How Women Inspire: Invest, Lead, Give

How Women Lead
How Women Inspire: Invest, Lead, Give

How Women Inspire: Invest, Lead, Give sets out to bring the voices of empowered and inspiring women forward to share their stories of stepping into leadership positions. We aspire to share what is possible and encourage more women to leap, striving for these board and c-suite positions themselves to change the path towards a more inclusive future. This podcast will share stories on how women lead and how their leadership opens the doors for the greater value of opportunities for others. By listening to this podcast, listeners will feel empowered to level up themselves or invest in women-led and women-founded companies to change the world of business. Find out more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/

  1. 3D AGO

    Transitioning from Academia to Startups with Grace Wei

    Are you a woman leader or entrepreneur considering a career pivot, especially from academia to the dynamic startup world? Do you wonder how to navigate this transition, build crucial relationships, and drive innovation in a new industry? This episode of How Women Inspire addresses these very challenges, offering invaluable insights into making a successful leap and fostering meaningful connections.This week’s episode 177 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about transitioning from academia to startups!  In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Grace Wei is sharing the importance of building relationships and maintaining connections with experts and mentors. and actionable steps you can take right now to build a team culture at your startup.  Grace Wei has held the position of COO at Encellin since 2016. Prior to that, Grace worked as a biologist at UCSF from 2005 to 2015. Grace Wei has a Bachelor's Degree in Human Genetics from McGill University and a Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Chicago. Grace also completed programs at Stanford University Graduate School of Business and Y Combinator. Some of the talking points Julie and Grace go over in this episode include: Why building and maintaining strong relationships is paramount for founders and leadersThe unique benefits of different accelerators and how they can provide access to experts, community, and professional coaching for your startup journey.How transitioning from a specialized field like academia to a startup environment requires humility and a willingness to seek adviceThe importance of team culture for startup success, and how that differs from academia.What steps will you take today to cultivate your network and embrace new challenges? Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways! Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast  CONNECT WITH GRACE WEI: LinkedIn Encellin CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS: LinkedIn - Julie How Women Lead How Women Invest How Women Give Instagram - HWL LinkedIn - HWL Facebook - HWL

    22 min
  2. JUL 9

    Career Pivots: Navigating Your Next Chapter with Joy and Success with JeanAnn Nichols and Lori Igleski

    Are you a top executive woman feeling the call for a significant career change, but grappling with the fear of the unknown, the exhaustion of past challenges, or the question of "who am I" outside of your corporate identity? In this episode of How Women Inspire, Julie Castro Abrams, JeanAnn Nochols, and Lori Igleski dive deep into the world of career pivots, offering a roadmap to make your transition less stressful and more fulfilling. Join them as they explore how to align your mindset, leverage community support, and discover your true north in your next professional evolution. This week’s episode 176 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about career pivots: navigating your next chapter with joy and success!  In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, JeanAnn Nichols and Lori Igleski are sharing the importance of aligning professional choices with personal values and actionable steps you can take right now to prepare yourself for a meaningful career pivot.  JeanAnn Nichols is an accomplished executive with more than 30 years of diverse professional experience. She has managed engineering, product design, manufacturing, marketing, sales, communications, and IT operations for Fortune 500 companies. Most recently she served as a Vice President and General Manager for a $60B global technology company. Lori Igleski founded Heart-Led Ventures LLC in 2022, leveraging decades of financial services experience to guide organizations through transformational change and ensure the next generation of diverse leaders benefits from her expertise. Throughout her career, she spearheaded over 35 significant merger and acquisition integrations, reorganizations, and technology implementations, passionately advocating for both the client and employee experience by building robust change management and employee engagement strategies.  Some of the talking points Julie, JeanAnn, and Lori go over in this episode include: Prioritizing professional rest and mindset alignment.Addressing common fears during a career pivot and embracing self-discovery.Leveraging community support for resilience.Building a portfolio career to fulfill diverse needs.What is one small step you can take today to align your current professional path with your deepest values? Share this episode with a friend who might be contemplating their own career pivot, and subscribe to How Women Inspire for more insights on leading, investing, and giving. Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways! Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast  CONNECT WITH JEANANN NICHOLS: LinkedIn Website CONNECT WITH LORI IGLESKI: LinkedIn CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS: LinkedIn - Julie How Women Lead How Women Invest How Women Give Instagram - HWL LinkedIn - HWL Facebook - HWL

    31 min
  3. JUL 2

    Translating your Experience for the Board Room with Essye Miller [Rerelease]

