Serious Lady Business

Leslie Youngblood
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Entrepreneurship

Serious Lady Business is the podcast where we dive into the serious—and sometimes not-so-serious—realities of being a female business owner. Host Leslie Youngblood keeps it real about entrepreneurship as we dive into the hard lessons no one warns you about to the surprising wins that make it all worth it. Tune in for honest conversations, unfiltered insights, and stories that prove you’re not in this alone.

  1. 6d ago

    The Leadership Gap No One Talks About with Logan Yonavjak

    In this episode, Logan Yonavjak shares insights on leadership gaps, the impact of biases, and how AI can democratize access to leadership development. Discover practical frameworks and strategies to enhance your leadership capacity and navigate the future of work. About Our Guest Logan Yonavjak, Co-Founder & CEO of the Readiness EngineConnect with Logan on LinkedInReadiness Engine WebsiteKey Topics Leadership gaps and patternsThe role of biases in decision-makingAI as a tool for democratizing leadershipThe importance of capacity versus skillsSix dimensions of leadership developmentThe impact of people problems on business successStrategies for growth-minded leadershipThe future of AI in coaching and developmentKeywordsLeadership, AI, Development, Bias, Democratization, Business, Growth, Capacity, Coaching, female business owner, entrepreneurship

  2. Jul 16

    Human First: Why Relationships (Not Algorithms) Still Win in Business with Monique Sar

    What if the biggest advantage in business today isn't AI, automation, or a bigger audience—but being more human? In this episode of Serious Lady Business, Leslie Youngblood sits down with talent strategist and marketing expert Monique Sar to explore why meaningful relationships remain the ultimate competitive advantage in an increasingly digital world. From losing a promotion early in her career to discovering that networking, visibility, and authentic connection matter just as much as hard work, Monique shares the lessons that transformed her career—and how they're helping creators, founders, and professionals build businesses rooted in trust. Together, Leslie and Monique unpack everything from negotiating your worth and pricing your expertise to using AI without losing your authenticity. If you've ever struggled to put yourself out there, advocate for yourself, or wondered how to stand out in a world filled with algorithms, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can put into action immediately. About Our Guest Monique Sar, Marketing Agency FounderConnect with Monique on LinkedInConnect with Monique on Instagramhttps://moniquesar.com/5 Key Takeaways 1. Hard work alone isn't enough. Relationships create opportunities that talent alone often can't. Building genuine connections—and showing up consistently—can change the trajectory of your career. 2. Stop waiting for permission. Many women wait until they feel "ready" before becoming more visible or asking for what they're worth. Confidence comes from action, not the other way around. 3. Price based on value—not fear. Undervaluing yourself doesn't make you more competitive. It often signals lower value. Learn to communicate the full scope of what you bring to the table and negotiate with confidence. 4. AI should enhance your relationships—not replace them. Use AI to save time, generate ideas, and open doors—but remember that trust, rapport, and real human conversations are still what close deals and build lasting partnerships. 5. Authenticity doesn't mean sharing everything. You don't need to put your entire life online to be authentic. Choose the values and stories you want to be known for, and consistently show up in that lane.

  3. Jul 1

    Engineering Confidence: Leadership from the Factory Floor with Nashay Naeve

    Join Leslie Youngblood and Nashay Naeve as they discuss engineering confidence, leadership lessons from the factory floor, navigating international business in China, and empowering women in manufacturing and engineering. About Our Guest Nashay Naeve - President | Industrial & Engineered Products | P&L Leadership | Business Growth & Transformation | Chicago Booth MBA | Tsinghua MSEConnect with Nashay on LinkedInNashay's websiteKey Topics Engineering and manufacturing leadershipNavigating gender dynamics in male-dominated industriesLearning Chinese and doing business in ChinaThe importance of authenticity and confidenceBuilding mentorship and community for women in industryKeywordsLeadership, Women in Industry, Manufacturing, Engineering, China Business, Diversity, Mentorship, Authenticity, Global Business, Women Leaders

  4. Jun 16

    The Business of Surprise with Lillian Rafson

    What happens when you quit your job, give up your apartment, and follow a spark of inspiration halfway around the world? In this episode of Serious Lady Business, Leslie Youngblood sits down with Lillian Rafson, Founder and CEO of Pack Up + Go, the surprise travel company she launched at just 23 years old after a chance conversation in a hostel in Latvia. What started as a lightbulb moment became a mission-driven business that has helped thousands of travelers discover overlooked destinations while supporting local communities and small businesses across the United States. Lillian shares the realities of building a company without outside funding, navigating rapid growth and post-pandemic challenges, learning to separate her identity from her business, and why entrepreneurship is often less about having all the answers and more about being willing to start before you feel ready. About Our Guest Lillian Rafson, Founder and CEO of Pack Up + GoPack Up + Go WebsiteLillian's Coaching WebsiteConnect with Lillian on LinkedInFollow Pack Up + Go on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTokKey Takeaways Your Next Big Idea Can Come From AnywhereBootstrapping Creates Different PrioritiesGrowth Isn't Always LinearYour Business Is Not Your IdentityDon't Let Planning Become Procrastination

