Influential Women Podcast

Influential Women
  • 4.9 (11)
  • BUSINESS

Influential Women Podcast features conversations with women leaders, founders, professionals, and subject matter experts about leadership, careers, entrepreneurship, visibility, and personal growth. The podcast is part of Influential Women, a professional media and editorial platform Hosted by Jodie O’Brien, each episode shares real stories from entrepreneurs, executives, creators, and changemakers, exploring the decisions, challenges, and turning points that shaped their journeys. Podcast hub: ⁠https://influentialwomen.com/podcasts⁠ IMDb: ⁠https://www.imdb.com/title/tt42561398/⁠

  1. MAY 18

    From Imposter Syndrome to Force of Nature: Breaking the Unwritten Rules of Advancement | Chitra Nawbatt

    Every space has two sets of rules: the written ones, and the ones nobody puts on paper. In this episode of the Influential Women Podcast, host Jodie O'Brien sits down with Chitra Nawbatt to talk about what really happens behind closed doors when promotions get decided, why so many qualified women feel invisible in rooms where they belong, and how to reposition yourself for the opportunities you've already earned. Chitra Nawbatt is the author of The CodeBreaker Mindset, a USA TODAY best-seller, and creator and host of the podcast by the same name. She is a Partner at General Catalyst, one of the world's leading multibillion-dollar global venture capital firms, where she serves as Global Head of Health Assurance and Innovation. Before venture capital, Chitra was a TV news anchor in New York City for Reuters, BNN Bloomberg, and CCTV, conducting in-depth interviews with global leaders including the Citigroup CEO and the Governor of the Bank of England. She holds a CPA designation and is a graduate of Harvard Business School, Harvard University, and the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. In this conversation, you'll hear: Why what most women call imposter syndrome is actually "imposter treatment" The three signals hiring managers are watching for right now, beyond your resume Pattern recognition as a leadership skill, and how to develop it ▪ The framework Chitra calls "octagonulating" a decision The difference between data, perception, and manipulation The two kinds of people in every workplace: those who want to win, and those who are afraid to lose How to read whether your environment is built to support you or limit you One concrete skill to start practicing this month to reposition yourself How grief became fuel for purpose, and what "living in creation" looks like Why no one else gets to define your ceiling "It's not imposter syndrome. It's imposter treatment. You are born a force of nature. Hang onto your force of nature self." – Chitra Nawbatt "Who is another human to define what my trajectory is? Your limit is the solar system, which means no limit." – Chitra Nawbatt CONNECT WITH CHITRA NAWBATT Website: https://www.chitranawbatt.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chitranawbatt/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chitranawbatt/ Order The CodeBreaker Mindset: https://www.chitranawbatt.com/codebreaker-mindset-book ABOUT THE INFLUENTIAL WOMEN PODCAST The Influential Women Podcast features honest, thoughtful conversations with women shaping their industries and building meaningful careers. Each episode goes beyond titles to explore the real stories behind leadership, the lessons learned along the way, and the pivotal moments that shaped these women's journeys across business, leadership, and creative fields. Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0x6V5bV1hwEAD0VCHxkhI0Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/influential-women-podcast/id1850947661 Visit our website: https://influentialwomen.com/podcasts FOLLOW INFLUENTIAL WOMEN LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/influentialwomen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/influential_women_official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Influential-Women/61579362114580/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Influential_Women_Official Subscribe to the channel for new episodes three times a month, plus masterclasses, leadership conversations, and stories from women shaping the future of business.

