both business success and social change. In this episode, we discuss: How TraknProtect's initial concept was sparked by a family frustration with keeping track of personal belongings, and how this evolved into a tech solution. What unique challenges and perspectives Parminder faced as a non-technical founder entering both the tech and hospitality industries. When the pivotal shift occurred to prioritize safety and anti-human trafficking as core missions for TraknProtect, notably around 2017 in response to regulatory and social movements like #MeToo. Why the vulnerability of hotel staff and the prevalence of human trafficking in the hospitality industry highlighted an urgent need for better safety solutions. Who is impacted by the work, emphasizing both hotel employees' safety and survivors of human trafficking, as well as the broader industry's responsibility to protect. Parminder Batra is the Founder and CEO of TraknProtect, a leading hospitality technology company focused on employee safety, operational efficiency, and connected workplace solutions. With a background spanning business, law, mediation, and entrepreneurship, Parminder has built her career around solving complex operational challenges through innovation, strategic leadership, and purpose-driven technology. Since founding TraknProtect, she has led the company's growth into a trusted partner for some of the world's most recognized hospitality brands, such as Hilton, IHG, Peninsula, Accor and several others, helping organizations modernize how they approach safety, communication, compliance, and real-time visibility across their properties. Under her leadership, TraknProtect continues to pioneer solutions including employee safety technology, connected communications, location-based services, and intelligent IoT innovations designed to protect teams while elevating operations. Parminder is also a passionate advocate for workplace safety, women in leadership, and social impact, with a strong commitment to helping organizations create environments where people feel protected, empowered, and supported because she believes Safety is a Right for every person in every organization.  Her leadership combines strategic vision with a deep understanding of the human side of business, driving meaningful change across the hospitality and technology industries. Website: https://www.traknprotect.com/ Social Media Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parminderbatra/

  4. Jul 27

    Pushing Boundaries: Women Transforming the Technology Landscape

    In this episode, Ivy Slater chats with us about launching a new series, Women Leaders in Technology, highlighting stories of perseverance and progress. The purpose: to showcase how women are making an impact in technology and to inspire listeners to take action in their own fields. In this episode, we discuss: How Ivy Slater envisioned and launched the Women Leaders in Technology series, starting with only two interviews despite extensive outreach. What motivates women leaders in tech to share their stories, challenges, and breakthroughs, creating new opportunities for others. When Ivy Slater began her own journey in a traditionally male field (printing), facing frequent rejection but ultimately building her own successful company. Why sharing real stories and conversations from a diverse set of women leaders can inspire listeners to take meaningful action in their own industries. How women have gradually gained traction and acceptance in technology, moving from entry-level roles to leadership position   Ivy Slater is a professionally certified business coach, speaker, best-selling author and podcast host. After owning and operating a 7-figure printing business, having been in the industry for 20 years, she started Slater Success which focuses on developing great leaders and facilitating business growth and expansion. Ivy holds masterminds and retreats with her private client base and corporate training on communication and strategic planning. She speaks nationwide on the topics of leadership, sustainable growth, relationships and sales. Best Selling Author of From the Barre to the Boardroom Website: https://slatersuccess.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivyslater/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slatersuccesscoaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivyslaterssc/

  5. Jul 20

    Live Music, Lasting Passion: Diane Coburn Bruning on Founding Chamber Dance Project