    Moving your career to the boardroom can be nerve-racking, but it’s never a journey you take alone. Join us as we sit down with Essye Miller, a distinguished public and private company board director. Drawing from her extensive 35-year career at the Department of Defense, including roles as CIO and CISO, Essye shares her unique journey transitioning from government service to corporate boardrooms. She offers invaluable guidance on leveraging public sector experience for private industry opportunities, navigating board interviews, building a robust digital presence, and her core philosophies on leadership and mentoring the next generation. This week’s episode 175 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about translating your experience for the board room!  In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Essye Miller is sharing the importance of reframing your work experience for your board journey and actionable steps you can take right now to prepare yourself for the search for board opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Essye Miller is the former CIO of the United States Department of Defense, where she held governance, charted strategy, piloted the DoD’s information enterprise overseeing its 11-figure budget, and influenced the overall technology strategy. Today, Essye is a public and private company board director and the CEO of Executive Business Management, her consultancy focuses on providing services and advisory to corporate businesses, government, and NGO clients on cybersecurity, information management, information technology, and national defense. Some of the talking points Julie and Essye go over in this episode include: Knowing when to pivot to a new direction in your career, such as from corporate to board service.The importance of understanding the culture, dynamics, and values of the company before joining their board.Creating a body of work with speaking engagements, articles, etc. for people to find you beyond your LinkedIn profile.Recognizing that Superwoman does not exist and that communication is key in balancing family and work.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways! Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast  CONNECT WITH ESSYE MILLER: LinkedIn CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS: LinkedIn - Julie How Women Lead How Women Invest How Women Give Instagram - HWL LinkedIn - HWL Facebook - HWL

    24 min
  4. JUN 25

    Diverse and Inclusive Board Representation with Robin Washington [Rerelease]

    Now more than ever, we need more diverse voices in positions of leadership, and preparing and supporting women on their journey to getting a board seat is what we do here at How Women Lead. In this episode, Robin Washington shares with us insights behind her remarkable career, emphasizing the power of self-assurance, strategic networking, and authentic leadership. We discuss discusses the crucial work of increasing Black women's representation in C-suites and boardrooms, offering invaluable advice for anyone seeking to amplify their influence and drive meaningful change. This week’s episode 174 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about diverse and inclusive board representation!  In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Robin Washington is sharing the importance of diversity of thought and inclusivity in business and actionable steps you can take right now to create space for authenticity through your leadership. Robin Washington is President and COFO at Salesforce, where she leads Business Strategy and Operations, Global Finance, Employee Success, Global Strategic Customers and Partners, Marketing, Communications, and Real Estate and Workplace Services. She is responsible for driving profitable growth and operational excellence—while accelerating the transformation of every company into an Agentforce company, in the new agentic era. Robin also currently serves on the board of directors of Alphabet.  Some of the talking points Julie and Robin go over in this episode include: Robin’s top ten words of wisdom for women everywhere.The critical importance of increasing Black women's representation in C-suites and boardrooms.Strategies for building powerful connections and finding allies.The importance of creating space for your employees and team members to be their authentic selves.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways! Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast  CONNECT WITH ROBIN WASHINGTON: LinkedIn Black Women on Boards CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS: LinkedIn - Julie How Women Lead How Women Invest How Women Give Instagram - HWL LinkedIn - HWL Facebook - HWL

    27 min
  5. JUN 18

    Shaping the Future Through Mentoring and Sponsorship with Julie Castro Abrams

    In this powerful episode of How Women Lead, host Julie Castro Abrams dives deep into the often-underestimated power of mentoring, sponsorship, and advising. Join Julie as she shares crucial insights on how women leaders can fiercely advocate for each other, counter damaging cultural narratives, and actively work to close the gender funding gap. Discover actionable strategies for becoming a vital partner and guide, particularly for women innovating in critical fields like climate tech and social impact, and learn why your unique experience is exactly what the next generation of leaders desperately needs. This week’s episode 173 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about shaping the future through mentoring and sponsorship!  In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams is sharing the importance of supporting founders more than monetarily and actionable steps you can take right now to start mentoring other women.  Some of the talking points Julie goes over in this episode include: The importance of senior leaders showing up as partners and guides.Practical advice for mentors, including thinking about new perspectives you can offer.The role of advisors in supporting social impact leaders and nonprofit organizations.Ways to begin your mentorship journey, including the Global Advisor program.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways! Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast  CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS: LinkedIn - Julie How Women Lead How Women Invest How Women Give Instagram - HWL LinkedIn - HWL Facebook - HWL