    39 min

  2. MAY 8

    From Zero Budget to Viral: Why Every Founder Needs a PR Strategy | Jenna Guarneri | Influential Women Podcast

    What if visibility isn't a luxury for entrepreneurs? What if it's infrastructure? Jenna Guarneri is the founder and CEO of JMG Public Relations, bestselling author of You Need PR, and host of Call Your Publicist—a rapidly growing podcast that's been recognized as a 2025 Most Shared Show on Spotify and is now expanding to television on Roku. But here's what makes her different: she didn't build this empire with a big budget. She built it by democratizing PR and proving that visibility is something any entrepreneur can create. Jenna has been featured on Good Morning America four times. She's sparked viral conversations that caught the attention of Kim Kardashian and Lindsay Lohan. She's proven that you don't need celebrity status or deep pockets to build credibility and visibility. You need strategy, authenticity, and the willingness to tell your story. In this powerful conversation with host Jodie O'Brien, Jenna reveals exactly how to build visibility strategically, whether you have a six-figure PR budget or you're bootstrapping with zero dollars. She talks about the difference between chasing trends and building an authentic narrative. She shares why women specifically struggle with self-promotion and visibility. And she proves that by saying yes to opportunities, you never know where they'll lead. Podcast hub: ⁠https://influentialwomen.com/podcasts⁠ IMDb: ⁠https://www.imdb.com/title/tt42561398/⁠ In this episode, we explore: Why you need PR—and what it actually means for your business How women are taught to be quiet and how to break that pattern Building visibility with zero budget: where to start (hint: go local) The difference between telling your story and just talking about what you do Why being authentic with trends matters more than jumping on every one How to leverage pop culture conversations without feeling opportunistic Building a narrative that makes people actually listen The cost of staying invisible (to your business, opportunities, and income) What happened when she launched a podcast without expecting it to go viral Why you should say yes to opportunities you don't expect Celebrating wins at every stage—from your first media placement to your 10th year as CEO KEY TAKEAWAYS ✓ Visibility isn't a luxury—it's infrastructure for business success ✓ You don't need a massive budget to start building visibility ✓ Regional press and local media are the perfect entry point ✓ Your story is what makes you stand out, not your credentials alone ✓ Women are taught to be quiet—you have to intentionally break that pattern ✓ Never jump on trends just for clicks; stay authentic to your brand ✓ Building your narrative takes time and consistency (Jenna built for 11 years before viral moments) ✓ Saying yes to unexpected opportunities (like a podcast) can change your business trajectory ✓ Success looks different for everyone—celebrate the wins at every stage FIND JENNA GUARNERI JMG Public Relations: www.jmgpr.com Book: You Need PR (bestseller) Podcast: Call Your Publicist (387k+ streams, 2025 Most Shared Show on Spotify) Roku Channel: Call Your Publicist (expanding to television) Social Media: Instagram: (26K followers personal, 21K+ JMG PR page) LinkedIn: (active with thought leadership) Forbes: Contributor on Forbes Business Council WHY THIS EPISODE MATTERS Jenna represents something rare: a woman who's proven that PR success doesn't require massive budgets or celebrity status. She's not gatekeeping. She's not telling you to hire a big agency. She's saying: here's how I did it, here's the template, now go build your own visibility. She's building her company, hosting a podcast, appearing on national TV, launching on Roku, and still has time to mentor the next generation. CONTENT NOTE This episode is tactical, inspirational, and grounded in real business strategy. It's for entrepreneurs who want results, not hype.

    24 min

  3. APR 29

    The Self-Worth Equation: How Understanding Yourself Changes Everything | Anna Morgenstern | Influential Women Podcast

