She Thrives with Rhonda Coleman Wandel Podcast

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She Thrives with Rhonda Coleman Wandel Podcast is for women ready to lead with joy, purpose, and impact. Through real stories, candid conversations, and actionable insights, the podcast connects a community of women who are cultivating confidence, health, and happiness—because Happy Women Lead Strong.

  1. 4h ago

    Carrie Olsen: Dream With Intention and Leap to Voiceover

    Dream with Intention: Carrie Olsen's Leap to Voiceover Episode Summary Carrie Olsen is a voice actor, coach, and founder of Carrie Olsen Voiceover. In this episode, Carrie shares how a painfully shy child who preferred the background became a professional voice actor with national campaigns to her name. She talks about leaving a corporate career in online training, the podcast episode that introduced her to voiceover, and how she booked her third job ever, a national radio campaign, while caring for a newborn. This conversation is an honest look at quieting the voices that hold us back and pursuing our dreams with intention. Key Takeaways How the recording booth became a space to practice vulnerability and fearlessness Why taking feedback without taking it personally is a skill that transforms both work and life How to identify the "responsible" excuses that keep you from building what you want Why focusing on inputs you control, not outcomes you can't, leads to lasting success The importance of a supportive partner and community when choosing the entrepreneurial path Why nurturing existing relationships can open more doors than chasing new ones Meet Carrie Olsen Carrie Olsen is a voice actor, coach, and speaker based in Kansas City. After earning a business degree, she built a corporate career in accounting, HR, and eventually online training, where she narrated the courses she created without realizing it was voiceover. Within months of discovering the profession, she booked a national radio campaign and soon went full time. Over the past decade, she has built a thriving voiceover business, created courses and coaching programs for aspiring voice actors, and launched the Places program to help anyone push past the blockers keeping them from their dreams. She also hosts the Conversational with Carrie Olsen podcast. Visit her website How She Pivoted Carrie loved her work in online training, but a long commute and an inflexible employer made it hard to align her career with her growing family. Shortly after returning from maternity leave, she listened to a podcast episode featuring a voice actor who worked from home, auditioned each morning, and built her days around her family. "I was like, that's a job? That's a thing." She called that voice actor, Alyson Steel, and hired her as a coach. Two months later, she booked her first job. When her third booking turned out to be a national radio campaign, Carrie and her husband realized what might be possible if she gave voiceover her full attention. Insights for Ambitious Women Carrie's journey is a reminder that the qualities we think disqualify us can become our greatest strengths. Through her work in the booth, she learned to be fully expressive and to receive direction without letting it shake her confidence. "The more vulnerable and open I am, the more successful I am at this job." She also encourages women to examine the stories they've been told about what a responsible life looks like. Honoring your gifts, she believes, sets a powerful example for the people watching you. "Keep going. It doesn't have to be in a hustle way that is detrimental to your well-being, but keep going and have a community, have support." Want More Like This? Be sure to subscribe to the She Thrives podcast on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode. And if you're ready for even more honest stories, career inspiration, and powerful insights, join Rhonda's monthly newsletter. It's where ambitious women get the encouragement, tools, and behind-the-scenes wisdom to thrive, delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe to the She Thrives newsletter and catch more episodes at RhondaColemanWandel.com