    This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Diane Coburn Bruning. The two talk about the origins of Diane Coburn Bruning's passion for dance, the founding and mission of the Chamber Dance Project, which pairs dancers with live musicians, and the unique challenges of sustaining a performing arts company. In this episode, we discuss: How a passion for both dance and live music inspired the founding of Chamber Dance Project, and its unique approach to performances with live musicians. What it was like to build a dance company in New York and later in Washington, D.C., including the challenges of financial sustainability and artist support. Diane Coburn Bruning recognized the need to create opportunities for dancers and choreographers during traditional company layoffs, leading to the company's founding in 2000. Why live music is essential to an authentic dance experience, and the importance of smaller, more intimate venues for both audiences and performers. What goes into commissioning new works and supporting emerging and established choreographers through the Chamber Dance Project. Why building a company is a marathon, not a sprint, and why patience and persistence are critical for growth in the arts. Diane Coburn Bruning, founder of Chamber Dance Project In 2000, choreographer Diane Coburn Bruning founded Chamber Dance Project, dancers & musicians in New York City guided by a conviction that dance should be performed with live music, that smaller venues afford a more intense experience for viewers and performers alike, and that sharing the creative process engages audiences on a deeper level. In 2013 she moved the company to Washington, D.C. Diane is an award-winning choreographer who has worked with dance, theatre, and opera companies throughout the U.S. and abroad. She has received a Guggenheim Fellowship, two fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, two fellowships from the New York Foundation for the Arts, the McKnight National Fellowship, a Dewar's Young Artist Award, fellowships from Sundance Film Institute, Yale University School of Drama, Leopold Schepp Foundation and Virginia Commission on the Arts, and a Strauss Fellowship. She has also received support from Meet the Composer, the Harkness Foundation, New York State Council for the Arts, Heathcote Foundation, David Howard Foundation and The Carlisle Project. Diane has worked with Atlanta Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Boston Ballet, Juilliard Dance Ensemble, American Repertory Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, Joffrey II, Nashville Ballet, Aspen Ballet, Ballet Chicago, Ballet Memphis, Daghdha Dance (Ireland), Minnesota Ballet, Chautauqua Ballet, Woolly Mammoth Theatre, and Studio Theatre, among others. Her popular Ramblin' Suite, her collaboration with the Red Clay Ramblers, was commissioned by Atlanta Ballet and performed by Milwaukee Ballet. She has worked on productions with Pittsburgh Opera, Glimmerglass Festival, and four with Washington National Opera at the Kennedy Center. Vogue Television did a feature on her, and Dance magazine named her as one of "25 to Watch." Diane's works appeared in the International Ballet Festival in Colombia, South America, and her major work Boots was premiered near Berlin with Ballett Magdeburg. She has done commercial work for top brands and clients including Nickelodeon, People magazine, Lord and Taylor, and Lladro. She has done theatrical work for Studio Theatre, Woolly Mammoth Theatre, and Shakespeare Theatre Company. At Shakespeare Theatre Company, she worked alongside director Michael Kahn, receiving a Helen Hayes Award nomination for her choreography of the musical Improbable Frequencies. She has been a guest artist at more than 25 conservatory and university dance departments, including several times for Juilliard and Tisch/NYU. She has been a teaching artist for Lincoln Center Institute and New York City Ballet and has served on many grant panels. Diane directed the Craft of Choreography Conference, helped found Pacifica Choreography Project, and has led choreographic workshops throughout the country Graduating with honors from Butler University's Jordan College of Arts, she later received their Alumni Achievement Award. She holds a master's in choreography from NYU and studied composition privately with Bessie Schoenberg and music with Juli Nunlist. Diane studied for a year with renowned designers Jennifer Tipton and Ming Cho Lee on a post-graduate fellowship from Yale University School of Drama.     Website: https://chamberdance.org/   Social Media Links: https://www.facebook.com/ChamberDanceProject/   https://www.instagram.com/chamberdanceproject/

  6. Jul 13

    Fitting In and Standing Out: Marja Fox on Diverse Career Pathways

    This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Marja Fox. The two talk about the power of diverse backgrounds in management consulting, the realities of transitioning from corporate roles at McKinsey and Ecolab to entrepreneurship, and how Marja built her own consulting practice specializing in strategic facilitation for executive teams. In this episode, we discuss: How trial and error, plus finding a community of other entrepreneurs, helped Marja Fox learn to manage the cadence between delivery and infrastructure. What it was like for Marja to join McKinsey with a science background and how the company purposefully sought out people with alternative professional degrees to bring diverse perspectives to client problems. Why Marja believes you should recognize the value of your accrued experience, "you owe me for the years, not the hours", and how this affects pricing and self-worth as a woman leader. What strategies she uses to build a client pipeline and maintain discipline in business development, including mindset shifts from "selling" to helping former clients solve problems. How Marja discovered her "source of distinctiveness" at McKinsey, focusing on problem-solving and deep intuition about people.    Marja Fox STRATEGIC FACILITATOR | EX-McKINSEY | PhD Meet Marja Fox, owner of Marja Fox Consulting. Marja is a former Associate Principal at McKinsey & Company with broad strategy, business development, and commercial operations expertise across multiple industries. Before turning independent, she was a VP of Marketing and Strategy & Business Development at Ecolab, responsible for growth strategy, innovation, new product launches, sales support, and marketing communications of a$1B growth business. As an independent consultant, she focuses on strategy and facilitation. She has found that client service - helping them succeed - is where her heart is; it's what gets her up in the morning. Marja's education is in the sciences. She holds a BS in Chemistry from Harvey Mudd College and a PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She brings her analytical background and ongoing drive to understand how things work to every project.   Social Media & Contact Email: marja@mfoxconsult.com  Website: www.marjafox.com   LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marjafox/   YouTube: youtube.com/@marjafox Based in Minneapolis, MN

