Opportunity Knocks by EmpowHer Purpose

Michelle Valenzuela Wolf
  • 5.0 (18)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Opportunity Knocks with Michelle Wolf of EmpowHer Purpose! Every Thursday, I feature a new guest female entrepreneur. These episodes are here to give you insight into how to take, make, create and evaluate opportunities. So listen in, knock knock, and open the door!

  1. E130: Energy - Your Greatest Investment with Sarah Deane

    APR 2

    E130: Energy - Your Greatest Investment with Sarah Deane

    Are you running on empty — and not even realizing it? On Episode 130 of the Opportunity Knocks Podcast, I sit down with Sarah Deane — CEO + Founder of MEvolution, Stanford University Continuing Studies instructor, and author of The Wellness Formula — to explore a transformational approach to energy management and human performance. We dive into a powerful truth: your energy — not your time — is the most valuable resource you have. Sarah shares her evidence-based framework for measuring, managing, and optimizing energy, helping you sustain peak performance without burning out. We also explore how aligning with your core values can boost motivation, focus, and overall fulfillment. Sarah Deane is a researcher, teacher, author, and innovator advancing the science of human energy, excellence, and performance. As CEO & Founder of MEvolution, she develops evidence-based systems that combine behavioral and cognitive science with artificial intelligence to help individuals and organizations measure, master, and sustain peak human capacity. A former HP global leader in employee workplace experience, Sarah holds a Master of Engineering in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence and teaches at Stanford University Continuing Studies. Her work has been featured in Fast Company, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Thrive Global, Reworked, and SHRM, and she regularly speaks at conferences including SXSW, HRWest, and Gartner.  In this episode, we explore: • Why energy — not time — is the true currency of capacity • The three pillars of Sarah’s energy management framework • How “energy leaks” silently drain your wellbeing and performance • The cost of running on adrenaline vs. building sustainable reserves • Why aligning with your core values creates momentum and fulfillment By understanding and managing your energy, you can finally move beyond burnout and create the space to perform at your best — personally and professionally. This episode gives you practical tools to start reclaiming your energy today. #OpportunityKnocks #EmpowHer #EmpowHerPurpose #MEvolution #EnergyManagement  #EmbodiedLeadership #NervousSystemRegulation #WomenInLeadership #EnergyIsCurrency #AlignedLiving #BurnoutRecovery #CorporateWellness #EnergyAudit

    41 min
  2. E129: Unplug to Reconnect with Suze Yalof Schwartz

    MAR 21

    E129: Unplug to Reconnect with Suze Yalof Schwartz

    What if the key to a more balanced life was as simple as learning to pause? On Episode 129 of Opportunity Knocks by EmpowHer Purpose, I sit down with Suze Yalof Schwartz, Founder and CEO of the Unplug Meditation App and creator of the world’s first drop-in meditation studio, Unplug Meditation. After a successful career in the fashion industry working with top publications, Suze experienced a life-changing moment through a simple meditation practice. That moment sparked a complete transformation—leading her to make meditation more accessible, modern, and practical for everyday life. In this conversation, Suze and I explore how meditation can become a powerful tool for managing stress, building consistency, and creating calm in a fast-paced world. Suze also shares how she turned her vision into a global wellness brand—building the Unplug app from the ground up with no prior app development experience, driven purely by her mission to make meditation simple and accessible for everyone. In this episode, we discuss: • Suze’s journey from high-stress corporate life to meditation pioneer • How simple daily practices can create lasting change • The power of habit-building and consistency in wellness • Why human connection is more important than ever in a digital world This conversation is a reminder that even the smallest shifts—like a few minutes of stillness—can create meaningful transformation. When we slow down, build intentional habits, and reconnect with ourselves, we open the door to a calmer, more balanced life. #OpportunityKnocks #Meditation #Mindfulness #WellnessJourney #EmpowerPurpose #WomenInLeadership