    Carrie Olsen: Dream With Intention and Leap to Voiceover

  2. Aug 25

    Keneisha Fountain: From Corporate Layoff to Building Fountain Meridian Group

    Episode Summary Keneisha Fountain is the founder and CEO of Fountain Meridian Group. In this episode, Keneisha shares how being laid off from Nike after six years forced her to confront her own sense of worth, grieve the loss of a career she thought she'd retire from, and rebuild something entirely her own. She discusses the depression that followed the layoff, the discouragement of months of rejected applications, and the unexpected project that became the foundation of her consulting business. This conversation is an honest look at reinvention, resilience, and finding freedom on the other side of a setback. Key Takeaways How to separate your worth from a layoff or rejection instead of internalizing it as failure Why saying yes to a project below your rate can open doors money can't buy The freedom of structuring your own time once you're no longer bound by someone else's calendar How treating a career setback like a breakup can help you grieve it and come back stronger Lessons on building a business from one client relationship and a lot of word of mouth Why community and accountability among women can carry you through reinvention Meet Keneisha Fountain Keneisha Fountain is the founder and CEO of Fountain Meridian Group. After nearly a decade in corporate consulting and strategy, including six years at Nike, she was laid off during a wave of corporate restructuring. What began as a single policy-writing project for a family friend's foster care agency in Texas grew into a full consulting practice serving organizations across the human services space. Keneisha is also the founder of a Memphis-based nonprofit expanding youth access to tennis. Beyond her work as a founder, she hosts an annual gathering called Girlfriends & Gratitude, bringing women together to share goals and hold each other accountable. Visit her website | Follow her on Instagram How She Pivoted Keneisha didn't set out to build a business. After months of rejected applications following her layoff, she took a solo trip to St. Martin, more to change her scenery than to find clarity. It was in the conversations that followed, reconnecting with a family friend who needed help navigating new state policy requirements, that her business began to take shape. "I just need to get into something new. Let me figure it out. Let me learn." She took the project at a fraction of her old corporate rate, not for the money, but for the chance to build something new. That one yes multiplied into a full client roster and a business she now runs entirely on her own terms. Insights for Ambitious Women Keneisha's journey is a reminder that a layoff doesn't have to define what comes next. One of her biggest lessons was learning to give herself space to grieve before pushing forward again. "The freedom to reclaim every single minute of your day and create it for yourself... it's worth it." She also encourages women to lean on their community rather than trying to rebuild alone. Her own tradition of gathering friends to check in and ask how they can support one another reflects the village she grew up watching her mother build for other women. "Find your tribe, your group of women, your support group. Lean on them, ask for help, take that leap, and find freedom on the other side." Want More Like This? Be sure to subscribe to the She Thrives podcast on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode. And if you're ready for even more honest stories, career inspiration, and powerful insights, join Rhonda's monthly newsletter. It's where ambitious women get the encouragement, tools, and behind-the-scenes wisdom to thrivestraight to your inbox. Subscribe to the She Thrives newsletter and catch more episodes at RhondaColemanWandel.com

    Keneisha Fountain: From Corporate Layoff to Building Fountain Meridian Group

  3. Jul 22

    Danielle Burken: Using Human Design to Build an Aligned Career

    Episode SummaryDanielle Burken joins Rhonda for a thoughtful conversation about using Human Design as a tool for career alignment, business growth, and personal reinvention. Danielle Burken explains how understanding your natural strengths, intuition, and decision-making style can help ambitious women stop forcing careers that no longer fit and start creating businesses and lives that feel aligned. Whether you're considering a career pivot, launching a business, or searching for more fulfillment, this episode offers practical guidance for making confident transitions. Key Takeaways:Learn what Human Design is and how it can guide career and business decisions. Discover why alignment often creates more sustainable success than following someone else's strategy. Understand how intuition and Human Design work together when making major career decisions. Hear how Danielle transitioned from corporate life into entrepreneurship by trusting both practical planning and inner knowing. Learn why building a business around your natural strengths can reduce burnout and increase confidence. Explore simple ways to begin using Human Design before working with a coach. Meet Danielle BurkenDanielle Burken blends nearly a decade of marketing experience with deep Human Design expertise to help entrepreneurs build businesses that are both sustainable and authentic. As a Human Design coach and business mentor, she supports women in aligning their businesses with their natural strengths, intuition, and energy. After leaving a successful corporate career, Danielle created a coaching business focused on helping entrepreneurs understand how they're uniquely designed to make decisions, communicate, market themselves, and grow businesses without relying on one-size-fits-all strategies. She integrates real-world marketing strategy with Human Design to support success thats scalable, sustainable, and rooted in self-trust not constant pressure to do more. Visit her website | Follow her on Instagram How She PivotedDanielle Burken explored different business models while working in corporate, but felt called to build something of her own. Through Human Design, she realized why some strategies drained her while others felt natural, and began building a business aligned with her strengths. "Human design became that permission slip we didn't realize we really needed or wanted." Instead of rushing, she combined intuition with planningtracking revenue and building stability before leaving her job. Once she did, she quickly replaced her income and grew a business aligned with her purpose. Insights for Ambitious WomenDanielle emphasizes that success doesnt require following someone elses blueprint. She encourages women to trust their intuition, lean into their strengths, and choose paths that feel aligned. "It's not just information. It's how do we implement on this because that's what aligned action is." She also reminds listeners that career changes can be both thoughtful and bold. With self-awareness and strategy, its possible to build a fulfilling and financially successful path that reflects who you truly are. Listen Now Want More Like This?Be sure to subscribe to the She Thrives podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss an episode. And if youre ready for even more honest stories, career inspiration, and powerful insights, join Rhondas monthly newsletter. Its where ambitious women get the encouragement, tools, and behind-the-scenes wisdom to thrivestraight to your inbox. Subscribe to the She Thrives newsletter and catch more episodes at RhondaColemanWandel.com

