Her Success Story

Ivy Slater, Slater Success Coaching

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

  1. 2D AGO

    Women in Law: Creating Lasting Impact and Supportive Communities

    This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats about the launch of a special Women Leaders in the Law series, her personal journey discovering the inspiring community of Women Owned Law, and how choosing energizing, supportive organizations can drive both business and personal growth. In this episode, we discuss: How Women Owned Law has become a meaningful space for women attorneys who own firms, offering business-building support, leadership, and a network of people who genuinely care about one another. What first drew Ivy in: attending an early Women Owned Law event in New York City years ago, meeting smart, dynamic women at Bryant Park, and realizing immediately that these were her people. Why the best business growth often comes from real heart-to-heart relationships, not just referrals, because when you genuinely like the people in the room, referrals and opportunities tend to follow naturally. How Ivy's involvement grew from attendee to board member, and why she believes if you can't say yes to a group, it may not be the right place for your time, money, and energy. Why energy matters just as much as networking strategy: if an organization feels like a lift, it's probably a fit; if it feels draining, it may not be your sandbox. 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

    5 min
  2. MAR 23

    Building Effective Healthcare Teams: Jeffrey Christie on Culture, Communication, and Hiring

    This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Jeffrey Christie. The two talk about Jeffrey's transition from a background in finance to building a specialized healthcare staffing business, the importance of fostering harmony and clear communication within surgical teams for optimal patient outcomes, and strategies for scaling an organization. In this episode, we discuss: How Jeffrey went from finance and banking into healthcare operations after his surgeon brother asked for help building a consistent surgical support team that could follow him from hospital to hospital. What "trust but verify" looks like in modern leadership, using problems as chances to understand root causes and fix systems together, rather than blame people, and why micromanaging drives good team members away. The interview question Jeffrey always asks ("What do you do when you get stressed out?"), and how understanding stress responses helps protect team dynamics and patient focus when things inevitably get tense. Why culture fit matters as much as skills, illustrated by sending a fabulous "true New Yorker" nurse to a quiet Tennessee OR, and how ASSI now deeply studies each hospital's personality before placing staff. How he built his own internal team by honestly naming what he hated and wasn't great at (paperwork, back-office operations), then hiring experienced competitors whose strengths complemented his, freeing him to focus on client relationships  Jeffrey Christie - President, Advantage Support Services, Inc  Jeffrey Christie leads Advantage Support Services, Inc. (ASSI) with a simple but powerful mission, helping healthcare teams perform at their very best. With over 20 years in healthcare operations and leadership, Jeffrey has seen firsthand the challenges hospitals and surgical centers face, from staffing shortages to compliance demands, and he's built ASSI to be the go-to partner for solving them. Under his leadership, ASSI has grown into a trusted name in Operating Room and Sterile Processing support, offering everything from interim leadership and specialized staffing to in- depth clinical assessments and performance optimization programs. He's passionate about connecting the dots between frontline staff and executive leadership, making sure organizations have the right people, processes, and tools to succeed. Jeffrey's approach is hands-on and people-first; he's as comfortable in the boardroom mapping out strategy as he is walking a department floor, listening to the team and finding opportunities for improvement. His focus is always on creating practical, sustainable solutions that improve efficiency, compliance, and patient care. Outside of guiding ASSI, you'll often find Jeffrey spending time with his family, volunteering for the Walk Strong Foundation, or hunting with his friends  Website: https://advantagesupportservices.com/ Social Media Links:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-christie-73148b1/

    22 min
  3. MAR 16

    Wellness, Trust, and Transformation: Insights from Dr. Suelyn Hall's Remarkable Career

