Clover: Conversations with Women in Leadership on Visibility, Authority & Owning the Room

Erin Geiger - Muscle Creative
  • 4.8 (19)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Weekly

Clover is a podcast spotlighting women who are redefining leadership by stepping into visibility, authority, and ownership of their work. Hosted by Erin Geiger, the show features founders, executives, and trailblazers who are reshaping the way we think about success, work, and influence. Each episode dives into real conversations about the wins, the challenges, and the bold decisions that drive women at the top of their game. From navigating nonlinear careers to leading teams, scaling companies, breaking barriers to driving change—Clover uncovers the stories and perspectives, and decisions that shape modern leadership. The name comes from the phrase “to be in clover”—to live in prosperity, comfort, and joy. That’s the spirit behind every interview: empowering, honest, and full of takeaways you can bring into your own leadership journey. If you’re building a business, leading others, or simply seeking stories that fuel ambition, Clover will keep you inspired and equipped to grow. Hit follow to join us each week as we step into abundance—together. Show artwork by the incredible Mayra Avila.

  1. 1d ago

    From Imposter to Disruptor, and the Power of Reinvention with Natalie Poindexter

    What do you do when the life and career you've worked so hard to build just aren't working for you anymore? You could keep pushing through. You could jump into the next job, the next opportunity, the next thing that looks good on paper. Or you could ask yourself a question we probably don't ask nearly enough: Is this even what I want? This week on Clover, I'm chatting with Natalie Poindexter, an entrepreneur who has reinvented herself more than once, and who has some pretty interesting things to say about what happens when we stop following the rules we've been handed. Natalie started her career as an EMT, moved into public health and corporate leadership, packed up her life in Ohio and moved to Austin sight unseen, and eventually found herself building businesses, including a tech platform she created using AI. And no, she's not a software developer. We cover a lot of ground in this conversation, and I especially love how candid Natalie is about the messy parts. The jobs that didn't work out. The moments of self-doubt. The pressure to keep going even when everything in you is telling you something needs to change. A few things we get into: What happens when your carefully planned career goes completely off-script? Natalie shares why she walked away from corporate life, what happened when her backup plan fell apart, and how she learned to rethink what success could look like.Who says you need to be technical to build a tech company? We talk about how Natalie used AI and vibe coding to build Scaffina, and why women might be underestimating what they can create with the tools available today.Maybe you're not an imposter. Maybe you're a disruptor. A mentor gave Natalie this perspective years ago, and I absolutely love it. What if the problem isn't that we don't belong, but that we're trying to fit into systems that weren't designed with us in mind?Why are we so good at championing everyone but ourselves? Natalie has helped organizations secure funding, yet admits that advocating for her own ideas and accomplishments has been a completely different challenge. Sound familiar?Do we really need to explain every career pivot? We talk about the pressure women feel to make every decision look intentional, every career move make sense, and every change fit into some perfectly packaged professional story.One of my favorite takeaways from Natalie is a simple philosophy she's embraced: Build, ship, iterate. I love this because how often do we talk ourselves out of something before we've even started? We convince ourselves we need another credential, more experience, a bigger budget, or someone else's permission. And with so many people navigating layoffs, career uncertainty, and a workplace that's changing faster than any of us can keep up with, I think this conversation is especially timely. Maybe the next step isn't immediately finding your way back to what you were doing before. Maybe it's giving yourself the space to figure out what you actually want to do next. There's a lot to think about in this one, and I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did! Connect with Natalie: Find her on LinkedIn and Instagram, or check out her YouTube channel, The Poindexter Effect.