    Danielle Burken: Using Human Design to Build an Aligned Career

  4. Jul 1

    Jannice Newson: Reinventing Beauty Through Plant-Based Innovation

    Episode SummaryJannice Newson is the founder and CEO of Lillian Augusta Beauty, a company that makes premium plant-based braiding hair. In this episode, Jannice Newson shares how a career in environmental science unexpectedly led her into entrepreneurship, product development, and beauty innovation. She discusses the challenges of building a company from scratch, navigating funding barriers, and staying committed to a vision even when progress felt painfully slow. This conversation is an inspiring look at reinvention, resilience, and creating solutions that make a meaningful impact. Key TakeawaysHow personal frustration can become the foundation for a successful business idea Why career pivots often happen at the intersection of expertise and lived experience The importance of seeking help, advisors, and expert support as a founder How resilience and adaptability helped Jannice navigate setbacks and uncertainty Lessons on fundraising, resourcefulness, and building a business with limited capital Why ambitious women should never eliminate themselves from opportunities before asking Meet Jannice NewsonJannice Newson is an environmental scientist, entrepreneur, and the co-founder and CEO of Lillian Augusta Beauty, a company producing innovative plant-based braiding hair designed to be healthier for both people and the planet. Drawing on her background in Environmental Science and Conservation Ecology, Jannice transformed a personal challenge with traditional synthetic braiding hair into a mission-driven business focused on beauty, wellness, and sustainability. Her work has been featured in Crain's Chicago Business, ESSENCE, Blavity, and Girls Who Green the World by Diana Kapp. Beyond her work as a founder, Jannice serves on the boards of the Enterprise for Youth Climate and Career Corps, the Charles Roundtree Bloom Project, and the Delta Institute. When she's not building her company, she enjoys trail walks, crocheting, and reading autobiographies. Visit her website | Follow her on Instagram How She PivotedJannice Newson never planned to build a beauty company. While working in environmental science, she became frustrated by the allergic reactions and damage caused by traditional synthetic braiding hair. Instead of accepting the problem, she decided to find a solution. "I think we need to go and make some hair from plants. I don't know how we're going to do this, but this needs to be done." After years of research, testing, setbacks, and persistence, Jannice transformed an idea into Lillian Augusta Beauty, creating the world's first plant-based braiding hair. Insights for Ambitious WomenJannice's journey is a reminder that setbacks do not define your potential. One of her biggest lessons was learning to separate her identity from the challenges of building a business. "Just because something is going wrong with the company doesn't mean something is wrong with me." She also encourages women to stop assuming the answer is no before they've even asked the question. Growth often starts when you're willing to step into unfamiliar spaces and advocate for yourself. "Please don't self-select yourself out. Get in front of people, talk to them, let them tell you no." Listen Now Want More Like This?Be sure to subscribe to the She Thrives podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss an episode. And if youre ready for even more honest stories, career inspiration, and powerful insights, join Rhondas monthly newsletter. Its where ambitious women get the encouragement, tools, and behind-the-scenes wisdom to thrivestraight to your inbox. Subscribe to the She Thrives newsletter and catch more episodes at RhondaColemanWandel.com KEYWORDS:  Jannice Newson, Plant-Based Braiding Hair, Women Entrepreneurs, Female Founder, Entrepreneurship, Career Pivot, Sustainable Beauty, Black Women in Business