    45 min
  3. E128: Trust Your Gut and Take the Leap with Laura Wilson

    MAR 21

    E128: Trust Your Gut and Take the Leap with Laura Wilson

    What does it take to turn a vision into a nationally recognized brand—and trust yourself every step of the way? On Episode 128 of Opportunity Knocks, I sit down with Laura Wilson, CEO & Founder of Natural Pilates, for an honest and expansive conversation on entrepreneurship, intuition, and sustainable growth. After immigrating to the United States from Romania with just $100, Laura built what is now one of the most respected boutique fitness brands in the country. From her first studio in Beverly Hills to multiple locations across Los Angeles and New York City, Laura shares the real story behind scaling a business—navigating uncertainty, making bold decisions, and learning when to pivot. Together, Laura and I explore the balance between ambition and alignment, the courage it takes to let go of what isn’t working, and the role of intuition in both business and life. Laura also opens up about building a brand while raising a family, staying connected to her purpose through teaching, and why community remains at the heart of everything she creates. With deep expertise in movement and a passion for empowering others, Laura’s journey is a powerful reminder that success isn’t linear—it’s built through resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to keep evolving. In this episode, we talk about: - Building a business from the ground up - Trusting your gut and making aligned decisions - Scaling with intention while maintaining brand integrity -The power of pivoting and letting go - Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship - Creating longevity through movement and community Whether you’re growing a business, navigating change, or stepping into your next chapter, this conversation will inspire you to trust the path you’re on—and take the next step forward. #OpportunityKnocks #NaturalPilates #WomenInBusiness #EntrepreneurLife #PilatesCommunity #SuccessMindset

    44 min
  4. E127: What You’re Really Hungry For with Kim Shapira

    MAR 19

    E127: What You’re Really Hungry For with Kim Shapira

    Let’s Talk About Our Relationship with Food! Do you consider yours healthy? Well Balanced?  In Episode 127 of Opportunity Knocks, I sit down with Kim Shapira, a registered dietitian, author, and creator of the Kim Shapira Method, to talk about something that impacts all of us—our relationship with food. We dive into how comparison, pressure, and constant noise around what we “should” be doing can disconnect us from our bodies. Kim shares insights from nearly 30 years of experience, along with her Six Simple Rules for building a more balanced, sustainable approach to wellness. In this episode, we talk about: - How diet culture and comparison impact the way we see food and our bodies - What it actually means to listen to your body (and why it’s harder than it sounds) - Kim’s Six Simple Rules for creating sustainable, long-term wellness - The difference between physical hunger and emotional hunger - How to rebuild trust with yourself after years of restriction or confusion - Letting go of guilt and shame around food This conversation is all about learning to tune out the noise, trust yourself again, and understand what you’re really hungry for—both physically and mentally. It’s a reminder that creating a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to come from restriction, but from awareness, consistency, and self-trust. #OpportunityKnocks #EmpowHer #WellnessJourney #FoodFreedom #MindsetShift #SelfTrust #HealthyLiving #PersonalGrowth #HealthyEating #Diet #Wellness

    37 min
  5. E126: Improve Your Path to Longevity with Jessica Mehraban

    MAR 18

    E126: Improve Your Path to Longevity with Jessica Mehraban

    On Episode 126 of Opportunity Knocks by empower purpose, I sit down with Jessica Mehraban, PA-C, a board-certified physician assistant at NextHealth Jessica is passionate about helping individuals achieve optimal health through a functional, personalized approach. Her work focuses on identifying root causes and creating tailored protocols that support longevity, balance, and overall vitality—from gut health and hormones to skin and aging. In this conversation, Jessica and I explore the shift from reactive healthcare to proactive, preventive wellness. We discuss how advanced lab testing, lifestyle factors, and individualized care can empower people to take control of their health in a more informed and sustainable way. In this episode: • The importance of personalized, root-cause approaches to health • How functional medicine differs from traditional care • Peptides, when to use them, and why foundational health comes first • The benefits of contrast therapy and proactive wellness practices This conversation is a reminder that true health isn’t built on quick fixes, but on understanding your body, creating balance, and taking intentional steps toward long-term wellness. #OpportunityKnocks #FunctionalMedicine #Longevity #WellnessJourney #EmpowerPurpose #WomenInLeadership