    This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Dr. Suelyn Hall. The two talk about breaking barriers as a woman in the male-dominated field of urology, the importance of preventive and functional medicine, and how Dr. Hall's company, Quantum Health and Wellness Center, is redefining patient care with a holistic, personalized approach. In this episode, we discuss: How Quantum Health and Wellness Center integrates hormone balancing, nutrition, psychology, massage, personal training, float therapy, and stress reduction to address cortisol, thyroid, sex hormones, and overall mental and physical health. What fueled her decision to become a urologist despite being told as a Black woman that urology was a "white male–dominated field" with almost no women, and how that resistance only strengthened her determination. When losing three friends to colon cancer before age 45 made her realize traditional, reactive medicine wasn't enough and inspired her pivot into functional medicine, prevention, anti-aging, and truly listening to patients. Why hormones matter long before menopause (and for men in andropause too), from fatigue and poor sleep to libido, bone strength, heart health, cognition, and even how we communicate and connect in relationships. How moving from hospital systems to entrepreneurship forced Suelyn to manage business stress, staffing, and operations, yet also gave her the freedom to spend 45–60 minutes per patient instead of the standard 10–15, and why being truly heard is at the heart of good medicine. Suelyn Hall, M.D. Urologist, Founder of Quantum Health and Wellness Center, Author of How To Get A-HEAD Dr. Suelyn Hall, M.D., is a trailblazing urologist, author, and advocate for holistic wellness. Born and raised in Jamaica, Dr. Hall grew up in a family that instilled in her the values of perseverance, ambition, and self-expression. Her early academic achievements included graduating salutatorian from Miami Southridge High School, securing a full scholarship to the University of Miami, and later earning her medical degree from New York Medical College. As one of the first 50 female urologists in the United States, Dr. Hall has spent decades excelling in a male-dominated field, where she became known for her medical and surgical expertise, compassionate patient care, and dedication to pushing boundaries. Her residency at one of the top Urology programs in the country allowed her to form lifelong connections and hone her skills, which would lead to a successful career in private practice. Driven by a desire to offer more to her patients, Dr. Hall expanded her knowledge into Integrative, Functional, and Nutritional Medicine, specializing in Anti-Aging therapies. Her passion for helping others extends beyond medicine—Dr. Hall is also a mentor, speaker, and active member of the Athena Sisterhood, an empowering community for women. With a life philosophy rooted in authenticity, positivity, and growth, Dr. Hall's personal journey has been as transformative as her professional one. Whether training for the Senior Olympics or advocating for female empowerment, she continues to inspire those around her. Her work, including her upcoming book, reflects her belief in the power of connection, creativity, and the importance of embracing one's true self. Website: https://quantumhealthmhk.com/ Social Media Links: ​​https://www.facebook.com/quantumhealthmhk/

    20 min
  4. MAR 9

    Compassion and Action: Denise Schonwald's Story of Service and Reinvention in Healthcare

    This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Denise Schonwald. The two talk about Denise's journey from a three-decade career as a critical care nurse to becoming a nationally licensed mental health therapist, her innovative approach to connecting with clients by giving away her book, and her mission to bring greater education and honesty to the mental health conversation.  In this episode, we discuss: How Denise went from decades in critical care nursing, night shifts, physical strain, and high-stakes decision-making, to realizing it was time to care for people differently and transition into mental health. What helped her figure out her next chapter was asking, "What am I actually good at?" and translating skills like quick thinking, working with families, and navigating crisis into a thriving private practice. When she realized that building a practice meant becoming a business owner and marketer, not just a clinician, and how writing and giving away her first book (instead of selling it) unexpectedly became her best referral engine, reaching readers as far as South Africa, Australia, and Canada. Why her long-term vision is a national platform for telling the truth about mental health, raising real awareness, and helping a society that she sees getting "sicker and sicker," especially among younger children. How technology can feel like "junk food for the mind," fueling anxiety, depression, and procrastination, and her simple, doable starting point: one hour tech-free in the morning and keeping the cell phone out of the bedroom at night. Denise Schonwald, a registered nurse with over three decades of experience, has seamlessly transitioned from critical care nursing to a distinguished career in mental health counseling. Witnessing families cope with the emotional toll of illness during her time in the healthcare field fueled her passion for holistic healing. Based in Sarasota, Florida, Denise extends her compassionate care nationwide through virtual sessions. As a spiritually grounded mental health counselor and medical intuitive, she leads a comprehensive approach, seamlessly merging mental and physical well-being. A public speaker, spiritual teacher, and certified family mediator, Denise advocates for a harmonious integration of mind and body. Her commitment to nurturing both the body and the mind shines through in her client-centered practice, offering support to individuals, couples, families, and even our youngest thinkers - starting at age 4. Books include: Insightful Self-Therapy: Increasing Your Awareness about Mental Health and How to Live a Happier Life;  When Mom and Dad Divorced: Sam's Story, Elephants Don't Marry Giraffes, and her first children's book, Getting Back to Happy. Website: https://deniseschonwald.com/ Social Media Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-schonwald/