    Jannice Newson: Reinventing Beauty Through Plant-Based Innovation

  5. Jun 1

    Jasmine Minor: The Rise Society and Why Women Need Community Now More Than Ever

    Episode Summary Jasmine Minor, Emmy Award-winning journalist at ABC7 Chicago and founder of the Rise Society, joins Rhonda for an inspiring and deeply personal conversation about identity, reinvention, and the power of failure as a catalyst for growth. From playing Division I college tennis and pursuing the US Open to pivoting into journalism with zero experience and eventually becoming a multi-Emmy-winning reporter covering race and culture, Jasmine's story is one of radical resilience and purposeful impact. This episode is a must-listen for every ambitious woman who has ever had to rebuild and discovered something greater on the other side. Key Takeaways: Why learning to fail as an athlete is one of the most transferable skills in business and lifeHow Jasmine pivoted from competitive tennis to journalism and what she did to earn her seat at the tableThe importance of redefining success beyond trophies, titles, and accoladesWhy women need curated spaces to breathe, collaborate, and build without competitionHow the Rise Society is bridging the gap between girls in sports and women in the global economyWhat Robin Roberts told Jasmine that she still carries with her todayMeet Jasmine Minor Jasmine Minor is an Emmy Award-winning journalist at ABC7 Chicago, where she covers race and culture bringing nuance, humanity, and intentionality to stories about underserved and underrepresented communities. A former Division I tennis player, Jasmine earned her master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University and has built a career defined by impact over accolades. Jasmine is also the founder of the Rise Society, a curated community dedicated to connecting and empowering women leaders, and the Kevin Minor Legacy Fund, which provides scholarships to girls in tennis in honor of her late father. Her upcoming Rise Affair Gala a Wimbledon-inspired event featuring a fireside chat with Robin Roberts of Good Morning America brings her dual missions of women's empowerment and girls in sports together on one stage. Follow Jasmine on Instagram | Learn more about the Rise Society | Support the Kevin Minor Legacy Fund at minorlegacy.com Want More Like This? Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss an episode. And if youre ready for even more honest stories, career inspiration, and powerful insights, join Rhondas monthly newsletter. Its where ambitious women get the encouragement, tools, and behind-the-scenes wisdom to thrivestraight to your inbox. Subscribe to the newsletter and catch more episodes at RhondaColemanWandel.com

