Hacking the Patriarchy

Raven O'Neal
Hacking the Patriarchy

The Hacking the Patriarchy podcast creates time and space for candid, boundary-breaking discussions where diverse individuals feel empowered to examine patriarchal norms and societal structures. Together, we take what works, discard what doesn’t, and envision a more equitable future for ourselves and others. Our mission is to better support women, dismantle patriarchal systems, and reimagine a more inclusive, intersectional, equitable, and diverse world. www.hackingthepatriarchypodcast.com

  1. Ep. 021 - Capital Wisdom with Kim Havens & Noa Ries

    21 HR. AGO

    Ep. 021 - Capital Wisdom with Kim Havens & Noa Ries

    In this inspiring episode, Raven chats with Kim Havens and Noa Ries, co-founders and co-CEOs of Kahilla, a B2B platform revolutionizing professional development for mid-career women. The journey began as a hybrid in-person and digital community but quickly pivoted to a fully digital B2B model—a strategic move that proved pivotal during the pandemic. Kim and Noa share their insights into the challenges of fundraising as women entrepreneurs, offering a realistic and empowering look at navigating the venture capital landscape while running a growing business. Throughout the episode, Kim and Noa recount their journey, from crafting compelling cold emails to refining their pitch through competitions like the ASU GSV Cup. They dive deep into the intricacies of building investor relationships and overcoming gender biases in fundraising. Their discussion highlights the power of co-founder partnerships and the critical importance of staying grounded in their mission. This episode offers practical, actionable advice on navigating fundraising while shedding light on the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. Whether you’re refining your pitch, building your network, or seeking inspiration from two trailblazing founders, this conversation provides an honest, empowering roadmap to fundraising success. KEY TAKEAWAYS: The journey to fundraising often begins with personal and professional development. Transitioning to a B2B model can open up new opportunities for growth. Women entrepreneurs face unique challenges in the fundraising landscape. Preparation and understanding your market are crucial for successful fundraising. Building relationships with investors is key to securing funding. Gender bias can impact fundraising efforts, but resilience is essential. Fundraising can become a full-time job alongside running a business. Confidence in your story and metrics can help overcome self-doubt. Networking and relationship-building should be authentic and not just transactional. Learning from each fundraising experience is vital for growth. DISCUSSION TIMELINE: 02:31 The Launch of Kahila and Its Evolution 05:09 Navigating the Funding Landscape 08:09 Initial Steps in Fundraising 10:30 Challenges Faced by Women in Fundraising 12:41 Balancing Fundraising with Business Operations 15:37 The Importance of Co-Founders 18:25 Addressing Gender Bias in Fundraising 20:42 Building Relationships with Investors 23:00 Cold Emails vs. Warm Intros in Fundraising 25:03 Top Hacks for Women in Fundraising CONNECT WITH NOA & KIM: Kim on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/noa-ries Noa on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kimhavens Kahilla Website: www.kahilla.com HOST INFO: Hi, y'all! I'm Raven O'Neal, a diversely curious serial entrepreneur with over a decade of experience. But the fun doesn't stop there. I'm also a mentor, wife, mother, and business expert. I see my business as an extension of all my personal and professional life experiences, embracing growth and learning from a few fumbles along the way. Throughout my business journey, I've supported over 500 female-led startups, advised more than 200 founders 1:1, and played a role in facilitating over $100M in funding. My calling is to help women transform their businesses and lives through collaboration and partnerships. I look forward to being with you every step of the way on your journey to growth and transformation. If you want to join the conversation, be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. ⁠⁠www.hackingthepatriarchypodcast.com⁠