    19 min
  6. JUN 11

    Middlescence and Beyond: Unlocking Your Portfolio Life with Julie Castro Abrams

    Are you standing at a crossroads, wondering where your life force should go next? This week on How Women Inspire, Julie Castro Abrams invites you to explore middlescence and what it means for your future. It's a time for honest reflection, taking stock of what you've built, and considering the true cost of continuing on the same path. Julie shares her personal journey and insights into the courage required to unlearn, redesign your life to align with your deepest values, and step into your next chapter with greater meaning and impact. This week’s episode 172 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about unlocking your portfolio life in middlescence!  In this episode of the How Women Inspire Podcast, Julie Castro Abrams is sharing the importance of taking time to reflect on where you are currently in your career and actionable steps you can take right now to begin exploring new options for your next stage of life.  Some of the talking points Julie goes over in this episode include: How to navigate career transitions and make meaningful changes.Strategies for overcoming cultural narratives and embracing your true self.The importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing your well-being.Tips for leveraging your experience for board seats, social impact, and more. Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways! Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast  CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS: LinkedIn - Julie How Women Lead How Women Invest How Women Give Instagram - HWL LinkedIn - HWL Facebook - HWL

    26 min
  7. JUN 4

    Corporate Governance in the Digital Age with Dottie Schindlinger [Rerelease]

    Ever wondered what keeps board members up at night, beyond just the financial spreadsheets? Today we’re diving into the complex world of corporate governance in the digital age with Dottie Schindlinger, Executive Director of the Diligent Institute. In this conversation, Dottie unpacks the critical issues facing modern boards, from AI ethics and climate leadership to the ever-evolving landscape of cyber risk and the looming potential of quantum computing. This week’s episode 171 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about corporate governance in the digital age! In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Dottie Schindlinger is sharing the importance of corporate boards addressing climate change and other major issues and actionable steps you can take right now to continue to educate yourself as a board member.  Dottie Schindlinger is the Executive Director of the Diligent Institute, the independent corporate governance research arm and think tank of Diligent Corporation. The Diligent Institute informs, educates, and connects leaders to champion governance excellence by providing cutting-edge research on the most pressing issues of corporate governance and offering certifications and educational programs that equip leaders with the knowledge and credentials needed to guide their organizations through existential challenges. Dottie also hosts The Corporate Director Podcast.  Some of the talking points Julie and Dottie go over in this episode include: Dottie’s journey into the world of corporate governance and building BoardEffect.Issues likely to be discussed in boardrooms over the next few years, including quantum computing.The three main jobs of a board: insight, oversight, and foresight.The importance of board chairs building strategic partnerships with their CEOs and fostering trust and goodwill.Don’t forget to check out Dottie’s book Governance in the Digital Age: A Guide for the Modern Corporate Board Director! Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways! Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast  CONNECT WITH DOTTIE SCHINDLINGER: LinkedIn X (formerly Twitter) Diligent Institute CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS: LinkedIn - Julie How Women Lead How Women Invest How Women Give Instagram - HWL LinkedIn - HWL Facebook - HWL

    31 min
  8. MAY 28

    Breaking Glass Ceilings: Women in Corporate Boards with Kimberley Goode [Rerelease]

    Ever wondered what it truly takes to shatter glass ceilings and secure a seat at the corporate boardroom table? In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the journey of Kimberley Goode, Senior Advisor at BMO Financial Group as she unravels the strategies, challenges, and triumphs of women navigating the path to board leadership. This conversation offers invaluable insights and actionable steps for anyone aspiring to make a significant impact in the world of corporate governance and beyond. This week’s episode 170 of How Women Inspire Podcast is about preparing women for corporate boards!  In this episode of How Women Inspire Podcast, Kimberley Goode shares the importance of networking before you’re ready to be on a board and actionable steps you can take right now to prepare yourself for your search for a board seat.  Kimberley Goode is Senior Advisor at BMO Financial Group and a board director at Providence Health Plan. She is a leader with passion for stakeholder engagement strategies, integrated communication, reputation management, brand building, corporate social responsibility, culture, diversity and inclusion. Kimberley has been recognized on the Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business list by the San Francisco Business Times, as one of the Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America by Savoy magazine, and many others. Some of the talking points Julie and Kimberley go over in this episode include: Utilizing board readiness classes and opportunities to prepare you for board service when the time is right.The importance of relationships and accountability in board service.Prioritizing board service based on stage and season of life.The need for diverse perspectives on boards to avoid recreating institutional biases in the changing world. Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways! Learn more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/podcast  CONNECT WITH KIMBERLEY GOODE: LinkedIn CONNECT WITH JULIE CASTRO ABRAMS: LinkedIn - Julie How Women Lead How Women Invest How Women Give Instagram - HWL LinkedIn - HWL Facebook - HWL

    31 min
5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

How Women Inspire: Invest, Lead, Give sets out to bring the voices of empowered and inspiring women forward to share their stories of stepping into leadership positions. We aspire to share what is possible and encourage more women to leap, striving for these board and c-suite positions themselves to change the path towards a more inclusive future. This podcast will share stories on how women lead and how their leadership opens the doors for the greater value of opportunities for others. By listening to this podcast, listeners will feel empowered to level up themselves or invest in women-led and women-founded companies to change the world of business. Find out more about How Women Inspire at https://www.howwomenlead.com/

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