    17 min
  5. MAR 2

    Success Stories: Women Who Paved the Way and the Lessons They've Given

    This week Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats about the significance of International Women's Day and the theme "Give to Gain," sharing heartfelt stories about the women and mentors who have shaped her journey. In this episode, we discuss: How the 2026 International Women's Day theme "Give to Gain" shows up in real life through mentorship—why every woman Ivy mentors teaches her just as much in return. What Ivy learned from early role models like her dance teachers, working mothers ahead of her, and icons such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg and a beloved teacher, Mrs. Durkin, about breaking barriers and modeling what's possible. When Ivy was pregnant with her first child and told she couldn't "have the career you want and be a good mom," and how a conversation with her friend Bonnie, a pediatrician, reframed success as "how you show up," not the title you hold. Why 2026 is an invitation to show up as a dynamic, ambitious, grounded woman who becomes a role model simply by living fully—and how every act of mentoring, support, or encouragement is part of "give to gain." How male allies matter too, including Ivy's husband, who backed her decision to start a "crazy" coaching business in 2007 with a simple, powerful message: "You want to do it, figure it out, I'm with you."  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

    6 min
  6. FEB 23

    Why Referrals Matter: Stacey Brown Randall's Secrets to Building a Business of Relationships

    This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Stacey Brown Randall. The two talk about navigating business failure and rebuilding with intention; the power of referrals in authentically growing a business; and how documenting processes can be the difference-maker in scaling your company. In this episode, we discuss: How Stacey's second book was born out of a "COVID delay," deep year-end reflection, and the realization that readers who downloaded her secret bonus resources were quietly becoming some of her best clients, and why a second (and even third) book makes smart business sense. What her first failed business taught her about scaling, resilience, and why she was determined not to be a "two-time member of the business failure club" when she launched her productivity and business coaching practice. When she started "throwing spaghetti at the wall" with referrals, refusing to ask, pay, or use gimmicks, and accidentally generated 112 referrals in her first year as a productivity coach, all without asking, which pushed her to reverse engineer the process into teachable strategies. Why most businesses have SOPs for everything except referrals, and how treating referrals like any other core system can make them a fun, aligned, and lower-cost way to generate leads instead of something awkward and "icky." How Stacey intentionally designed her business around her life—prioritizing school pick-ups, baseball games, and her kids' events over chasing a Lamborghini lifestyle—and the ongoing work of stepping out of comparison to honor the business she truly wants.​   Stacey Brown Randall is the multiple award-winning author of Generating Business Referrals Without Asking, author of the forthcoming book, The Referable Client Experience (October 2025), and host of the Roadmap to Referrals podcast. Stacey teaches business owners how to generate referrals naturally... without manipulating, incentivizing, or even asking. She has been featured in national publications like Entrepreneur magazine, Investor Business Daily, Forbes, and more. She received her Master's in Organizational Communication and is married with three kids.    Website: https://staceybrownrandall.com/ Social Media Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceybrandall/ https://www.instagram.com/staceybrownrandall/

    23 min
  7. FEB 16

    Building Support Systems: Brittany Stevens on Managing Career, Motherhood, and Advocacy