    39 min
  2. Ep. 020 - Global Visions with Oz Merchant

    NOV 13

    Ep. 020 - Global Visions with Oz Merchant

    In this timely and illuminating episode, Raven sits down with six-time founder and global entrepreneur Oz Merchant to discuss the complexities of global expansion—especially for women leaders. With over $147M raised and 18+ years in B2B SaaS and e-commerce, Oz brings his extensive knowledge and experience as the Program Director of Founder Institute Raleigh to this powerful conversation. Together, they unpack the nuanced challenges of scaling a business internationally, highlighting critical topics like understanding cultural differences, building credibility in male-dominated industries, and securing funding for diverse founders. Oz shares actionable strategies for entering new markets, maintaining company culture across borders, and leveraging local partnerships for a successful expansion. From defining the “why” behind international growth to navigating the unique obstacles faced by women in leadership, he provides real-world insights that entrepreneurs can put into practice immediately. Oz also dives into overlooked aspects of global growth, like evolving your leadership style as your company scales and tapping into emerging funding opportunities designed to support diverse founders. Listeners will walk away with invaluable guidance on everything from infrastructure planning to sophisticated market entry strategies, making this episode essential for entrepreneurs at any stage of their global journey. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Consider if your business is truly ready for international expansion. Cultural understanding is crucial when entering new markets. Building local partnerships can significantly ease market entry. Funding opportunities exist specifically for diverse founders. Women entrepreneurs should seek supportive cultures for business. Navigating logistics and local customs is essential for success. Utilizing consultants can streamline the transition to new markets. Maintaining company culture is vital during international growth. Future trends indicate a rise in women-led global businesses. Assumptions about markets should be tested and validated. DISCUSSION TIMELINE: 02:49 Challenges of International Business 06:09 Strategizing for Global Growth 09:12 Navigating Cultural Differences 11:59 Building Partnerships for Success 14:47 Funding and Financial Considerations 18:07 Consultants and Support Systems 21:04 Maintaining Company Culture 23:53 Advice for Women Entrepreneurs 27:05 Future Trends in Global Entrepreneurship 29:55 Top Three Hacks for Diverse Founders CONNECT WITH OZ: Oz's Website: www.ozmerchant.me Oz on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ozmerchant Oz on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ozmerchant/ HOST INFO: Hi, y'all! I'm Raven O'Neal, a diversely curious serial entrepreneur with over a decade of experience. But the fun doesn't stop there. I'm also a mentor, wife, mother, and business expert. I see my business as an extension of all my personal and professional life experiences, embracing growth and learning from a few fumbles along the way. Throughout my business journey, I've supported over 500 female-led startups, advised more than 200 founders 1:1, and played a role in facilitating over $100M in funding. My calling is to help women transform their businesses and lives through collaboration and partnerships. I look forward to being with you every step of the way on your journey to growth and transformation. If you want to join the conversation, be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. ⁠www.hackingthepatriarchypodcast.com

    40 min
  3. Ep. 019 - Scaling Successes with Katrina Purcell

    NOV 6

    Ep. 019 - Scaling Successes with Katrina Purcell

    Discover the power of scaling your business with a distinctly female approach in this insightful conversation with Katrina Purcell. Drawing from her extensive startup experience, Katrina shares strategies for leveraging your natural strengths as a woman to navigate the unique challenges of high-growth entrepreneurship. The episode delves into Katrina's journey transitioning from the corporate world to becoming a successful business owner. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a flexible mission, vision, and values framework during periods of rapid scaling, and explores how women can capitalize on their innate abilities in empathy and change management. Listeners will gain valuable insights on navigating the fundraising landscape, making strategic decisions about capital allocation, and cultivating the personal resilience needed to sustain scaling efforts. Katrina also underscores the power of building a strong support network of mentors and advisors to provide guidance along the way. Throughout the discussion, Katrina offers a refreshingly authentic and practical perspective, addressing topics such as overcoming the fear of failure, setting ambitious goals, and achieving work-life balance as a female founder. Her insights provide a roadmap for entrepreneurs seeking to scale their businesses with intention, adaptability, and a distinctly feminine approach. Whether you're in the early stages of growth or navigating the complexities of a scaling enterprise, this episode is a must-listen for any woman looking to build a sustainable and thriving business. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Women need to lean into their superpowers. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network is crucial. Resilience can be built through personal challenges. Authenticity in leadership fosters trust and connection. Change management is essential for leading teams through transitions. Mission, vision, and values should be clear and inspiring. Accessing capital requires confidence and a strong narrative. Not all capital is good capital; choose wisely. Scaling takes mental and physical preparation. It's okay to decide not to scale if it doesn't align with your goals. DISCUSSION TIMELINE: 00:01 Empathy and Resilience in Female Leadership 06:11 Navigating Change Management 08:02 Mission, Vision, and Values 14:49 Accessing Capital 24:36 Scaling Strategies 29:52 The Decision to Scale or Not CONNECT WITH KATRINA: Katrina on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-purcell Katrina's Website: katrinapurcell.com The Managed Chaos Podcast: www.themanagedchaospodcast.com HOST INFO: Hi, y'all! I'm Raven O'Neal, a diversely curious serial entrepreneur with over a decade of experience. But the fun doesn't stop there. I'm also a mentor, wife, mother, and business expert. I see my business as an extension of all my personal and professional life experiences, embracing growth and learning from a few fumbles along the way. Throughout my business journey, I've supported over 500 female-led startups, advised more than 200 founders 1:1, and played a role in facilitating over $100M in funding. My calling is to help women transform their businesses and lives through collaboration and partnerships. I look forward to being with you every step of the way on your journey to growth and transformation. If you want to join the conversation, be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠www.hackingthepatriarchypodcast.com⁠