  5. Jun 2

    Detroit Series: Leading the Team That Builds the Dream with Stephanie Stewart

    Join Leslie Youngblood as she interviews Stephanie Stewart, founder of The Aesthetic Method, about her entrepreneurial journey, leadership, community involvement, and building a successful women-led business in Detroit. Discover insights on growth, team culture, balancing motherhood, and the unique grit of Detroit entrepreneurs. About Our Guest Stephanie Stewart, Founder and CEO of The Aesthetic MethodFollow The Aesthetic Method on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTokThe Aesthetic Method website Key Topics Entrepreneurial journey of Stephanie StewartBuilding a strong team and cultureCommunity involvement and local causesRedefining growth beyond numbersBalancing motherhood and businessKeywords Entrepreneurship, Women in Business, Detroit, Leadership, Growth, Team Culture, Aesthetic Industry, Community Impact, Business Strategy, Women Entrepreneurs

  6. May 27

    The Real Cost of Breaking the Glass Ceiling in Science, Tech & Silicon Valley with Maheen Masouf Adamson

    In this inspiring interview, Dr. Maheen Mausoof Adamson shares her journey from neuroscientist to med tech innovator, tackling the glass ceiling in science and tech. She discusses her groundbreaking AI-guided gaze tracking app, the challenges faced as a woman in Silicon Valley, and the importance of communication and resilience. About Our Guest Dr. Maheen Mausoof Adamson, CEO & Founder/Clinical ProfessorSOOF Solutions websiteConnect with Maheen on LinkedInInvest in SOOF!Key Topics Breaking the glass ceiling in science and techThe development of SOOF's AI-guided gaze tracking appChallenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Silicon ValleyThe importance of communication and resilience in innovationThe role of mentorship and community supportKeywordsWomen in Tech, Neuroscience, Med Tech, Silicon Valley, Glass Ceiling, AI, Communication, Entrepreneurship, Female Leadership, Innovation

  7. May 19

    Detroit Series: From Account Assistant to Agency Leader with Andrea Trapani

    In this inspiring interview, Andrea Trapani, managing partner at Identity, shares her journey from early career challenges to leading a successful PR agency in Detroit. Discover her insights on leadership, building a strong company culture, embracing change, and balancing motherhood with ambition. About Our Guest Andrea Trapani, Managing Partner at IdendityEmail Andrea: atrapani@identitypr.comConnect with Andrea on LinkedInIdentity WebsiteKey Topics Leadership and company cultureRemote work and organizational growthMentorship and opportunityBalancing motherhood and professional ambitionKeywordsLeadership, Entrepreneurship, PR, Detroit, Company Culture, Remote Work, Women in Business, Mentorship, Growth, Success Stories

  8. May 12

    How To Build Wealth Without Losing Your Values with Christina Sjahli

    Summary Join Leslie Youngblood and Christina Sjahli as they explore how women entrepreneurs can build wealth ethically, create purpose-driven businesses, and rethink traditional business models to foster impact and sustainability. About Our Guest Christina Sjahli, CEO and Founder or Profit ReimaginedProfit Reimagined WebsiteConnect with Christina on LinkedInGet Christina's GOODWILL AssessmentKeywords Women entrepreneurs, wealth building, B Corp, purpose-driven business, ethical business, sustainability, social impact, corporate finance, business exit strategies Key Topics The story behind understanding numbers as tools for freedom and decision-makingThe importance of digging deeper into financial data to understand business impactThe shift from traditional corporate finance to purpose-driven entrepreneurshipThe role of B Corp standards in creating ethical and sustainable businessesStrategies for women founders to build wealth while maintaining social impactThe importance of building a business that can operate independently of the founder for future exit planningThe concept of building a business for purpose and positioning to chooseThe significance of trust, empathy, and treating people well in businessHow to avoid greenwashing and build authentic impact-driven brandsThe importance of aligning business operations with core values and purpose

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Trailer

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Serious Lady Business is the podcast where we dive into the serious—and sometimes not-so-serious—realities of being a female business owner. Host Leslie Youngblood keeps it real about entrepreneurship as we dive into the hard lessons no one warns you about to the surprising wins that make it all worth it. Tune in for honest conversations, unfiltered insights, and stories that prove you’re not in this alone.

Information

  • Creator
    Leslie Youngblood
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    72
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Youngblood MMC
  • Show Website
    Serious Lady Business