The Women On Top

Valerie Lynn

HELLO, Gorgeous. Welcome to The Women On Top — the mentorship podcast you’ve always wanted, designed by women, for women. Here, we’re not about competition; we’re about collaboration.  This is where female leaders, rising disruptors, and bold changemakers pull back the curtain and share the lessons, the failures, and the breakthroughs that shaped them.  Think unfiltered wisdom, candid conversations, and the kind of advice you’d only get if you were sitting across from them over coffee—or champagne. From boardrooms to startups, side hustles to personal reinventions, we’re learning directly from women who are rewriting what leadership looks like.  They’re not gatekeeping; they’re handing you the playbook. So, if you’ve ever wished for a mentor in your ear—someone who gets it, who’s been there, and who isn’t afraid to tell it like it is—this is your podcast. Grab your espresso, adjust your heels, and let’s strut to the top—because we don’t just break glass ceilings, we own the skyline. >Disclaimer: No actual glass ceilings were harmed in the making of this podcast… yet!

  1. Jul 15

    Dr. Saru Bala: Fatigue, Weight Gain, Anxiety? What Your Hormones and Gut Are Telling You (You're NOT Crazy!)

    In this episode, Dr. Saru Bala joins Valerie to break down the foundations of women’s hormonal health in a practical, empowering way. They explore how stress, gut health, blood sugar, and liver function all work together to influence cycles, symptoms, and long-term wellness. The conversation challenges common misconceptions about “normal” periods, aging, metabolism, and conditions like endometriosis and PCOS—while offering realistic, root-cause strategies women can start using immediately. This episode is a reminder that your symptoms are not random—they’re signals—and learning to interpret them is a powerful first step toward healing. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Saru Bala and Her Mission 03:02 The Importance of Women's Health Awareness 05:58 Understanding Normal vs. Painful Periods 09:06 The Role of Hormones in Women's Health 12:03 Four Pillars of Hormone Health 15:00 Gut Health and Its Connection to Hormones 18:11 Endometriosis and Inflammation 20:50 Creating an Action Plan for Hormonal Health 23:47 The Impact of Stress on Women's Health 30:08 Understanding Cortisol and Its Impact 33:25 Recognizing Stress Signals 35:41 The Truth About Metabolism and Aging 37:57 The Connection Between Stress and Weight Gain 38:33 Nutrition: Finding What Works for You 40:06 The Role of Fasting in Health 41:15 Empowering Women Through Health Education 44:10 Navigating Healthcare: Finding the Right Support 46:39 The Benefits of Castor Oil Packs 50:06 Final Thoughts on Self-Care and Awareness Connect with Dr. Bala: Website: https://www.drsarubala.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drsarubala?lang=en Blog: https://www.drsarubala.com/blog Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarubala Connect with The Women On Top: Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.  Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories! Website: https://thewomenontop.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

  2. Jul 1

    SC Perot: How a Stanford Lawyer's Burnout Led to a Harry Styles Obsession, a Bestselling Book, and a Whole New Life Built Around Joy

    When her marriage ended, SC Perot had to rebuild her entire life from the ground up. What she didn't expect was that the rebuilding would start on long walks, with Harry Styles' music in her ears, slowly leading her back to her own joy.  In this episode, SC shares how that unlikely ritual cracked open a life beyond anything she had planned for, and we talk about what it means to actually follow the internal nudges pointing you toward your dreams, long before you understand where they're taking you. Chapters 00:00 From Law to Joy: SC's Journey 03:01 The Role of Mentorship in Career Transitions 05:56 Navigating Burnout and Career Clarity 08:58 The Power of Decisive Action 12:04 Finding Your Unique Dreams 14:53 Embracing Change and New Opportunities 28:15 The Journey of Joy and Self-Discovery 35:39 Finding Joy in the Everyday 40:13 Balancing Present Gratitude and Future Goals 42:51 Living in the Moment: The Power of Joy 46:49 Advice for the Next Generation: Trust the Process More About SC Perot: Website: https://www.scperot.com/ Styles of Joy Book: https://www.amazon.com/Styles-Joy-Feel-Good-Framework-Rediscovering/dp/1637633459 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scperot/ Anne Levine - Law School Expert: https://www.lawschoolexpert.com/about-ann/ Ingrid Fattel Lee - Joyful: https://aestheticsofjoy.com/ Harry Styles - Carla's Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tIC16OCb0k Connect with The Women On Top: Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.  Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories! Website: https://thewomenontop.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