    35 min
  4. Ep. 018 - Pathways of Growth with Meredith Patrick

    OCT 30

    Ep. 018 - Pathways of Growth with Meredith Patrick

    Discover the dynamic world of entrepreneurial growth with operations expert Meredith Patrick in this engaging episode. The conversation dives into essential aspects of building and scaling a business, covering everything from mindset shifts to practical growth strategies. Drawing from personal experiences and hard-earned wisdom, Meredith emphasizes the value of community, the power of flexible planning, and the importance of strong operational foundations. Meredith brings a wealth of expertise from her corporate background in healthcare and health tech. Her journey reflects a common entrepreneurial experience—the pursuit of fulfillment beyond corporate achievements. The episode stands out with its exploration of business model evolution. Meredith shares her progression from offering one-time project execution services to developing retainer packages, illustrating how organic growth happens when entrepreneurs stay open to market demands and client needs. Her current pivot toward a partnership model with scalable team potential demonstrates how businesses can expand beyond their original vision while staying aligned with their core strengths. Throughout the discussion, Meredith offers practical wisdom, including a systematic approach to networking that provides listeners with actionable insights for building their own support systems. The conversation also tackles critical topics such as pricing strategies, setting client boundaries, and trusting one’s instincts in business decisions. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Community building is essential for entrepreneurial success and accountability. Time blocking helps maintain boundaries and prevent scope creep. Starting with one networking conversation per week is manageable and can build momentum. Price based on value rather than time to avoid undervaluing your services. Track networking connections systematically to maintain relationships. Being flexible with your business model can lead to unexpected growth opportunities. Having a routine while remaining adaptable is key to sustainable growth. DISCUSSION TIMELINE: 00:10 Meredith's Entrepreneurial Journey 02:48 The Importance of Mindset in Business 04:51 Transitioning to Full-Time Entrepreneurship 07:53 Accountability & Community 10:03 Navigating Setbacks 13:32 Pricing Strategies and Value Recognition 16:32 Scaling Your Business: Strategies and Plans 18:47 Networking and Building Community 21:37 Final Thoughts on Growth and Flexibility CONNECT WITH MEREDITH: Meredith on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/meredithapatrick HOST INFO: Hi, y'all! I'm Raven O'Neal, a diversely curious serial entrepreneur with over a decade of experience. But the fun doesn't stop there. I'm also a mentor, wife, mother, and business expert. I see my business as an extension of all my personal and professional life experiences, embracing growth and learning from a few fumbles along the way. Throughout my business journey, I've supported over 500 female-led startups, advised more than 200 founders 1:1, and played a role in facilitating over $100M in funding. My calling is to help women transform their businesses and lives through collaboration and partnerships. I look forward to being with you every step of the way on your journey to growth and transformation. If you want to join the conversation, be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. ⁠⁠www.hackingthepatriarchypodcast.com⁠