    Jasmine Minor: The Rise Society and Why Women Need Community Now More Than Ever

  6. May 10

    Natalie Plain: The Plain Truth About Building a Billion Dollar Brand

    Episode Summary Natalie Plain, founder and CEO of Billion Dollar Beauty, joins Rhonda for a powerful conversation about entrepreneurship, reinvention, intellectual property, and building a brand from the ground up. From interning at the White House during the Clinton administration to producing television in Los Angeles and eventually launching a beauty company, Natalie Plain shares the behind-the-scenes realities of pivoting careers and betting on yourself. This episode is packed with honest insight for ambitious women navigating business growth, personal evolution, and the courage it takes to keep building. Key Takeaways: Why starting from the bottom can become your greatest advantageHow Natalie Plain transitioned from media and journalism into beauty entrepreneurshipThe importance of protecting trademarks and intellectual property earlyWhat ambitious women need to know about building long-term, sustainable brandsWhy surrounding yourself with the right people matters in every career transitionHow resilience, adaptability, and self-belief shape successful reinventionMeet Natalie Plain Natalie Plain is the CEO and Founder of Billion Dollar Beauty A Consumer Product Goods brand that is distributed throughout, Australia, Asia, Europe and North America. As an industry veteran of over 20 years, Natalie has spun off her fortress of Billion Dollar intellectual property into the launch of Billion Dollar Brands where she owns everything from concept to the consumer experience. Natalie has developed every vertical in her corporation and continues to break new ground through strategic brand acquisitions, licensing rights and as an author and broadcaster specializing in the field of intellectual property. As a certified Women Owned company, Natalie studied and earned her trade through mentorship such as serving as a White House intern Working as a ghostwriter for President Bill Clinton and a press correspondent for First Lady Hilary Clinton. Natalie graduated from California State Long Beach with a B.A. degree and currently resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. Visit her website | Follow her on Instagram How She Pivoted Natalie Plain began her career in journalism and television production, including a White House internship and work in media. But after discovering the confidence and transformation that beauty products could create, she found herself pulled toward entrepreneurship and eventually launched what would become Billion Dollar Beauty. If Im going to run my business, Im going to run it my way. - Natalie Plain on episode 38 of She Thrives with Rhonda Coleman Wandel Building the company came with financial risk, business challenges, and trademark battles, but Natalie stayed committed to learning every part of the business from the ground up. Her journey is a reminder that career pivots rarely happen overnight. They happen through curiosity, persistence, and the willingness to keep building even when the path is uncertain. Insights for Ambitious Women Throughout the conversation, Natalie shares how success is often built in the moments no one sees. From internships to entrepreneurship, she approached every opportunity as a chance to learn, grow, and strengthen her skill set. Dont ever tell yourself its too late. - Natalie Plain on episode 38 of She Thrives with Rhonda Coleman Wandel Natalie also speaks candidly about protecting your intellectual property, taking calculated risks, and surrounding yourself with people who support your vision. Her message for ambitious women is simple but powerful: trust yourself, stay open to growth, and give yoursel Want More Like This? Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss an episode. And if youre ready for even more honest stories, career inspiration, and powerful insights, join Rhondas monthly newsletter. Its where ambitious women get the encouragement, tools, and behind-the-scenes wisdom to thrivestraight to your inbox. Subscribe to the newsletter and catch more episodes at RhondaColemanWandel.com

    Natalie Plain: The Plain Truth About Building a Billion Dollar Brand

  7. Apr 10

    Samantha Dockery: The Power of Reinvention

    Samantha Dockery joins She Thrives with Rhonda Coleman Wandel to share how she pivoted from a 13-year career in wedding planning into founding her own sparkling wine brand. Samantha Dockery opens up about career reinvention, trusting your vision, and building a purpose-driven business rooted in impact. This episode explores entrepreneurship, personal growth, and the courage it takes to pivot into something bigger. Key Takeaways: You can pivot your career without starting from scratchskills transferStarting before you feel ready is often the key to growthYour network and visibility (even Instagram) can unlock real opportunitiesProfit and purpose can coexist in a meaningful businessComparison slows growthfocus on your own pathAuthenticity matters more than audience size in businessMeet Samantha Dockery Samantha Dockery is the founder of LoveLuvv Sparkling Wines, a luxury sparkling wine brand rooted in culture, celebration, and storytelling. A hospitality entrepreneur and champagne educator, shes been featured on local Chicago TV and partners with hotels, wedding professionals, and lifestyle brands to reimagine how people experience bubbles. From pop-ups to premium pours, Samantha blends business, joy, and intentionalways with a glass raised. Visit her website | Follow her on Instagram How She Pivoted After 13 years in wedding planning, Samantha Dockery realized she no longer wanted a business that required her constant physical presence. She began exploring how to stay connected to celebration while creating more freedom and long-term impact. That vision led her to launch a sparkling wine brand sourced from France and Italy. If you really believe in your vision, the provision will come. Instead of waiting for perfect conditions, she leveraged what already existedpartnering with winemakers and securing exclusive blends. Her pivot was both strategic and intuitive, proving that reinvention doesnt require starting overjust thinking differently. Insights for Ambitious Women Samantha Dockery reminds women that growth often requires action before certainty. Whether in business or life, waiting until you feel fully ready can keep you stuck. Her journey highlights the importance of trusting yourself and moving forwardeven when it feels uncomfortable. Do it afraid but do it smart. She also emphasizes that success isnt about doing everything alone. Building support, seeking guidance, and staying grounded in your own vision are what sustain long-term growthespecially during career transitions and reinvention. Want More Like This? Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss an episode. And if youre ready for even more honest stories, career inspiration, and powerful insights, join Rhondas monthly newsletter. Its where ambitious women get the encouragement, tools, and behind-the-scenes wisdom to thrivestraight to your inbox. Subscribe to the newsletter and catch more episodes at RhondaColemanWandel.com