    What if the reason you keep dating the same type of person isn't luck? What if it's a pattern you're choosing—unconsciously—because of an old wound? Anna Morgenstern is NYC's top matchmaker and dating expert, having spent over a decade helping men and women worldwide find real partnerships. But here's what makes her different: she's not just a matchmaker. She's a pattern-breaker. She's someone who understands that most people aren't stuck because they're unlucky. They're stuck because they're dating from a wounded place—and they don't even know it. Anna's own journey proves it. She was a matchmaker who couldn't find her own match until she did the deep self-work she now helps her clients do. She spent years feeling turned off when men treated her well, pausing to ask herself why consistency and kindness felt wrong. She had to retrain herself to recognize a real partnership. In this honest conversation with host Jodie O'Brien, Anna reveals what actually keeps people from finding lasting relationships—and it's not what you think. Podcast hub: ⁠https://influentialwomen.com/podcasts⁠ IMDb: ⁠https://www.imdb.com/title/tt42561398/⁠ In this episode, we explore: Why you're not a victim to your type—and how to change it The patterns high-achieving women keep repeating How to recognize when you're dating from a wounded place Why superficial qualities lead to divorce What actually matters in finding a real partner The cost of accepting less than you deserve How to use travel and stress situations to evaluate partnerships Doing the self-worth work that changes everything Why your professional success doesn't guarantee relationship success Breaking patterns and finding real partnership Anna brings data, research, and lived experience. She's worked with hundreds of clients and lived through her own pattern-breaking. She doesn't offer inspiration without substance. She offers a strategy: understanding your attraction triggers, recognizing your patterns, and doing the work to retrain yourself to recognize real partnership. KEY TAKEAWAYS ✓ Attraction isn't fixed—it's a pattern you can change if it's not working ✓ Your type tells you where your wounds are coming from ✓ High-achieving women often attract unavailable men because it validates their drive ✓ Superficial qualities (looks, status, money) don't predict lasting relationships ✓ What matters: kindness, consistency, genuine friendship, shared goals ✓ You're likely dating from a wounded place without knowing it ✓ Stress situations reveal who someone really is (travel, delays, conflict)  ✓ Self-worth work means retraining yourself to recognize good treatment ✓ Patterns tell you everything about how you got here ✓ Your past doesn't define your future—and you can meet someone tomorrow who changes everything FIND ANNA MORGENSTERN Anna Morgenstern Matchmaking: www.annamorgenstern.com Social Media: Instagram: @annamorgenstern  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annamorgenstern Email: datingrehabnyc@gmail.com

    24 min

  4. APR 17

    Redefining Leadership: Empathy and Authenticity As Competitive Advantages | Sarah Burlew | Influential Women Podcast

    What if the secret to business success wasn't productivity, efficiency, or profit maximization? What if it was joy? Sarah Burlew walked away from a stable career in consulting to launch Omlie during the pandemic. Someone told her she didn't understand her market value. She proved them wrong by hitting $1.9 million in revenue in year one. Now, just a few years later, her woman-owned consulting firm has earned a place on the Inc. 5000 list, been recognized as a Global Top 100 Inspiring Workplace, and earned Sarah recognition as a Most Admired CEO. But what makes her journey remarkable isn't the accolades. It's what she's built: a consulting firm that centers joy, empathy, authenticity, and psychological safety as core business strategies—not soft perks or nice-to-haves. In this candid conversation with host Jodie O'Brien, Sarah reveals what it takes to bet on yourself when everyone doubts you, build a people-first culture at scale, and pioneer a completely different kind of leadership. In this episode, we explore: Why she walked away from consulting despite success How she identified what was missing in the way we work Building $1.9M in revenue in year one on conviction What "people-first culture at scale" actually looks like Why joy matters at work (and why most companies are missing it) Leading with values even when it costs you business The difference between entrepreneurs and calculated risk-takers Building a company intentionally designed around women's needs How she reframes feedback and self-worth What legacy she hopes to leave for future women leaders Sarah brings honesty about the hard moments, clarity about her values, and infectious passion for proving that business can be built differently. She doesn't offer inspiration without substance. She offers proof: through her Inc. 5000 listing, through her team's engagement, through the fact that people genuinely want to work there. Podcast hub: ⁠https://influentialwomen.com/podcasts⁠ IMDb: ⁠https://www.imdb.com/title/tt42561398/⁠ KEY TAKEAWAYS ✓ Work was designed 175 years ago for factory efficiency—but we're knowledge workers now  ✓ Joy, empathy, and authenticity aren't soft perks—they're competitive advantages  ✓ Building with values costs some opportunities. That's a price worth paying  ✓ Someone else's assessment of your worth is not truth—it's a reflection of their limitations ✓ Calculated risk-takers de-risk their decisions with small wins that build confidence ✓ Most businesses fail because leaders give up when it gets hard  ✓ Leading for the rising tide: decisions that create paths for others to follow ✓ Pioneers don't need playbooks—they create them  ✓ Fear and scarcity are constructs you can choose not to operate within  ✓ Your gut is data. Don't silence it. FIND SARAH BURLEW Omlie: https://omlieconsulting.com/ Social Media:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/omlie-consulting/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OmlieConsultingIG: https://www.instagram.com/omlieconsulting/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@omlieconsulting

