Opportunity Knocks by EmpowHer Purpose

Michelle Valenzuela Wolf

Welcome to Opportunity Knocks with Michelle Wolf of EmpowHer Purpose! Every Thursday, I feature a new guest female entrepreneur. These episodes are here to give you insight into how to take, make, create and evaluate opportunities. So listen in, knock knock, and open the door!

  1. E129: Unplug to Reconnect with Suze Yalof Schwartz

    3D AGO

    E129: Unplug to Reconnect with Suze Yalof Schwartz

    What if the key to a more balanced life was as simple as learning to pause? On Episode 129 of Opportunity Knocks by EmpowHer Purpose, I sit down with Suze Yalof Schwartz, Founder and CEO of the Unplug Meditation App and creator of the world’s first drop-in meditation studio, Unplug Meditation. After a successful career in the fashion industry working with top publications, Suze experienced a life-changing moment through a simple meditation practice. That moment sparked a complete transformation—leading her to make meditation more accessible, modern, and practical for everyday life. In this conversation, Suze and I explore how meditation can become a powerful tool for managing stress, building consistency, and creating calm in a fast-paced world. Suze also shares how she turned her vision into a global wellness brand—building the Unplug app from the ground up with no prior app development experience, driven purely by her mission to make meditation simple and accessible for everyone. In this episode, we discuss: • Suze’s journey from high-stress corporate life to meditation pioneer • How simple daily practices can create lasting change • The power of habit-building and consistency in wellness • Why human connection is more important than ever in a digital world This conversation is a reminder that even the smallest shifts—like a few minutes of stillness—can create meaningful transformation. When we slow down, build intentional habits, and reconnect with ourselves, we open the door to a calmer, more balanced life. #OpportunityKnocks #Meditation #Mindfulness #WellnessJourney #EmpowerPurpose #WomenInLeadership

    45 min
  2. E128: Trust Your Gut and Take the Leap with Laura Wilson

    4D AGO

    E128: Trust Your Gut and Take the Leap with Laura Wilson

    What does it take to turn a vision into a nationally recognized brand—and trust yourself every step of the way? On Episode 128 of Opportunity Knocks, I sit down with Laura Wilson, CEO & Founder of Natural Pilates, for an honest and expansive conversation on entrepreneurship, intuition, and sustainable growth. After immigrating to the United States from Romania with just $100, Laura built what is now one of the most respected boutique fitness brands in the country. From her first studio in Beverly Hills to multiple locations across Los Angeles and New York City, Laura shares the real story behind scaling a business—navigating uncertainty, making bold decisions, and learning when to pivot. Together, Laura and I explore the balance between ambition and alignment, the courage it takes to let go of what isn’t working, and the role of intuition in both business and life. Laura also opens up about building a brand while raising a family, staying connected to her purpose through teaching, and why community remains at the heart of everything she creates. With deep expertise in movement and a passion for empowering others, Laura’s journey is a powerful reminder that success isn’t linear—it’s built through resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to keep evolving. In this episode, we talk about: - Building a business from the ground up - Trusting your gut and making aligned decisions - Scaling with intention while maintaining brand integrity -The power of pivoting and letting go - Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship - Creating longevity through movement and community Whether you’re growing a business, navigating change, or stepping into your next chapter, this conversation will inspire you to trust the path you’re on—and take the next step forward.

    44 min
  3. E127: What You’re Really Hungry For with Kim Shapira

    6D AGO

    E127: What You’re Really Hungry For with Kim Shapira

    Let’s Talk About Our Relationship with Food! Do you consider yours healthy? Well Balanced?  In Episode 127 of Opportunity Knocks, I sit down with Kim Shapira, a registered dietitian, author, and creator of the Kim Shapira Method, to talk about something that impacts all of us—our relationship with food. We dive into how comparison, pressure, and constant noise around what we “should” be doing can disconnect us from our bodies. Kim shares insights from nearly 30 years of experience, along with her Six Simple Rules for building a more balanced, sustainable approach to wellness. In this episode, we talk about: - How diet culture and comparison impact the way we see food and our bodies - What it actually means to listen to your body (and why it’s harder than it sounds) - Kim’s Six Simple Rules for creating sustainable, long-term wellness - The difference between physical hunger and emotional hunger - How to rebuild trust with yourself after years of restriction or confusion - Letting go of guilt and shame around food This conversation is all about learning to tune out the noise, trust yourself again, and understand what you’re really hungry for—both physically and mentally. It’s a reminder that creating a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to come from restriction, but from awareness, consistency, and self-trust. #OpportunityKnocks #EmpowHer #WellnessJourney #FoodFreedom #MindsetShift #SelfTrust #HealthyLiving #PersonalGrowth #HealthyEating #Diet #Wellness

    37 min
  4. E125: Building Trust Through Presence with Nick Sharp, LPCC

    MAR 17

    E125: Building Trust Through Presence with Nick Sharp, LPCC

    How does one build contact connection relationship & intimacy? I’m so excited to share Episode 125 of Opportunity Knocks by EmpowHer Purpose where I sit down with Nick Sharp, M.A., a Clinical Psychology and Counseling professional, trained at the Gestalt Equine Institute of the Rockies and founder of his own equine-based practice, Nick Sharp Counseling. Nick’s work centers around the healing power of connection—both with others and with the natural world. Through equine therapy, he helps individuals build trust, presence, and emotional awareness by working alongside horses, who model authenticity, safety, and nonverbal communication in powerful ways. In this conversation, Nick and I explore how true healing happens through contact, presence, and the willingness to slow down. They also dive into the growing challenges of disconnection in today’s world, and how reconnecting with nature—and ourselves—can create space for transformation. In this episode, we discuss: • The healing power of equine therapy and building trust through presence • Why contact and connection are essential for emotional growth • The difference between solitude and isolation—and why it matters • How slowing down and engaging with nature can support healing and self-awareness This conversation is a reminder that meaningful growth begins when we allow ourselves to be fully present. By embracing discomfort, deepening connection, and reconnecting with the world around us, we open the door to lasting transformation. #OpportunityKnocks #EquineTherapy #PersonalGrowth #Mindfulness #Connection #EmpowerPurpose