  7. Jul 6

    Bold Moves and Big Wins: Jo Stephens' Rise in the Legal Marketing Industry

    This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Jo Stephens. The two talk about Jo's journey from janitor to CEO at Law Firm Sites, the transformative power of building strong business relationships, and how prioritizing human connection over revenue has shaped the company's growth and its vision for expanding into new industries. In this episode, we discuss: How Jo Stevens began her career at Law Firm Sites as a janitor, using her cleaning skills to secure her first job and later move up within the company through dedication and attention to detail. What mindset shifts were necessary, such as seeing discomfort as a sign of growth and learning to push outside her comfort zone as a self-described introvert. When leaders should take action. Why focusing on building genuine relationships over revenue transformed the company's growth and culture, especially after Jo and her husband took ownership. How Jo leveraged personal and professional networks—highlighting the power of small-world connections and referrals in business development.   Meet Jo Stephens – CEO, Law Firm Sites, Inc. CLE Speaker | Legal Marketing Expert | Janitor to CEO Jo Stephens brings nearly two decades of hands-on experience in legal marketing, web design, and SEO to the legal community. Her journey with Law Firm Sites, Inc. began in 2006 in the most humble of roles—as the janitor. Since then, she has worked in nearly every position within the company, ultimately becoming Chief Operating Officer in 2017 and acquiring the business as CEO in 2020. Under her leadership, Law Firm Sites has grown from a small team to a nationally recognized agency with over 25 employees and more than 5,800 law firms served across the United States. The company is consistently recognized for excellence, including being featured on UpCity, Expertise.com (Best Legal Marketing Companies), and accredited by DesignRush for award-winning legal website design. Jo's insight into the legal industry runs deep. She has been quoted in Forbes and Inc., and has collaborated with organizations such as AILA, Lawyer Stories, Ms. Esquire, and multiple state and local bar associations including Florida, Utah, CABA, SEDBA, and St. Mary's. Her presentations focus on making complex concepts—like ADA compliance, UX design, and SEO—clear and actionable for law firms of all sizes. In addition to her professional achievements, Jo is a proud mother, a college graduate, and an active community volunteer. Her story is a testament to resilience, leadership, and the power of understanding every level of an organization. Today, she speaks across the country at legal conferences and CLE events, sharing strategies that help attorneys build compliant, engaging, and high-performing websites. Website: lawfirmsites.com Social Media Links: https://www.facebook.com/lawfirmsitesinc/

  8. Jun 29

    Embracing Opportunity: How Vivienne Wagner Turned a Side Hustle into a Thriving Agency