    29 min

  5. APR 6

    From Lab to Life: The Journey Behind Solving Women’s Healthcare | Kathy Lee-Sepsick | Influential Women Podcast

    Some of the most important innovations happen in silence. Not because they're secret. Because they solve problems women have been told to accept. Kathy Lee-Sepsick, President and CEO of Femasys, has spent nearly 30 years in medical technology and holds over 200 global patents. But her real impact? She's created non-surgical solutions for two of women's most pressing health challenges: permanent birth control and infertility treatment. Solutions that didn't exist before. Solutions that are changing the choices available to millions of women. In this conversation with host Jodie O'Brien, Kathy reveals the journey that took 22 years, a decade navigating FDA approval, and an unwavering belief that women deserved better options than surgery and incisions. In this episode, we explore: How she discovered her passion for medical technology and went from biochemistry to founding a company Why she left a successful career to focus on women's reproductive health The systemic reasons women's health has been historically underfunded by investors How infertility is actually a male-female issue—and why that matters The science behind her breakthrough technologies and why they're different What it takes to raise capital for women's health when most investors are men Why innovation in women's health has stalled for 50+ years How she persisted through rejection, regulatory hurdles, and doubt Her message to women struggling with infertility: there is hope and choice now Advice for young women with ideas that could change the world Kathy brings scientific expertise, business acumen, and deep passion for solving problems women have been living with for too long. She doesn't offer platitudes. She offers proof: through her patents, her persistence, and the technologies that are now giving women options that didn't exist before. WHY THIS EPISODE MATTERS Kathy represents something powerful: a woman who saw a problem women had been living with and decided to solve it—no matter how long it took. She spent 22 years building the expertise, credibility, and persistence to turn an idea into reality. She navigated a male-dominated investor landscape. She fought through regulatory hurdles. She refused to give up when doors closed. And now, women have choices they didn't have before. This conversation will resonate with anyone who's: Struggled with infertility and felt alone Had an idea but doubted they could make it real Been told "that's not possible" and wanted to prove them wrong Worked in fields where women's issues are overlooked or underfunded Wanted to build something that solves real problems Wondered if 22 years is too long to pursue a dream Felt the pressure to skip steps and rush to success Been invisible in spaces where women's innovation matters Looking for proof that persistence and expertise matter Struggling and wanting to know: is there hope? FIND KATHY LEE-SEPSICK Femasys: femasys.com/ Social Media:https://www.youtube.com/@femasysinc.5436https://www.linkedin.com/company/femasyshttps://www.facebook.com/Femasyshttps://twitter.com/FemasysInc

    25 min

  6. MAR 27

    Beyond Million Dollar Listing: Real Estate as a Wealth Strategy | Kirsten Jordan | Influential Women Podcast

