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. Aug 12

    Dr. Alicia Newsome: Functional Medicine Doctor Shares The High-Achieving Woman’s Guide to Feeling Good (& Learning to REST)

    What if your hormones aren’t working against you—but actually trying to tell you something? In this episode of The Women On Top, Dr. Alicia Newsome breaks down women’s hormonal health in a way that’s practical, empowering, and easy to understand. We talk about menstrual cycle phases, estrogen and progesterone, stress and cortisol, hormone testing, supplements, exercise, fertility after 35, and why understanding your body can change the way you feel and function. But this conversation goes beyond hormones. We also explore self-worth, purpose, and what it means to create a life—and legacy—that feels aligned. *In this episode:* * Understanding your cycle and hormonal shifts * How stress impacts hormones * Estrogen, progesterone, and mood * Cycle tracking and hormone testing * Supporting hormonal health through lifestyle * Fertility after 35 * Self-worth, purpose, and women's empowerment Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Women's Hormonal Health 01:18 Advice to My 25-Year-Old Self 03:48 Understanding Menstrual Cycle Phases 06:32 Hormones During Ovulation and Their Effects 07:30 The Luteal Phase and Progesterone 09:27 Stress, Cortisol, and Hormonal Imbalance 12:40 Environmental Toxins and Estrogen Dominance 15:05 Cycle Mapping and Hormone Testing 20:36 Supporting Hormonal Balance with Supplements 22:55 Exercise and Movement Throughout the Cycle 24:57 Supporting Fertility After 35 40:00 The Power of Self-Worth and Purpose 52:12 Legacy and Women’s Empowerment   Connect with Dr. Alicia Newsome: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.alicianewsome/?hl=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.alicianewsome Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dralicianewsome/?ref=NONE_xav_ig_profile_page_web# Learn More: https://bodywellnessinstitute.practicebetter.io/#/61d24ac639803316f87085f8/bookings?s=6a727abdfa3255b509609085 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 29

    Solo Episode: I Turned Down More Money and a Better Title - Why I Don't Regret It

    In this personal solo episode, Valerie opens up about her layoff, the emotional and practical journey that followed, and the powerful lessons she learned while rebuilding her career with intention. She shares how she navigated uncertainty, reconnected with her core values, trusted her intuition, and ultimately chose alignment over ego—even when the “logical” choice seemed easier. This episode is a grounding, heartfelt reminder that your body knows, your values matter, and your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Valerie’s Journey in This Episode The moment she knew a layoff was coming—and why it felt strangely right.The shock of entering a tough job market after 17 years in one organization.A terrible interview that clarified what she didn’t want.A temporary role that felt like “homecoming.”A high-paying, high-title offer she turned down because her body said no.The realization that alignment > achievement.The peace she feels now doing work she genuinely loves: employee experience, engagement, well-being, and culture.A Message for Anyone in Transition If you’re navigating a layoff, career change, or a season of uncertainty, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone—and that clarity, alignment, and purpose often emerge from the messiest chapters. Closing Thank you for being part of this journey. Valerie sends love, encouragement, and a reminder that your richest, most meaningful life is already unfolding—one aligned choice at a time. 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. 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/

  4. 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/

  5. 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/

  6. 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/

  7. 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/

  8. 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/

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!