  3. Jun 17

    Madge Rumman: The Medical System is Failing Women with Perimenopause and Menopause , So She Built a Business to Close the Gap

    There is a condition that will affect every single woman on the planet. Not most women. Every woman. And for generations, we have treated it like a secret. Madge Rumman decided she had seen enough. A fintech veteran who could have kept building in the world she knew, Madge followed a quieter and more urgent call into women's health — co-founding Blair Health, Canada's first AI-powered platform for perimenopause and menopause care. Built on one belief: that every woman deserves fast, expert care without a nine-month waitlist standing between her and answers. In this episode we get into why the menopause care system is broken, what Blair Health is doing to fix it, and what Madge learned about betting on yourself when the perfect moment never comes. What we cover: 🔬 Why perimenopause can begin as early as your late thirties and what that means for you right now 🏥 How Blair Health is using AI to bring specialist-level menopause care directly to women 💬 Why menopause has been shrouded in silence for generations and what is finally shifting 🚀 What it is really like to build in femtech, where funding and talent are both scarce ✨ Why the perfect moment is never coming — and what happens when you stop waiting for it Connect with Madge:  Blair Health Website: https://blairhealth.ca/about-us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DXMuGdLCk6Q/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madgerumman/ Links: https://nkzv9.mssg.me/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnso_HXraNslsM_7E_GXnIRpob4r9IfIAyIXtZuG7JCO0uPToKnV6gGCk-GvA_aem_8lyUc6y9VGHoYMW3wMtzhg Connect with The Women On Top: Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.  Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories! Website: https://thewomenontop.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

  4. Jun 3

    Dena Ayala: The Job Market Has Changed - Here's What You Need to Know & How to Stand Out

    The job market has dramatically changed — and most people are still playing by the old rules.  In this episode, talent acquisition expert and senior leader, Dena Ayala, pulls back the curtain on what's actually happening on both sides of the hiring table. We talk about how AI is reshaping resumes and recruitment, why your personal story is your most underutilized asset, and how women especially can advocate for themselves with more confidence and creativity. Whether you're actively searching or simply future-proofing your career, this one is full of practical moves you can make today! What we cover: 🤖 How AI is changing the game for both job seekers and recruiters 📄 Writing resumes and videos that actually feel like you 🔄 Practical strategies for career transitions and upskilling 🔮Where the job market is heading — and how to stay ahead of it Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Talent Acquisition Challenges 03:04 Navigating the Job Market: Insights and Strategies 05:54 The Role of Video Resumes in Job Applications 08:54 Empowering Women in Career Advancement 11:54 The Impact of AI on Recruitment 15:02 Future Job Market Trends and Adaptation 17:59 Optimizing Resumes with AI Tools 22:36 Navigating AI in Job Applications 25:38 The Personal Touch in Job Applications 27:38 Passion for Helping Others 29:34 Embracing Change in Recruitment 31:15 Tools for Modern Recruiters 35:27 Building a Meaningful Career 40:55 Celebrating Accomplishments and Finding Joy resources Helpful AI Tools: Gamma for Presentations - https://gamma.app/Seamless AI - https://seamless.ai/JuiceBox - https://juicebox.ai/Apollo - https://apollo.io/Krisp - www.krisp.aiSeekOut - www.seekout.com  Connect with Dena & Ignite Human Capital: Ignite Human Capital - https://ignitehumancapital.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denaayala/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ignitehumancapital/ Connect with The Women On Top: Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.  Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories! Website: https://thewomenontop.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

  5. May 20

    Arianna Davis Santana: Executive Editor of The TODAY Show on Ambition, Fulfillment, & Lessons from the Most Powerful Women in Media