    37 min
  5. Ep. 017 - Beyond Business Cards with Alyssa Olerud

    OCT 23

    Ep. 017 - Beyond Business Cards with Alyssa Olerud

    In this insightful episode, host Raven O'Neal engages in a deep conversation with seasoned entrepreneur and Founder & CEO of Fearlyss Media, Alyssa Olerud, about the pivotal role of community and personal branding in women's entrepreneurial journeys. Alyssa offers a methodical yet adaptive approach to networking, emphasizing the creation of meaningful, relational connections. The discussion explores the contrasts between men’s and women’s networking styles, the importance of local and online business communities, and the impact of partnerships on business growth. Alyssa also delves into personal branding strategies, highlighting the importance of storytelling, authenticity, and maintaining professional boundaries. She provides practical advice on leveraging social media trends, overcoming imposter syndrome, and setting boundaries to foster a positive business environment while balancing self-promotion with value creation. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Lean into networking opportunities without expectations. Authenticity and storytelling are key to distinguishing yourself. Set clear boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Consistency is crucial in building a strong personal brand. Focus on how you make people feel rather than self-promotion. Utilize LinkedIn as a professional platform regardless of your industry. Choose additional social media platforms based on where your ideal clients spend time. DISCUSSION TIMELINE: 00:25 The Importance of Community 01:40 Networking Strategies 03:02 Finding the Right Communities 04:49 Partnerships and Collaborations 07:38 Gender Differences in Networking 12:12 Personal Branding and Marketing Tactics 14:27 Balancing Support and Business Goals 17:02 Setting Boundaries with Clients 19:05 Pitfalls in Marketing and Branding 22:04 Crafting a Personal Brand 25:09 Balancing Self-Promotion and Authenticity CONNECT WITH ALYSSA: Alyssa on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alyssaolerud Fearlyss Media Website: www.fearlyssmedia.com Fearlyss Media on Instagram: www.instagram.com/fearlyssmedia HOST INFO: Hi, y'all! I'm Raven O'Neal, a diversely curious serial entrepreneur with over a decade of experience. But the fun doesn't stop there. I'm also a mentor, wife, mother, and business expert. I see my business as an extension of all my personal and professional life experiences, embracing growth and learning from a few fumbles along the way. Throughout my business journey, I've supported over 500 female-led startups, advised more than 200 founders 1:1, and played a role in facilitating over $100M in funding. My calling is to help women transform their businesses and lives through collaboration and partnerships. I look forward to being with you every step of the way on your journey to growth and transformation. If you want to join the conversation, be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. ⁠www.hackingthepatriarchypodcast.com

