My Great Pivot

The Female Founders Project
  • 5.0 (4)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

My Great Pivot features candid conversations with women who've launched their own businesses, often trading stability for the uncertainty that comes with following a dream. These aren't polished success stories - they're honest accounts of the messy middle: the fears before the leap, the financial realities, the moments of doubt, and the unexpected victories. Each episode, our guests share the practical tools and resources that have helped them build their businesses, from navigating career transitions and securing funding to weathering industry upheavals. Whether you're contemplating your own pivot or building something new, these conversations will leave you inspired, informed, and ready to take the next step. Perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs, career changers, and anyone who's ever wondered, "What if I just... went for it?" Find out more at www.thefemalefoundersproject.com

Episodes

  1. 3D AGO

    From Teacher to Travel Guru: Kacie Darden & Blue Pineapple Travel (Ep. 103)

    Kacie Darden shares her inspiring pivot from middle school science teacher to owner of her own thriving travel agency, Blue Pineapple Travel. Less than two years after setting a cycling world record, Kacie landed in the ICU, nearly dead from complications during the birth of her twins. Resulting health issues forced her to leave the teaching job she loved, so she decided it was time for a professional pivot - and found motivation in her love of exotic travel.So just how do you launch a travel agency? Kacie tells all, from kick-starting her new career by getting in with a host agency to acquiring other agencies to fuel Blue Pineapple's growth. She shares how Blue Pineapple's focus on providing exceptional customer service helps her agency stand out in an industry dominated by digital tools. And lest you think the travel agency is all sunshine and rainbows, she recalls the dark days when COVID travel bans nearly bankrupted her agency - and how they made it through.This episode is a testament to Kacie's indomitable spirit and knack for seizing opportunities in the face of adversity.My Great Pivot is a production of The Female Founders Project. Find out more at www.mygreatpivot.com 00:00 The Impact of COVID-19 on Business 00:40 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 01:41 Kacie Darden's Early Life and Career 05:34 Transition from Teaching to Travel Agency 09:27 Starting Blue Pineapple Travel 15:30 Navigating COVID-19 Challenges 23:30 The Diverse World of Travel Planning 24:08 Challenges and Misconceptions in the Travel Industry 26:55 The Importance of Support and Partnership 28:34 Lessons Learned and Business Growth 33:20 The Role of Communication and Education 40:37 Future Plans and Industry Insights 45:57 Favorite Travel Destinations 47:43 Conclusion and Contact Information

    49 min

  2. JAN 29

    From Designer to Eco-Entrepreneur: Naama Nicotra Launches NakedPak (Ep. 102)

    In this episode, Naama Nicotra, the co-founder of NakedPak, shares her inspiring journey developing edible food packaging NakedPak, which aims to reduce plastic waste. Naama discusses the journey from the initial concept, inspired during her studies in Helsinki, to creating a tangible product with significant industry interest. She highlights the importance of finding the right co-founder, bootstrapping, raising funds from friends and family, and the critical role of mentorship and accelerators. She also delves into the challenges and rewards of launching a startup, the strategies for gaining validation, and the B2C trial of this B2B product, which targets the outdoor food market with ready-to-cook meals wrapped in this innovative packaging. Naama's story exemplifies the importance of perseverance, market testing, and impactful innovation in the startup ecosystem. My Great Pivot is a production of The Female Founders Project. 00:00 The Entrepreneur's Advice: Bootstrap and Raise Funds00:38 Introducing NakedPak: The Future of Food Packaging03:04 The Inspiration Behind NakedPak05:16 From Concept to Company: The Birth of NakedPak06:20 Finding the Perfect Co-Founder10:08 Turning Ideas into Reality: The Role of Food Lab16:55 The Power of Friends and Family Funding21:06 Understanding Fundraising Strategies22:28 The Challenges of Fundraising24:41 Innovative Packaging Solutions27:26 Targeting the Outdoor Market30:32 Gaining Investor Confidence35:43 Networking and Mentorship41:02 Market Testing and Revenue Strategies42:50 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

    43 min

  3. JAN 15

    From Spreadsheets to Shutter Speeds: An Engineer Pivots to Launch Her Own Photo Studio (Ep. 101)

    In this episode of 'My Great Pivot,' we speak with Alice Park, an inspiring entrepreneur who left a secure engineering job to launch Park Studios, a thriving photography business in Atlanta, Georgia. Alice shares some of the struggles that come with launching and owning a business, and how she drew inspiration from her parents' entrepreneurial spirit. She discusses the continuous need for innovation, especially as the market for photography services has evolved. Tune in to learn from Alice's story of resilience, adaptability, and passion for her craft.00:00 The Struggles of Small Business Ownership00:30 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest01:07 Alice Park's Entrepreneurial Roots03:55 The Journey Through Engineering06:15 The Unhappiness in Corporate Life06:33 Meeting the Catalyst: Kyu09:25 The Decision to Leave Corporate10:59 The Birth of Park Studios15:15 The Importance of Pivoting20:39 Adapting to Market Changes

    54 min

  4. SEASON 1, EPISODE 100 TRAILER

    My Great Pivot Season 1 Sneak Preview

    A sneak preview of the first season of the My Great Pivot podcast, where we interview female founders at all stages of the entrepreneurial journey. Catch a glimpse of some of the founders we speak to this season, including:- a teacher who followed her bliss after a life-threatening childbirth... and launched a business that's taken her around the world-a founder who parlayed an Etsy side-hustle into a bustling business that's generated millions of dollars in revenue-an entrepreneur who found the funds to launch her dream from an unlikely source-a marketing executive who shares how her careful planning led to a million-dollar pre-seed investment round for her startupThese are just some of the compelling stories coming this season on My Great Pivot, launching January 15, 2026.Find out more about the podcast at www.thefemalefoundersproject.com

    5 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

My Great Pivot features candid conversations with women who've launched their own businesses, often trading stability for the uncertainty that comes with following a dream. These aren't polished success stories - they're honest accounts of the messy middle: the fears before the leap, the financial realities, the moments of doubt, and the unexpected victories. Each episode, our guests share the practical tools and resources that have helped them build their businesses, from navigating career transitions and securing funding to weathering industry upheavals. Whether you're contemplating your own pivot or building something new, these conversations will leave you inspired, informed, and ready to take the next step. Perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs, career changers, and anyone who's ever wondered, "What if I just... went for it?" Find out more at www.thefemalefoundersproject.com

Information

  • Creator
    The Female Founders Project
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Female Founders Project

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