  2. Oct 6

    How to Pivot Your Career and Thrive in Tech Leadership with Emily Gupton (Re-release)

    This week on Clover, I sit down with Emily Gupton—a technology leader, community builder, and soon-to-be President of Austin Women in Technology. Emily’s career path has been anything but linear: from studying neuroscience and working in radiology, to project management in commercial furniture, to building a SaaS platform from the ground up, and now serving as CTO at SKG. In this conversation, Emily shares how curiosity, resilience, and community have shaped her many pivots. She opens up about navigating male-dominated spaces in tech, the power of asking questions (even the “silly” ones), and how investing in education—from her MBA to an MIT certificate—helped her bridge career transitions. We also dive into Emily’s passion for building inclusive communities, her leadership journey with Austin Women in Technology, and her past work with the League of Women Voters of Texas. Whether you’re considering a career pivot, looking for inspiration to step into leadership, or craving stories of women making big impacts in Austin and beyond—this episode will leave you energized. What you’ll learn in this episode: How to embrace career pivots with curiosity and courageWhy community and mentorship are essential in tech (and beyond)Emily’s approach to leadership, equity, and empowering diverse voicesPractical tips for choosing the right further education or certificationHow Austin Women in Technology fosters growth, connection, and opportunityConnect with Emily: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emily-guptonWebsite: emilykgupton.comAustin Women in Technology: https://www.awtaustin.org/ Communities & Organizations League of Women Voters of Texas: lwvtexas.orgInnotech Women in Tech Summit — partnered event with AWTCapital Factory / Austin Tech Week — collaborative events with AWTAustin Forum on Technology & Society — partner org for technical topics like quantum computingBooks & Authors Smart Brevity — by the Axios team; recommended by her CEO and used as a communication frameworkNeil Gaiman — mentioned as a favorite author for personal, whimsical, and fantastical reading

  3. Sep 15

    Lead with Welcome: How FIESTA's Cherie Werner Connects Austin’s Startup Scene (Re-release)

    In this episode of Clover, I sit down with Cherie Werner, the force behind Fiesta, the largest community for founders and investors in Austin, and FoundHERs, a dedicated space for women entrepreneurs. Cherie shares her journey from startup life to building Fiesta almost by accident, and how “leading with welcome” has become her guiding principle. We talk about what it really takes to turn a crowded room into genuine connections, why consistency and inclusivity matter, and how women founders can push past the urge to be “perfect” before showing up. Cherie also offers simple conversation starters and follow-up practices you can use to walk into any networking event with more confidence. If you’ve ever felt intimidated walking into a room full of strangers—or if you’re looking for a better way to grow community around your own work—this conversation will give you both inspiration and practical tools. You’ll learn: How Fiesta grew into Austin’s largest founder–investor communityPractical ways to break the ice beyond “What do you do?”Why consistency and inclusivity fuel stronger communitiesA mindset reset for women founders: show up before it’s “perfect”Follow-up strategies that turn quick chats into lasting relationshipsHow to design events and spaces that make people feel truly welcomeRESOURCES MENTIONED 🌐 Websites & Communities FIESTA → https://www.fiesta.communityGrow.FIESTA (global platform) → https://grow.fiesta.community📨 Newsletters The HERald → Women-focused newsletter Cherie publishes (first Friday after FIESTA events).FIESTA Focus → Founder/community newsletter (week before and after each FIESTA).📱 Social Media Cherie’s LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheriewerner (LinkedIn is her most active platform).📚 Books Mentioned Let Them by Mel RobbinsBelieve It by Jamie Kern LimaWorthy - Jamie Kern Lima’s second book 🎙️ Podcasts Mentioned All-In PodcastOn Purpose with Jay Shetty