    35 min
  6. Ep. 016 - Showing the F*ck Up! with Aria Leighty

    OCT 16

    Ep. 016 - Showing the F*ck Up! with Aria Leighty

    In this epic AF episode, we sit down with Aria Leighty, founder of Show the F**k Up Media, a platform dedicated to empowering queer and BIPOC voices in entrepreneurship and media. Together, we look at the critical role of strategic visibility in entrepreneurship, especially for marginalized communities, reframing it as foundational to business success rather than just a marketing tactic. Aria shares her expertise in navigating societal expectations, embodying authenticity, and balancing the challenge of being both bold and inclusive without sacrificing one's true self. Drawing on her experience as a visibility strategist and networking expert, Aria offers insights on overcoming generational trauma, dismantling harmful societal norms, and developing a visibility strategy that is both genuine and impactful, helping entrepreneurs maximize their influence while staying true to their values. Listeners will gain actionable insights as Aria discusses how building an intentional networking strategy can enhance entrepreneurial effectiveness. She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, guiding entrepreneurs to audit their visibility habits and make strategic adjustments to better align with their authentic selves.  We also explore how boldness and authenticity can often be more effective in entrepreneurship than traditional notions of professionalism, and how a well-defined visibility style can elevate both personal and brand presence. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Authentic visibility is foundational to business success, especially for queer and BIPOC entrepreneurs. Challenging traditional ideas of professionalism is crucial for authentic self-presentation. Replace performance-driven social media culture with genuine interactions for sustainable community building. Conduct a personal visibility audit to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Influence often comes from bold, unapologetic communication. Focus on providing value rather than conforming to outdated norms. Develop a visibility strategy that aligns with your personal values and feels comfortable. DISCUSSION TIMELINE:  00:28 About Show the Fuck Up Media 01:27 The Importance of Showing Up 03:22 Professionalism and Authenticity 05:29 Coaching on Showing Up 08:15 Networking vs. Showing Up 11:01 Building a Visibility Strategy 13:10 The Future of Social Media 16:41 Challenging the Status Quo 18:32 Building Authentic Relationships 21:58 Embracing Discomfort and Authenticity 26:35 Intentionality and Representation 32:25 Top Three Hacks for Showing Up CONNECT WITH ARIA LEIGHTY: The Plug - Free visibility resource: www.showthefuckup.media/the-plug The CLUB - A membership for intentional networking and visibility strategy: www.showthefuckup.media/the-club Aria on Instagram: www.instagram.com/arialeighty Aria on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/aria-leighty HOST INFO: Hi, y'all! I'm Raven O'Neal, a diversely curious serial entrepreneur with over a decade of experience. But the fun doesn't stop there. I'm also a mentor, wife, mother, and business expert. I see my business as an extension of all my personal and professional life experiences, embracing growth and learning from a few fumbles along the way. Throughout my business journey, I've supported over 500 female-led startups, advised more than 200 founders 1:1, and played a role in facilitating over $100M in funding. My calling is to help women transform their businesses and lives through collaboration and partnerships. I look forward to being with you every step of the way on your journey to growth and transformation. If you want to join the conversation, be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. ⁠www.hackingthepatriarchypodcast.com

    37 min
  7. Ep. 015 - Art of Effective Comms with Dr. Kate Mason

    OCT 9

    Ep. 015 - Art of Effective Comms with Dr. Kate Mason

    In this engaging episode, Raven is joined by Dr. Kate Mason, a world champion debater, communications coach, and author of the forthcoming book Powerfully Likeable: How to Communicate Your Best Self and Get What You Deserve.  In this episode, Raven O'Neal and Dr. Kate Mason explore the vital role of communication in entrepreneurship, particularly for women, reframing it as foundational to business success rather than a mere soft skill. Kate shares her expertise in navigating difficult conversations, embodying authority, and balancing the challenge of being both powerful and likable without sacrificing authenticity.  Drawing on her experience with global brands like Google, Microsoft, and Netflix, she offers insights on overcoming cultural conditioning and developing a communication style that is both genuine and impactful, helping women maximize their influence in leadership roles. Listeners will gain actionable insights as Kate discusses how building a personal communication strategy can enhance leadership effectiveness. Kate emphasizes the importance of introspection, helping women audit their communication habits and make strategic adjustments to better align with their authentic selves. They explore how calmness and authenticity often prove more effective in leadership than traditional notions of confidence, and how a well-defined communication style can elevate both personal and brand presence.  KEY TAKEAWAYS: Communication is foundational to business success, especially for women entrepreneurs. Authenticity in communication is more important than adhering to prescribed "shoulds." Replace deference with warmth in professional interactions. Conduct a personal communication audit to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Influence often comes from calm, measured communication. Focus on providing value rather than appearing "confident." Develop a communication style that aligns with your personal values and feels comfortable. DISCUSSION TIMELINE: 00:10 The Importance of Communication in Entrepreneurship 00:45 Navigating Difficult Conversations 01:35 Balancing Authority and Likability 02:49 Conducting a Communication Audit 04:55 Building Confidence and Executive Presence 06:46 Communication in Team Building and Productivity 11:17 Developing Your Brand Voice 15:46 Tips for Effective Communication 20:33 Overcoming Communication Challenges 25:52 Final Thoughts and Book Information CONNECT WITH DR. KATE MASON: Dr. Kate Mason on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/katemasonphd HOST INFO: Hi, y'all! I'm Raven O'Neal, a diversely curious serial entrepreneur with over a decade of experience. But the fun doesn't stop there. I'm also a mentor, wife, mother, and business expert. I see my business as an extension of all my personal and professional life experiences, embracing growth and learning from a few fumbles along the way. Throughout my business journey, I've supported over 500 female-led startups, advised more than 200 founders 1:1, and played a role in facilitating over $100M in funding. My calling is to help women transform their businesses and lives through collaboration and partnerships. I look forward to being with you every step of the way on your journey to growth and transformation. If you want to join the conversation, be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. ⁠www.hackingthepatriarchypodcast.com