    This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Brittany Stevens. The two talk about Brittany's journey into employment discrimination law, the challenges of balancing a demanding legal career with motherhood, and the importance of workplace policies that support parents and caregivers. In this episode, we discuss: How pregnancy discrimination is still rampant, bosses assuming moms-to-be will slack off, and why Brittany fights to shatter that, drawing from her own return from maternity leave (needing a private fridge, blinds, and pumping space). What drew her to the plaintiff side: a deep drive to help folks facing power imbalances at work, chasing internships and jobs that let her focus on real discrimination cases, fueled by her natural people-person vibe. When caregiving for aging or ill parents hits (like Brittany taking time for her mom's final days and doctor's visits), what protections exist, like leaves for loved ones, state-specific caregiver time off, and why HR chats early can make all the difference. Why, despite progress since the '70s, we're still miles from equity: post-COVID return-to-office mandates are pushing women out again due to childcare chaos, proving conversations about real accommodations and culture are non-negotiable. How to spot supportive workplaces before signing on: check policies on paid maternity/paternity, flexible leaves, and a vibe that won't punish you for using them without retaliation or getting passed over for promotions. Brittany A. Stevens is a Partner at Phillips & Associates, PLLC, one of the nation's premier plaintiff-side employment law firms. She focuses exclusively on representing employees who have experienced sexual harassment, discrimination, or retaliation in the workplace. Known for her strategic legal mind and compassionate client advocacy, Brittany empowers clients during some of the most vulnerable moments in their professional lives. She represents women from across industries— especially those in executive support roles—and works tirelessly to hold employers accountable. At the heart of Brittany's practice is a deep belief in justice, respect, and protection for those with less power in the workplace. She's been featured in media, published legal articles, and leads with a communication style that is clear, empathetic, and action-oriented. Whether fighting for a settlement or guiding a client through the legal systems, Brittany ensures every voice is heard—and every violation addressed.  Website:  https://www.newyorkcitydiscriminationlawyer.com/ Social Media Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-stevens-alper-4895911a/ https://x.com/Phillips_Assoc_ https://www.facebook.com/PhillipsandAssociatesAttorneysatLaw/ https://www.instagram.com/phillips_and_associates https://www.youtube.com/@phillipsassociates9558

    16 min
  8. FEB 9

    Creating Success That Feels Good: Lessons from Lulu Essey's Career Journey

    This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Lulu Essey. The two talk about building a successful global creative career while navigating bipolar disorder, the power of true self-love as a foundation for resilience, and how Lulu helps ambitious professionals achieve meaningful, sustainable success through her coaching and podcast.  In this episode, we discuss: How Lulu built a 30-year global creative career, from theater and television in South Africa to experiential marketing and executive creative director roles across Europe, the U.S., Hong Kong, Greater China, and Southeast Asia, while quietly managing severe bipolar disorder. What it was like to move to New York City in the middle of the pandemic, visa bans and all, and simultaneously build a coaching business after years of doing workshops, speaking, and mentoring on the side of her agency career. When being let go from her senior vice president, executive creative director role during a major bipolar relapse felt "brutal" in the moment, but ultimately became the push she needed to fully step into her own work and redefine success on her terms. Why self-love (not just "liking yourself") is now at the core of her work, defined as refusing to abandon yourself, your needs, and your voice, and how that perspective completely reframed resilience, failure, and bouncing back from hard seasons. How shifting her worth off "quicksand" metrics like titles, awards, and deals, and onto an inner sense of value, helped her stop chasing external validation and start feeling worthy now, even when goals are still in progress.   Lulu Essey is an award-winning Executive Creative Director who has spent three decades working with global brands like Porsche, BMW, Cartier, and Google across four continents. Finding her way through a 30-year journey with severe bipolar disorder while building an impressive career, she discovered that external achievement and awards mean nothing without authentic Self-Love as the foundation - the missing infrastructure most driven women never build. Now a Speaker, certified Life Coach, and host of The Lulu Essey Podcast, Lulu helps ambitious professionals create success that actually feels good. Her message: sustainable success isn't about pushing harder or doing more - it's about building from the inside out. Website: https://www.luluessey.com/ Social Media Links: https://www.luluessey.com/podcast

    25 min
4.9
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

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