  4. Sep 1

    How to Make People Care About Your Idea - with Andrea Bridges-Smith

    In this episode of Clover, I sit down with Andrea Bridges-Smith, founder of San Fenix, to talk about career pivots, finding confidence in front of an audience, and why a compelling story can make all the difference when you are trying to get people invested in an idea. Andrea’s path has taken her from more than a decade in tech marketing to video production, political satire, and now presentation coaching for founders and executives. Along the way, she discovered that one of her greatest strengths was helping people get comfortable on camera and on stage. Today, she works with founders to clarify their stories, strengthen their pitch decks, and communicate their ideas in ways people will actually understand and remember. We also get into the flood of AI-generated content. We talk about using AI to eliminate repetitive work without handing over the creative process, why lived experience matters more than ever, and how companies can compete for attention by being willing to entertain, experiment, and sound like actual human beings. In this episode, we talk about: Why a founder’s personal story can make a pitch far more memorable than credentials and numbers alone How to use AI to eliminate repetitive work without outsourcing your creativity or voice  Why creating more content is not the answer—and what makes people actually stop and pay attention  What separates founders who get people excited about their ideas from those with a good product but a forgettable pitch  Why even confident, accomplished people can freeze on camera or on stage—and how Andrea helps them find the version of themselves that can command the roomNotable quotes: “If you’re going to put out one post on LinkedIn a month that is a barn burner versus a garbage one every day, I will take that one post every single time.” “That lived experience of ‘why are you doing this?’ is what really makes a story unique, and it’s something that AI simply can’t give you.” “The fear needs to go sit over there so that the excitement can come out.” “You think that you are competing with other companies in your space. Not true. You are competing with Netflix. You are competing with MrBeast. You are competing with a book on someone’s shelf.” “Please, God, consider having fun with your content and do less of it and do it better.” Connect with Andrea Bridges-Smith on LinkedIn and learn more about her work with San Fenix.

  5. Aug 18

    Building a Justice System Survivors Can Trust with Gretta Gardner

    When I first launched Clover, I made a mental list of women I knew I wanted to reconnect with and bring onto the show. Gretta Gardner was at the top of that list. Gretta and I first met years ago when we both lived in Austin, and I've watched her career with admiration ever since. Today, she serves as Chief Operations Officer at Ujima: The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community, where she works to improve policies, systems, and responses for survivors across the country. Our conversation went far beyond career milestones. We talked about what it means to carry the weight of difficult work for decades, how women build authority in rooms where they're often underestimated, why culturally specific services matter, and what keeps Gretta hopeful despite spending her career confronting some of society's hardest realities. In this episode, we discuss: Gretta's unexpected journey from planning a career focused on educational equity to becoming one of the country's leading voices in domestic violence policy.Why equal access to justice isn't the same as equitable access; and what still needs to change for Black women and other marginalized survivors.Why meaningful systems change requires both frontline experience and policy work; and why theory alone is never enough.The critical role culturally specific organizations play in ensuring survivors receive equitable support, protection, and justice.Why close friendships, mentorship, and community are essential for women carrying the weight of leadership.What gives Gretta hope after more than 30 years working to end violence against women; and why she believes the next generation is changing the conversation in important ways.Resources Mentioned Ujima: The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black CommunityViolence Against Women Act (VAWA)Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA)Victims of Crime Act (VOCA):::

  6. Aug 4

    How AI Is Helping Reinvent the Centuries-Old Jewelry Industry with Komal Patel

    Most people know Komal Patel as the founder of two AI-powered jewelry companies. What they may not realize is that her path started with two decades in big tech, an industry she had known her entire life. In this episode, Komal shares how growing up in a family jewelry business gave her a unique perspective on an industry that hadn't meaningfully changed in decades. After years building scalable systems in large technology companies, she realized those same skills could solve problems that jewelry retailers had simply accepted as "the way it's always been." We also talk about what it really takes to leave corporate, why product-market fit matters more than logos and marketing campaigns, and how AI is helping founders build businesses in ways that weren't possible just a few years ago. Whether you're thinking about starting your own company or simply curious about what it looks like to reinvent an industry, Komal offers a refreshingly practical perspective on entrepreneurship. In this episode, we discuss:  Why spending 20 years in big tech prepared Komal to transform a centuries-old industry.  How growing up in her family's jewelry business inspired two AI-powered companies.  The importance of proving product-market fit before investing heavily in branding or marketing.  Why leaving a stable corporate career requires more preparation than people realize.  How AI can serve as a "shadow team" for founders and small businesses.  The biggest mindset shift between leading in a large company and leading a startup.  Why talking to hundreds of customers is the only way to truly understand your messaging.  How family, community, and fellow founders help sustain entrepreneurs through difficult days. Notable Quotes "You have to be very emotionally strong. You need to have your 'why' extremely clear on why you want to do this." "Don't do anything but focus on proving your product-market fit." "There is no shortcut. You have to keep talking to customers until you start speaking their language." "I'm in love with AI because now I have a shadow AI team." Connect with Komal Patel on LinkedIn