    Samantha Dockery: The Power of Reinvention

  8. Mar 11

    Natalia Ombach: Navigating Career Transitions Through Coaching

    In this episode, Natalia Ombach joins Rhonda for a thoughtful conversation about career transitions, personal growth, and redefining professional purpose. Natalia Ombach, an executive coach and former corporate risk and compliance leader, shares how a life-changing family experience prompted her to rethink success, leadership, and connection. Together, they explore the messy reality of career pivots, the importance of community, and how coaching can help professionals move from siloed work environments toward more collaborative, human-centered leadership. Key Takeaways: Why career transitions are often messy, emotional, and longer than we expectHow personal life events can spark powerful professional reinventionThe hidden challenges faced by support function leaders like legal, compliance, and cybersecurityWhy collaboration often breaks down inside organizationsand how to fix itThe importance of community and conversation during moments of career uncertaintyHow coaching helps leaders move from isolation to impactMeet Natalia Ombach Natalia is an executive and leadership coach, she works mostly with leaders of corporate support functions, like Legal, Risk, Compliance, or Cybersecurity in global organisations, helping them to reclaim ownership and direction of their function, be more impactful and be seen as strategic partner in their leadership team. She brings 15+ years of international corporate experience, including leadership roles in legal, risk, compliance, and DEI. Visit her website | Follow her on LinkedIn | Access her FREE Booklet here How She Pivoted Natalia Ombachs career pivot didnt happen overnight. After years of building a respected corporate legal and risk career while raising a family, she began to feel that something was missing. That feeling intensified after a traumatic accident involving her son, which changed how she viewed community, connection, and the role other people play in our strength during difficult times. You feel stronger just because other people wish for you to feel stronger. shared Natalia on episode 36 of the She Thrives with Rhonda Coleman Wandel podcast. That experience reshaped how Natalia thought about leadership and relationships at work. She began exploring coaching as a way to help others navigate the same emotional and professional complexity she had experienced. What started as curiosity evolved into a new career focused on helping leaders better understand themselves, their teams, and the invisible dynamics that shape workplace culture. Insights for Ambitious Women One of Natalias most powerful lessons is that uncertainty during a career transition is completely normal. Many professionals believe they should have everything figured out by a certain age or stage in their careers. Natalia challenges that assumption, reminding listeners that questioning your path is often the first step toward meaningful growth. It is normal. Theres nothing wrong with you. expressed Natalia on episode 36 of the She Thrives with Rhonda Coleman Wandel podcast. For ambitious women navigating career pivots, Natalia emphasizes the importance of reaching out to others for conversation, guidance, and perspective. Instead of trying to solve career uncertainty alone, she encourages professionals to explore ideas through dialogue, mentorship, and communitybecause the right conversation can open doors to entirely new possibilities. Want More Like This? Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss an episode. And if youre ready for even more honest stories, career inspiration, and powerful insights, join Rhondas monthly newsletter. Its where ambitious women get the encouragement, tools, and behind-the-scenes wisdom to thrivestraight to your inbox. Subscribe to the newsletter and catch more episodes at RhondaColemanWandel.com

    Natalia Ombach: Navigating Career Transitions Through Coaching
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She Thrives with Rhonda Coleman Wandel Podcast is for women ready to lead with joy, purpose, and impact. Through real stories, candid conversations, and actionable insights, the podcast connects a community of women who are cultivating confidence, health, and happiness—because Happy Women Lead Strong.

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