    Real estate isn’t just about buying and selling homes. It’s about building wealth, creating security, and engineering the freedom to focus on what truly matters. Kirsten Jordan, founder of The Kirsten Jordan Team at Corcoran and the first female broker cast on Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing New York, joins us to share her journey—from being underestimated and undervalued to building a $1.5+ billion real estate advisory practice and ranking #1 in Manhattan for transactions in 2023. But what makes Kirsten remarkable isn’t the television exposure or the rankings. It’s how she approaches wealth, leadership, and legacy—with analytical rigor and strategic precision. She doesn’t chase visibility. She builds influence through integrity.She doesn’t prioritize sales. She prioritizes stewardship. And in a male-dominated industry where those choices are rare, that approach has become her competitive advantage. In this episode, we explore: Why being underestimated early on was actually a gift—and how it shaped her resilience The moment she realized she had to build a team to scale (and what that cost) How being on reality television transformed her business in unexpected ways Why real estate is a wealth engineering tool—not just a transaction The conversations she has with high-net-worth clients that most people never hear Why women lag in asset ownership—and what they need to understand about building wealth How she protects client capital over chasing commission Building influence in a male-dominated industry without sacrificing who you are The real balance between running a top-ranked team, raising children, and protecting family time Her passion for helping families with children who have learning disabilities What legacy actually looks like beyond rankings and revenue Kirsten brings strategic clarity, hard-won wisdom, and the perspective of someone who has navigated male-dominated spaces while staying true to her values. She doesn’t offer quick fixes—she offers a framework for thinking about wealth, leadership, and what it truly means to build something that matters. Key Takeaways Underestimation can fuel resilience and clarity about your value Building a team isn’t about growth—it’s about focusing on your highest and best use Real estate is a wealth strategy, not just home buying Women need to understand asset ownership, leverage, and generational wealth Stewardship (protecting client capital) builds reputation faster than chasing transactions Authenticity and integrity are competitive advantages You can say no to opportunities that don’t align with your values—and still thrive Leadership is about bringing out the best in your team Legacy goes beyond business success to the people and causes you care about Balance isn’t about equal time—it’s about integration and clear priorities Podcast hub: https://influentialwomen.com/podcasts IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt42561398/ The Kirsten Jordan Team at Corcoran https://kirstenjordanteam.com/ Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kirsten-jordan-team TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kirstenjordanteam

    44 min

  7. MAR 20

    Get Loud and Lift: Building Leadership After the CEO Title | Betsy Hamm | Influential Women Podcast

    What happens to your identity when you walk away from the title? What do you do when the role that defined your professional life for nearly a decade is no longer yours? Betsy Hamm, former CEO of Duck Donuts and founder of Loud and Lifted (a women-in-leadership platform), knows intimately. She spent nearly a decade scaling Duck Donuts from 20 locations to nearly 200 globally—building a beloved brand, creating culture at scale, and supporting franchisees who had invested their life savings in the system. Then, in January 2025, she walked away. In this honest, vulnerable conversation with host Jodie O'Brien, Betsy shares her journey from stepping into a role she never expected to hold, scaling something nearly from scratch, to leaving at the peak and discovering that her real work was just beginning. This isn't a "I built a billion-dollar company" victory lap. This is the messy, exhilarating, terrifying, beautiful story of what happens when you choose reinvention. In this episode, we explore: How she went from leading a marketing team to becoming the CEO of an international franchise The weight of responsibility when franchisees invest their life savings in your brand Building systems and consistency at scale while maintaining trust The confidence gap women face (and why we underestimate ourselves while overestimating men) Why she decided to step away from a prestigious role Transitioning from corporate CEO to solopreneur—and the rollercoaster of identity loss Launching Loud and Lifted: creating community for isolated women leaders The importance of personal branding and being intentional about your visibility Why women need other women (more than we admit) The messy reality of career pivots and how to navigate them What support actually looks like when you're building something new Betsy brings raw honesty about the difficulty of scaling, the weight of leadership responsibility, and the courage it takes to walk away from a title you've earned. She doesn't romanticize the transition to solopreneur—she tells the truth: it's messy. But she also reveals something powerful: sometimes the title you shed becomes the platform you build. This conversation will resonate with anyone who's ever: Built something significant and wondered "is this it?" Felt a pull to do something different but feared leaving what's working Stepped into a role they never expected and thrived Realized their identity was wrapped up in their job title Struggled with the confidence gap (knowing they're capable but not believing it) Wanted to build something of their own Felt isolated even when surrounded by professional success Wondered how to support other women while building themselves Questioned whether they could succeed as a solo operator Faced the messy, non-linear reality of a career pivot Wanted to get loud about what women need to hear Podcast hub: ⁠https://influentialwomen.com/podcasts⁠ IMDb: ⁠https://www.imdb.com/title/tt42561398/⁠ FIND BETSY HAMM https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsy-hamm-1903362/ https://www.instagram.com/loudandliftedpodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@betsylhamm https://loud-lifted.kit.com/profile/links