    57 min
  5. E124: Let’s Talk About Sex and Success: The Accomplished Woman with Dr. Christina Tracy Stein

    MAR 15

    E124: Let’s Talk About Sex and Success: The Accomplished Woman with Dr. Christina Tracy Stein

    I’m so excited to share episode 124 of the Opportunity Knocks podcast featuring the incredible Dr. Christina Tracy Stein. ✨ Christina is a therapist, sexologist, speaker, and the author of Accomplished Woman. Growing up in the personal development world as the daughter of legendary speaker and author Brian Tracy, Christina was surrounded by some of the pioneers of the self-development movement from an early age. Leaders like Tony Robbins, Jim Rohn, and Stephen Covey were part of the conversations in her world growing up, which sparked her lifelong curiosity about human behavior, psychology, relationships, and what it truly means to live authentically and with purpose. In this conversation, we explore everything from communication and intimacy to feminine energy, self-connection, and the power of authentic relationships. Christina shares how her own journey—from becoming a marriage and family therapist to earning a PhD in human sexuality—led her to help people better understand themselves, their partners, and the deeper connections that shape our lives. Christina also talks about her book Accomplished Woman, which encourages women to recognize their value, redefine what accomplishment means, and embrace a more holistic view of fulfillment that includes relationships, vitality, and authenticity. In this episode, we explore: • Why honest communication is the foundation of intimacy • The role vulnerability plays in building meaningful relationships • Reconnecting with your body, energy, and life force • How women can redefine what it means to feel accomplished • Why authentic connection is more important than ever in today’s world When we truly know ourselves and honor our own value, we show up more fully in our relationships—and that’s where real connection begins. #OpportunityKnocksPodcast #AccomplishedWoman #AuthenticConnection #WomenInLeadership #PersonalGrowth #Relationships #EmpowerWomen #FemininePower #SelfDiscovery #EmpowHer #OpportunityKnocks #ChristinaTracy #Success

    36 min
  6. E123: Multi-Dimensional Wellness: Longevity Redefined with Dr. Naina Sachdev

    MAR 13

    E123: Multi-Dimensional Wellness: Longevity Redefined with Dr. Naina Sachdev

    On Episode 123 of Opportunity Knocks by EmpowHer Purpose, Michelle sits down with Dr. Naina, a pioneering physician and plastic surgeon and specializes in longevity, regenerative, and integrative medicine. She also utilizes her expertise as a plastic surgeon. With a background in mathematics and decades of experience in clinical care, Dr. Naina brings a uniquely analytical and holistic perspective to understanding health, aging, and the future of medicine. Dr Naina seeks to create a whole wellness approach to maximize the quality of her care and better understand the multidimensionality of our wellness. In this conversation, Dr. Naina shares her journey from traditional medicine to a more multidimensional approach that looks beyond symptoms to address the root causes of disease. She discusses how biochemical imbalances, genetics, and lifestyle factors all play a role in long-term wellness, and why personalized treatment plans are essential for true healing. In this episode, we discuss: • The shift from traditional allopathic medicine to integrative and functional approaches • Longevity science, regenerative medicine, and the future of anti-aging care • Hormone regulation, nutrigenomics, and understanding the body’s biochemical balance • Why wellness treatments must be personalized and carefully monitored Dr. Naina’s work challenges the quick-fix culture of the wellness industry and encourages a deeper, more thoughtful approach to health—one rooted in science, discernment, and truly understanding the whole person. #OpportunityKnocks #LongevityMedicine #IntegrativeHealth #WellnessJourney #EmpowerPurpose #WomenInLeadership #EmpowHer #Anti-Aging #Balance

    54 min
  7. E122: Be Empowered: Breaking Menopause Myths with Dr. Kudzai Dombo, MD

    MAR 5

    E122: Be Empowered: Breaking Menopause Myths with Dr. Kudzai Dombo, MD

    On this episode of Opportunity Knocks by Empower Purpose, Michelle sits down with Dr. Kudzai Dombo, physician and Director of Advocacy and Outreach at Alloy Health  Originally from Zimbabwe, Dr. Dombo shares her journey to becoming a physician and how it shaped her passion for helping women better understand and advocate for their health. Michelle and Dr. Dombo explore important conversations around menopause, hormone replacement therapy, and emerging treatments such as GLP-1s and peptides, while emphasizing the importance of individualized care and lifestyle factors like nutrition and exercise. Through her work at Alloy Health, Dr. Dombo leads support groups for women of color and develops educational workshops that empower women to navigate midlife health with confidence and knowledge. In this episode, we discuss: • Menopause and the importance of open conversation • Hormone therapy and personalized treatment plans • GLP-1s, peptides, and the role of lifestyle in midlife health • Empowering women to advocate for themselves in healthcare Dr Dombo highlights the importance of listening to women’s voices, expanding education around menopause, and creating a healthcare system that truly supports women at every stage of life.  You’re not gonna miss this one! #OpportunityKnocks #WomensHealth #MenopauseAwareness #EmpowerPurpose #WomenInLeadership #Advocacy #EmpowHer #BeEmpowered #Menopause

    44 min
5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Welcome to Opportunity Knocks with Michelle Wolf of EmpowHer Purpose! Every Thursday, I feature a new guest female entrepreneur. These episodes are here to give you insight into how to take, make, create and evaluate opportunities. So listen in, knock knock, and open the door!