  7. Jul 21

    “I’m Really Nailing This”… Until I Wasn’t: Why Walking Away From the “Perfect” Career Led to Something Better - with Tarryn Reeves

    Tarryn Reeves had everything she thought success was supposed to look like: a six-figure career, a corner office overlooking Sydney Harbour, and every milestone she had been taught to chase. But behind the scenes, her mental and physical health were telling a very different story. In this episode of Clover, Tarryn shares how walking away from corporate life ultimately led her to entrepreneurship, publishing, and helping other business owners tell their stories. We talk about the courage to redefine success, why authentic storytelling matters more than ever, and how writing a book can transform not only your business—but the way you see yourself. In this episode, we discuss: Why Tarryn left a successful corporate career to build a life that aligned with her valuesHow writing became an unexpected tool for healing and personal growthWhy women often struggle to own their expertise and build authentic personal brandsWhat criminology taught her about human behavior, storytelling, and trustWhy books create deeper connections than traditional marketing aloneNotable quotes: “Authority doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from clarity and conviction.” “Your life is not your content strategy.” “The best storytellers create resonance, not voyeurism.” “Books don’t create authority. They reveal it.” Resources mentioned: Tarryn Reeves: https://tarrynreeves.comLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarrynreeves

  8. Jul 7

    What an Ex-Celebrity Stylist Can Teach Us About Executive Presence with Basia Richard

    From styling celebrities like Selena Gomez for nearly a decade to helping women executives own the room in the boardroom, Basia Richard has built a career around one powerful idea: how you show up matters. In this episode, Basia shares her incredible journey from growing up in Poland to pursuing a career as a professional violinist, reinventing herself in Hollywood as a celebrity stylist, and eventually leaving the entertainment industry to help women leaders build confidence through personal style. We talk about what it takes to pivot careers, why saying yes before you feel ready can change your life, and the lessons she learned working with some of the biggest names in entertainment. We also dive into why executive presence extends beyond what you say. Basia shares how a thoughtfully curated wardrobe can reflect who you are, reinforce your credibility, support your goals, and help you lead with confidence. Whether you're stepping into a leadership role, navigating a career transition, or simply looking to feel more like yourself, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can put to work immediately. In This Episode Basia's journey from professional violinist to Hollywood celebrity stylistWhat she learned styling Selena Gomez and other high-profile clientsWhy she left celebrity fashion to help women leadersHow saying "yes" before you're fully qualified can accelerate your careerThe connection between confidence, credibility, and executive presenceWhy women are often judged differently than men—and how to navigate that realityHow to build a wardrobe that supports your career instead of creating decision fatigueWhy timeless personal style will always outlast trendsNotable Quotes "Sometimes the best opportunities come from saying yes before you know exactly how you're going to figure it out." "You can't force someone to wear something. You have to find their version of an elevated leader." "Your wardrobe should function for your life, not create more decisions." "It's not about looking expensive. It's about looking intentional." Resources Mentioned Connect with Basia Richard on LinkedInFollow Basia on Instagram

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4.8
out of 5
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About

Clover is a podcast spotlighting women who are redefining leadership by stepping into visibility, authority, and ownership of their work. Hosted by Erin Geiger, the show features founders, executives, and trailblazers who are reshaping the way we think about success, work, and influence. Each episode dives into real conversations about the wins, the challenges, and the bold decisions that drive women at the top of their game. From navigating nonlinear careers to leading teams, scaling companies, breaking barriers to driving change—Clover uncovers the stories and perspectives, and decisions that shape modern leadership. The name comes from the phrase “to be in clover”—to live in prosperity, comfort, and joy. That’s the spirit behind every interview: empowering, honest, and full of takeaways you can bring into your own leadership journey. If you’re building a business, leading others, or simply seeking stories that fuel ambition, Clover will keep you inspired and equipped to grow. Hit follow to join us each week as we step into abundance—together. Show artwork by the incredible Mayra Avila.

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