    30 min

  8. MAR 6

    Competence Creates Confidence: Building Health, Impact, and Belief Across Everything You Do | Dr. Jarrett L. Manning | Influential Women Podcast

    Dr. Jarrett L. Manning, an accredited dentist, natural hair care innovator, and mentor extraordinaire, joins us to share how she built a career that transcends traditional boundaries—and why it all starts with doing the work. What's remarkable about Dr. Jarrett's journey is how she's woven together healthcare, entrepreneurship, and mentorship into one unified mission: empowering women and girls to feel confident, capable, and absolutely seen. She's not just practicing dentistry. She's building belief. As a practicing dentist for over 20 years, founder and CEO of Honey Envy (a doctor-created, scientifically-backed natural hair care line), and founder of Beyond Her Smile (a nonprofit dedicated to building confidence and exposure to STEAM careers among girls), Dr. Jarrett has cracked a code most leaders spend lifetimes chasing: how to create impact that matters. But this isn't a story about doing it all. It's about building structure, trusting your teams, and staying anchored to what actually matters. Podcast hub: https://influentialwomen.com/podcastsIMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt42561398/ In this episode, we explore: Why representation is everything for girls of color (and what happens when they see themselves in positions of power) The difference between balance and strategic structure (and why one leads to chaos while the other creates clarity) How one five-year-old girl's look changed everything about why this work matters The science behind Honey Envy and why integrity matters more than celebrity endorsements Building Beyond Her Smile: why talent is everywhere, but access isn't The real connection between oral health and total body wellness How competence actually builds confidence (there's really no other way around it) Why you should stop waiting for permission and take imperfect action The power of protecting your name, your reputation, and your presence Creating legacy that's bigger than revenue or recognition Dr. Jarrett brings raw honesty, unshakeable conviction, and practical wisdom about what it takes to build something meaningful. She doesn't sell quick fixes or motivational platitudes. She offers a real framework built on over two decades of expertise, entrepreneurship, and deep commitment to the next generation. This episode is for: Women building multiple ventures and wondering how to make it all work Anyone struggling with imposter syndrome and questioning if they're enough Entrepreneurs creating products or companies rooted in integrity and science Women leaders who sense their impact extends far beyond their job title Mentors and changemakers committed to creating opportunities for others Anyone who's heard "you're too much" and wants permission to stay exactly that big Women in male-dominated industries navigating visibility and representation Anyone ready to stop waiting for permission and start building belief FIND DR. JARRETT MANNING Honey Envy: www.honeyenvyhair.com Beyond Her Smile: www.beyondhersmile.org Social Media: @drjarrettmanning

    27 min
See All (19)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Influential Women Podcast features conversations with women leaders, founders, professionals, and subject matter experts about leadership, careers, entrepreneurship, visibility, and personal growth. The podcast is part of Influential Women, a professional media and editorial platform Hosted by Jodie O’Brien, each episode shares real stories from entrepreneurs, executives, creators, and changemakers, exploring the decisions, challenges, and turning points that shaped their journeys. Podcast hub: ⁠https://influentialwomen.com/podcasts⁠ IMDb: ⁠https://www.imdb.com/title/tt42561398/⁠

Information

  • Creator
    Influential Women
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Influential Women
  • Show Website
    Influential Women Podcast

You Might Also Like