    In this episode, we sit down with Arianna Davis Santana, Executive Editor of Digital at the TODAY Show, to explore what it really means to build a career at the center of modern media, and what ambition looks like once you’re inside it. Arianna’s career spans some of the most influential names in media: from Oprah Daily (formerly O, The Oprah Magazine) to the TODAY Show, where she now leads digital strategy and editorial direction while also appearing on-air to break down what’s trending online. Before that, she helped launch OprahMag.com, the fastest-growing site launch in Hearst Magazines’ history, and later helped lead its evolution into Oprah Daily.  She has also shaped editorial storytelling at Refinery29, where she wrote deeply reported features and personal essays centered on culture, identity, and the lived experiences of women. Across every chapter of her career, Arianna has been inside the rooms where modern media is shaped - interviewing icons like Oprah Winfrey, Hillary Clinton, Mariah Carey, John Legend, Will Smith, and more, while also building digital platforms that define what millions of people read, watch, and share. But this conversation goes far beyond titles. We talk about: -The evolution of ambition in modern media -What success actually feels like once you achieve what you thought you wanted -Why leadership sometimes requires a little “Miranda Priestly energy” -How authenticity, kindness, and authority can coexist in powerful women -And how AI, digital culture, and storytelling are reshaping the future of media Arianna also opens up about the deeper lessons she’s learned along the way, including how career setbacks, reinvention, and visibility all shape who you become when no one is watching. At its core, this episode is about rewriting success, redefining ambition, and learning how to lead without losing yourself in the process.   Connect with Arianna: Website: https://www.ariannadavis.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariannagab LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariannadavis/ What Would Frida Do?: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/arianna-davis/what-would-frida-do/9781541646322/?lens=seal-press TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ariannagdavis Connect with The Women On Top: Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.  Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories! Website: https://thewomenontop.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

  6. May 6

    Molly McCartan: M&A Expert Shares The Truth About Why Women Are Walking Away From the Workforce & How to Build A Profitable Business You Can Exit

    What does it really take to build a powerful career and a fulfilling life—and why are so many women deciding the traditional path just isn’t worth it anymore? In this episode of The Women On Top, Molly McCartan, Managing Partner at The Whisper Group and Founder & CEO of The Mom Pact, pulls back the curtain on her journey through the high-stakes world of mergers and acquisitions, and the deeper calling that led her to advocate for working women everywhere. We also explore the growing movement of women stepping away from traditional careers—and what needs to change to truly support women in the workplace, at home, and within themselves. If you’ve ever questioned the path you’re on, felt the weight of “doing it all,” or wondered what it would look like to build your own table—this episode is for you. Chapters 00:00 Empowering Women in Business 02:41 Navigating Mergers and Acquisitions 06:08 Building a Supportive Network 08:58 Strategies for Business Success 11:43 Avoiding Common Pitfalls 15:01 Overcoming Burnout and Self-Doubt 25:34 The Pressure to Prove: Women's Challenges in the Workplace 27:42 Negotiating for Yourself: The Importance of Self-Advocacy 29:17 Balancing Work and Family: The Ongoing Struggle 30:04 Finding Support: The Role of Partners in Career Success 31:54 The Workforce Exodus: Why Women Are Leaving Their Jobs 33:13 Creating Resources for Working Moms: The MomPact Initiative 34:29 Advocating for Change: The Need for Better Policies 36:20 Mental Health Resources: A Crucial Need for All 37:51 Closing the Gender Gap: The Fight for Equality 40:44 The Reality of Corporate Loyalty: Understanding Your Worth 42:24 Supporting Yourself: Best Practices for Busy Women 45:45 Embracing Imperfection: The Journey of Growth 47:54 Building Your Own Table: Empowering Women to Lead 49:50 Paying It Forward: The Importance of Mentorship Connect with Molly: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollymccartan52 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollyowensmccartan/ The Mom Pact: https://www.entreprenista.com/articles/molly-mccartan-is-building-the-mom-pact-to-advance-ambitious-working-mothers-through-strategy-community-and-career-support Connect with The Women On Top: Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.  Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories! Website: https://thewomenontop.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

  7. Apr 22

    Jenneh Rishe: In Loving Memory, Championing Endometriosis & Chronic Illness Awareness