    37 min
  8. Ep. 014 - Team Ties with Rachel Anderson

    OCT 2

    Ep. 014 - Team Ties with Rachel Anderson

    In this insightful episode, we sit down with Rachel Anderson, an accomplished marketing leader, fractional CMO, and owner of Pivot Studios and The Human-Centric Leader. With 15 years of experience driving organizational success, Rachel shares her expertise in team building and business scaling, particularly for women-led ventures in male-dominated industries. Drawing from her background in strategic marketing and operational excellence, Rachel delves into the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, including overcoming experiential bias and navigating funding disparities. She offers practical advice on determining the right time to scale, emphasizing the importance of trust and diversity in hiring practices. Rachel's human-centric approach shines through as she discusses the balance of feminine and masculine energies in leadership, the critical role of conflict resolution in management, and the power of authenticity in building strong teams. Listeners will gain valuable insights on fostering clear communication, promoting collaboration, and making data-driven decisions to achieve impactful change. Whether you're a solopreneur looking to make your first hire or an established business owner aiming to cultivate a thriving workplace culture, Rachel's blend of strategic thinking and commitment to employee wellbeing offers actionable strategies for success in today's dynamic business landscape. KEY TAKEAWAYS: The importance of overcoming experiential bias in team building. How to determine when it's time to scale your business. The value of hiring for both trust and diversity. Practical steps for creating and maintaining team values. The significance of conflict resolution skills in management. How to balance feminine and masculine energies in leadership. The importance of authenticity in building and managing teams. DISCUSSION TIMELINE: 01:54 Unique Challenges for Women in Team Building 06:27 Experiential Bias and Its Impact 10:05 Recognizing the Right Time to Scale 13:26 Navigating Overcapacity in Teams 18:09 Addressing Disenchantment in Teams 21:26 Balancing Feminine and Masculine Leadership 24:18 Practical Steps for Hiring 29:32 Conflict Resolution in Team Dynamics 34:30 The Importance of Trust and Diversity 38:16 Tips for Scaling Teams CONNECT WITH RACHEL ANDERSON: Website: www.makeapivot.com Rachel on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-anderson-62860132 Rachel on Instagram: www.instagram.com/humancentricleader HOST INFO: Hi, y'all! I'm Raven O'Neal, a diversely curious serial entrepreneur with over a decade of experience. But the fun doesn't stop there. I'm also a mentor, wife, mother, and business expert. I see my business as an extension of all my personal and professional life experiences, embracing growth and learning from a few fumbles along the way. Throughout my business journey, I've supported over 500 female-led startups, advised more than 200 founders 1:1, and played a role in facilitating over $100M in funding. My calling is to help women transform their businesses and lives through collaboration and partnerships. I look forward to being with you every step of the way on your journey to growth and transformation. If you want to join the conversation, be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. ⁠www.hackingthepatriarchypodcast.com

    47 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Hacking the Patriarchy podcast creates time and space for candid, boundary-breaking discussions where diverse individuals feel empowered to examine patriarchal norms and societal structures. Together, we take what works, discard what doesn’t, and envision a more equitable future for ourselves and others. Our mission is to better support women, dismantle patriarchal systems, and reimagine a more inclusive, intersectional, equitable, and diverse world. www.hackingthepatriarchypodcast.com

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