Her Success Story

Ivy Slater, Slater Success Coaching
  • 4.9 (19)
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Ivy Slater interviews gutsy business women as they share their success journey.

  1. 4d ago

    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/

  2. 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

  3. 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/

  4. 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

  5. Jun 22

    Lee Powers' Path: Transforming Trauma into Whole-Person Health Advocacy

    This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Lee Powers. The two talk about Lee Powers' extraordinary journey from a critical care patient to a wellness entrepreneur, the power of personalized medicine through tools like DNA cheek swabs, and the importance of advocacy and a whole-person approach to navigating today's complex healthcare landscape. In this episode, we discuss: How Lee Powers transformed a traumatic personal experience as a patient into a unique business model focused on personalized medicine and patient advocacy. What it means to approach healthcare using both clinical expertise and human compassion, and why that combination is crucial for better outcomes. When Lee realized the traditional healthcare system often fails to treat patients as unique individuals, she set out to fill that gap herself. Why a simple cheek swab to analyze your DNA can make a dramatic difference in how medications affect you, based on your unique genetic makeup. Who benefits from a health advocate? Anyone navigating a complicated health challenge or supporting a loved one in the medical system should consider working with someone who understands both the human and clinical sides. What actions the average person can take to advocate for themselves in today's healthcare environment, including the importance of having an advocate present during medical decisions. Lee Powers is a nurse, health advocate, and speaker dedicated to helping individuals improve their health, build resilience, and thrive through personalized wellness strategies. Combining clinical expertise with a compassionate, whole-person approach, she empowers people to take an active role in their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. With a background in critical care nursing and advanced healthcare training, Lee brings a practical and relatable perspective to modern wellness. Her mission is to help individuals create sustainable habits, strengthen resilience, and embrace personalized approaches to health that support long-term vitality, performance, and quality of life. Lee Powers RN Speaker • Advocate • Educator • Author ICUiCare™ Founder Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) & Critical Care Recovery Functional & Integrative Health | Healthcare That's Human Email: Lee@LeePowersRN.com Website: https://LeePowersRN.com Oxford Talk Speaker: Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS)

  6. Jun 15

    Summer Reset: Enhancing Life and Business with Strategic Mid-Year Adjustments

    In this episode, Ivy Slater chats with us about the importance of taking a mid-year pause to assess our business and personal growth. She explores how reviewing key strategies—like finances, marketing, sales, and people—can help us identify what's working, address what's not, and set the stage for the rest of the year. In this episode, we discuss: How to use the end of the second quarter as an opportunity to reflect on your business performance and make strategic adjustments. What key business areas should be assessed: financial strategy, marketing strategy, sales strategy, and people strategy—the "four wheels" that keep your business moving. When to conduct a review: now, at the close of the second quarter, halfway through the year. Why coming from a place of curiosity and taking a higher-level look at your business enables consistent results and long-term fulfillment. What personal habits and activities can bring joy and balance to the work/life equation—like gardening, visiting farmers markets, or enjoying the outdoors. 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/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/slatersuccess/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SlaterSuccessCC YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ8b1sGnADlpFE2NrqUfToQ?view_as=subscribe

  7. Jun 8

    The Power of Intentional Networking: Sarah Hubbard's Success Journey

    This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Sarah Hubbard. The two talk about the challenges and surprises of building a successful career in the mortgage industry, the power of authentic relationship-building in a sales-driven, male-dominated field, and how Sarah's work, including her book The Intentional Networker, empowers professionals to find networking strategies that align with their strengths and values. In this episode, we discuss: How Sarah transitioned from a planned career in physical therapy to joining the mortgage industry after facing unexpected setbacks in her original path. What pivotal advice from an experienced mentor inspired Sarah to align her business approach with her personal strengths and values, leading to greater satisfaction and results. When Sarah realized that the quality, not quantity, of relationships yields deeper success and business joy, focusing on a smaller, trusted network rather than chasing numbers. Why mindset is crucial in overcoming setbacks and avoiding a "desperate" approach in business, with Sarah sharing personal stories of financial and emotional struggles early in her career. How relationship-building became Sarah's core strategy for success and growth in her industry, rather than relying on traditional sales tactics like direct mailers. S a r a h H u b b a r d T h e R e l a t i o n s h i p S t r a t e g i s t  Sarah built a $2M+ business where 85% of revenue comes from referral partnerships-no cold calling, no paid advertising, just strategic relationship building. Now she teaches the exact system she used to build this referral-based empire. Her methodology has been tested by 500+ professionals across industries, generating millions in documented referral revenue.  Website: https://sarah-hubbard.com/ Social Media Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-hubbard-flannery/

  8. Jun 1

    Building Better Women's Health: Adrianne Nickerson and the Oula Revolution

    This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Adrianne Nickerson. The two talk about the challenges women founders face in raising capital, the strategic formation of partnerships with major health systems, and how Oula is addressing both the medical and emotional needs of women before, during, and after pregnancy—all with the goal of transforming women's healthcare in the U.S. In this episode, we discuss: How Adrianne Nickerson identified the problems with traditional maternity care and designed Oula's innovative, team-based care model combining midwives, OB-GYNs, and care navigators to create a more personalized, supportive experience for women. What it took to develop partnerships with major institutions like Mount Sinai, Stanford, and a soon-to-be-announced Charlotte, NC location, and what shifting market trends made big institutions willing to consider new care models. When market conditions, such as changing consumer sentiment about over-medicalization and health workforce shortages, accelerated Oula's traction with health systems. Why the U.S. maternity care system was overdue for change, with poor outcomes, high costs, and a one-size-fits-all approach that left many women dissatisfied or even traumatized by their experiences. How constraints, obstacles, and even pandemic-era disruptions created unexpected opportunities to refine and scale the Oula business model. Adrianne Nickerson founded Oula in 2019, a collaborative maternity care practice that brings together midwives, OBGYNs, and care navigators to provide comprehensive care before, during, and after pregnancy. The practice delivers a full range of clinical services — preconception counseling, pregnancy care, hospital birth, postpartum support, and ongoing gynecology care — complemented by 24/7 care navigation, virtual support, educational resources, and expert-led workshops. Oula's team-based model emphasizes shared decision-making and personalized,whole-person care, consistently achieving outcomes that exceed national benchmarks: fewer cesarean births, lower preterm birth rates, higher VBAC success, and an average NPS of 90+. Oula accepts most major insurances, including Medicaid, and serves patients across New York and Connecticut, with continued expansion underway. Interested in learning more? Reach out to partners@oulahealth.com. Website: https://oulahealth.com/ Social Media Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriannenickerson/

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4.9
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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