    This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Vivienne Wagner. The two talk about navigating the journey from side hustle to scaling Houndstooth Media Group, the evolution of digital marketing from SEO to AI-driven search, and the importance of building a values-driven team. In this episode, we discuss: How Vivienne Wagner started Houndstooth Media Group at her dining room table, transforming a personal blog into a full-scale digital marketing agency. What the arrival of AI-driven search (AEO, AIO) means for digital marketing, SEO, and how businesses are found online today. When Vivienne Wagner realized she needed to bring in help and start building a virtual team to handle growing client demand. Why recognizing the value of your skills is crucial for pricing and business growth, plus the importance of having mentors or external voices to help see your worth. How clarity on core values like integrity, kindness, thankfulness, loyalty, and humor helps Houndstooth hire the right people, choose the right clients, and build a strong company culture.   Vivienne Wagner is the founder and CEO of Houndstooth Media Group, a digital marketing agency based in Southern California. With a team of 16 specialists, she helps mid-sized businesses transform their websites into revenue-driving hubs by combining SEO expertise with the latest in AI-driven optimization. Known for her ability to make complex marketing concepts accessible, Vivienne speaks on how businesses can position themselves to be found by both human audiences and AI platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity. Her agency's approach not only boosts visibility and organic traffic but also reduces dependence on paid ads, giving business owners the freedom to scale more sustainably. Vivienne frequently works with decision-makers who need trusted marketing leadership—either because they don't have in-house expertise or want a sharper second opinion on their current strategy. She offers a structured starting point through her SEO & AI Optimization Audit, which helps companies uncover hidden opportunities, identify weak points, and gain clarity on the steps needed to compete in today's search-driven landscape. Outside of work, Vivienne enjoys life with her husband and extended family of four grown sons. Known for her mix of humor, candor, and genuine care for the people she works with, she brings the same energy into her professional world that she does into her personal one. As a guest, she is direct, insightful, and engaging—ready to share practical strategies for AI-optimized marketing, building strong website foundations, and scaling digital strategies for long-term success. Back-story Vivienne Wagner never set out to start a marketing agency. With a degree in Public Administration, she began her career in city and state legislation, then moved into public affairs—essentially marketing for political movements. After stepping away from that world to be a stay-at-home mom, she found an unexpected new path. In the late 2000s, a friend introduced her to blogging. What started as a personal online journal—funny stories about her four boys, commentary on societal events, and the occasional DIY project—became Vivienne's crash course in the power of search and inbound marketing. A "private rant" she posted about a controversial radio contest unexpectedly drew strangers to her blog, teaching her firsthand how traffic finds content online. From there, she dove into the early "mommy blogging" community, grew an audience, and began monetizing through SEO, social media, and partnerships—long before influencer marketing became mainstream. In 2013, a friend in luxury real estate asked her to ghostwrite blogs and manage social media. Vivienne quickly saw that the brokerage's marketing efforts were missing the mark, pitched a proposal to overhaul their strategy, and spent six months rebuilding their entire department. Word spread, and soon individual agents wanted her help too. By January 2014, what started at her dining room table had grown into Houndstooth Media Group. Today, Houndstooth is a team of 16 specialists serving mid-sized businesses across industries. The agency is known for helping clients build solid digital foundations—prioritizing organic growth, SEO, and quality content before chasing shiny new trends. Vivienne's philosophy is simple: SEO will always matter, even as it evolves, and valuable content will always win, whether it's created by human hands or generated by AI. As a podcast guest, Vivienne brings humor, candor, and clear-eyed expertise. She speaks on the evolution of digital marketing, what AI means for business owners, and how companies can stop "flying blind" and finally feel confident in their marketing strategy. HMG bio Houndstooth Media Group is a boutique digital marketing agency based in Southern California. With a team of 16 specialists across the country, the agency helps mid-sized businesses turn their websites into revenue-driving hubs through SEO, AI-driven optimization, and strategic digital marketing. The majority of Houndstooth's client base comes through referrals and word of mouth, with most partnerships lasting for years. That loyalty stems from the agency's commitment to transparency and education—qualities that set it apart in an industry often clouded by jargon and "smoke and mirrors." Houndstooth eliminates the "flying blind" feeling many business owners experience when working with marketing agencies, instead giving them clarity, confidence, and measurable results. From SEO strategy and AI-optimized content to social media, branding, and revenue development, Houndstooth delivers custom solutions without cookie-cutter tactics. Clients gain not only execution but also a trusted partner who explains the "why" behind the strategy, so leaders can make informed decisions and see the direct impact on their business growth. At its core, Houndstooth Media Group is built for long-term success: results-focused, strategy-driven, and deeply invested in helping businesses grow with confidence. Website: https://houndstoothmediagroup.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houndstoothmediagroup/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivienne-wagner/ Vivienne's free webinar on important AIO strategies.  https://houndstooth-media-group.webinargeek.com/aio-webinar-get-your-business-found?cst=her-success-story-podcast

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4.9
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Ivy Slater interviews gutsy business women as they share their success journey.

Information

  • Creator
    Ivy Slater, Slater Success Coaching
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ivy Slater 2018
  • Show Website
    Her Success Story