    Today’s episode is a re-release of my conversation with Jenneh Rishe, shared in loving memory of her life. In sad news, Jenneh passed away recently, and I’ve chosen to bring this conversation back because it so deeply reflects who she was - her clarity, her compassion, her honesty, and the way she showed up for others even while navigating her own health journey. Listening back now, her voice carries even more meaning. This episode is not just a conversation, it’s a reflection of her presence, her advocacy, and the impact she made in the lives of so many.  She carried with her fierce hope and faith, and was always looking for the silver lining. It is an honor to get to share her voice again here, and to keep her story and her work alive.  She has left a powerful legacy and will be missed! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Chronic Illness Advocacy 01:44 The Journey to Diagnosis 08:22 Lack of Awareness in Women's Health 10:56 Understanding Endometriosis Beyond Gynecology 13:14 The Impact of Endometriosis on Overall Health 15:03 Mental Health and Identity After Diagnosis 17:45 Advice for Those Suspecting Endometriosis 21:38 The Importance of Persistence in Health Advocacy 22:44 Navigating the Healthcare System: A Patient's Role 24:56 Effective Communication with Healthcare Providers 26:00 Shared Decision Making in Healthcare 30:46 Journaling as a Tool for Mental Health 33:41 The Journey of Writing and Future Aspirations 36:14 Finding Hope in Chronic Illness 39:24 Empowering Women to Trust Their Bodies Learn More About Jenneh Rische: Website: https://www.jennehrishe.com/ The Endo Co: https://www.theendo.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeabove_illness/?hl=en Connect with The Women On Top: Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.  Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories! Website: https://thewomenontop.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

  8. Apr 8

    Melanie Borden: The Personal Branding Myth Nobody Talks About - Why Visibility Comes Before Confidence

    Show Notes: What if the thing standing between you and your most visible, impactful self isn't a lack of strategy — but a fear you've been calling something else? In this episode, I sit down with Melanie Borden — brand strategist, speaker, and author of Theater of the Mind — for an honest, grounding conversation about what it actually means to build a personal brand as a woman. Not the polished version. The real one. Melanie has helped hundreds of women step into their professional presence with clarity and confidence, and what she's learned might surprise you: your brand isn't something you create. It's something you uncover. It's the essence of who you already are — and the work is learning how to transfer that into everything you put out into the world. We talk about the trap of overthinking, the real reason imposter syndrome keeps showing up, and why so many women are waiting for confidence before they start showing up — when it actually works the other way around. Melanie's framework is simple but transformative: visibility builds confidence, not the other way around. Whether you're just beginning to think about your brand or you've been circling it for years, this conversation is your invitation to stop waiting and start being seen. In this episode, you'll hear: What a personal brand actually is (and why most people get it wrong)How authenticity and your "inner essence" are the core of everything you put outWhy imposter syndrome shows up so often for women — and how to start dismantling itThe small but powerful habit of collecting proof of your own achievementsWhy creating content with your audience in mind (not yourself) changes everythingWhat Melanie means when she says confidence is a result of visibility, not a requirement for itChapters 00:00 Introduction to Branding and Personal Essence 05:30 Navigating Vulnerability and Imposter Syndrome 10:08 Theater of the Mind: Crafting Your Brand Narrative 15:22 Understanding Readiness in Branding 19:26 Defining Your Brand: Melanie's Perspective 22:26 Empowering Women in Personal Branding 25:05 Facing Fears and Taking Risks 30:10 Learning from Setbacks 33:07 Creating for Your Audience 38:15 The Power of Visibility 44:04 Transformative Impact of Personal Branding Connect with Melanie:  Website: https://humantobrand.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanieborden/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humantobrand/ Connect with The Women On Top: Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.  Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories! Website: https://thewomenontop.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

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5
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

HELLO, Gorgeous. Welcome to The Women On Top — the mentorship podcast you’ve always wanted, designed by women, for women. Here, we’re not about competition; we’re about collaboration.  This is where female leaders, rising disruptors, and bold changemakers pull back the curtain and share the lessons, the failures, and the breakthroughs that shaped them.  Think unfiltered wisdom, candid conversations, and the kind of advice you’d only get if you were sitting across from them over coffee—or champagne. From boardrooms to startups, side hustles to personal reinventions, we’re learning directly from women who are rewriting what leadership looks like.  They’re not gatekeeping; they’re handing you the playbook. So, if you’ve ever wished for a mentor in your ear—someone who gets it, who’s been there, and who isn’t afraid to tell it like it is—this is your podcast. Grab your espresso, adjust your heels, and let’s strut to the top—because we don’t just break glass ceilings, we own the skyline. >Disclaimer: No actual glass ceilings were harmed in the making of this podcast… yet!

Information

  • Creator
    Valerie Lynn
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    70
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Women On Top
  • Show Website
    The Women On Top