    31 min
  6. E125: Building Trust Through Presence with Nick Sharp, LPCC

    MAR 17

    E125: Building Trust Through Presence with Nick Sharp, LPCC

    How does one build contact connection relationship & intimacy? I’m so excited to share Episode 125 of Opportunity Knocks by EmpowHer Purpose where I sit down with Nick Sharp, M.A., a Clinical Psychology and Counseling professional, trained at the Gestalt Equine Institute of the Rockies and founder of his own equine-based practice, Nick Sharp Counseling. Nick’s work centers around the healing power of connection—both with others and with the natural world. Through equine therapy, he helps individuals build trust, presence, and emotional awareness by working alongside horses, who model authenticity, safety, and nonverbal communication in powerful ways. In this conversation, Nick and I explore how true healing happens through contact, presence, and the willingness to slow down. They also dive into the growing challenges of disconnection in today’s world, and how reconnecting with nature—and ourselves—can create space for transformation. In this episode, we discuss: • The healing power of equine therapy and building trust through presence • Why contact and connection are essential for emotional growth • The difference between solitude and isolation—and why it matters • How slowing down and engaging with nature can support healing and self-awareness This conversation is a reminder that meaningful growth begins when we allow ourselves to be fully present. By embracing discomfort, deepening connection, and reconnecting with the world around us, we open the door to lasting transformation. #OpportunityKnocks #EquineTherapy #PersonalGrowth #Mindfulness #Connection #EmpowerPurpose

    57 min
  7. E124: Let’s Talk About Sex and Success: The Accomplished Woman with Dr. Christina Tracy Stein

    MAR 15

    E124: Let’s Talk About Sex and Success: The Accomplished Woman with Dr. Christina Tracy Stein

    I’m so excited to share episode 124 of the Opportunity Knocks podcast featuring the incredible Dr. Christina Tracy Stein. ✨ Christina is a therapist, sexologist, speaker, and the author of Accomplished Woman. Growing up in the personal development world as the daughter of legendary speaker and author Brian Tracy, Christina was surrounded by some of the pioneers of the self-development movement from an early age. Leaders like Tony Robbins, Jim Rohn, and Stephen Covey were part of the conversations in her world growing up, which sparked her lifelong curiosity about human behavior, psychology, relationships, and what it truly means to live authentically and with purpose. In this conversation, we explore everything from communication and intimacy to feminine energy, self-connection, and the power of authentic relationships. Christina shares how her own journey—from becoming a marriage and family therapist to earning a PhD in human sexuality—led her to help people better understand themselves, their partners, and the deeper connections that shape our lives. Christina also talks about her book Accomplished Woman, which encourages women to recognize their value, redefine what accomplishment means, and embrace a more holistic view of fulfillment that includes relationships, vitality, and authenticity. In this episode, we explore: • Why honest communication is the foundation of intimacy • The role vulnerability plays in building meaningful relationships • Reconnecting with your body, energy, and life force • How women can redefine what it means to feel accomplished • Why authentic connection is more important than ever in today’s world When we truly know ourselves and honor our own value, we show up more fully in our relationships—and that’s where real connection begins. #OpportunityKnocksPodcast #AccomplishedWoman #AuthenticConnection #WomenInLeadership #PersonalGrowth #Relationships #EmpowerWomen #FemininePower #SelfDiscovery #EmpowHer #OpportunityKnocks #ChristinaTracy #Success

    36 min
  8. E123: Multi-Dimensional Wellness: Longevity Redefined with Dr. Naina Sachdev

    MAR 13

    E123: Multi-Dimensional Wellness: Longevity Redefined with Dr. Naina Sachdev

    On Episode 123 of Opportunity Knocks by EmpowHer Purpose, Michelle sits down with Dr. Naina, a pioneering physician and plastic surgeon and specializes in longevity, regenerative, and integrative medicine. She also utilizes her expertise as a plastic surgeon. With a background in mathematics and decades of experience in clinical care, Dr. Naina brings a uniquely analytical and holistic perspective to understanding health, aging, and the future of medicine. Dr Naina seeks to create a whole wellness approach to maximize the quality of her care and better understand the multidimensionality of our wellness. In this conversation, Dr. Naina shares her journey from traditional medicine to a more multidimensional approach that looks beyond symptoms to address the root causes of disease. She discusses how biochemical imbalances, genetics, and lifestyle factors all play a role in long-term wellness, and why personalized treatment plans are essential for true healing. In this episode, we discuss: • The shift from traditional allopathic medicine to integrative and functional approaches • Longevity science, regenerative medicine, and the future of anti-aging care • Hormone regulation, nutrigenomics, and understanding the body’s biochemical balance • Why wellness treatments must be personalized and carefully monitored Dr. Naina’s work challenges the quick-fix culture of the wellness industry and encourages a deeper, more thoughtful approach to health—one rooted in science, discernment, and truly understanding the whole person. #OpportunityKnocks #LongevityMedicine #IntegrativeHealth #WellnessJourney #EmpowerPurpose #WomenInLeadership #EmpowHer #Anti-Aging #Balance

    54 min
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5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Welcome to Opportunity Knocks with Michelle Wolf of EmpowHer Purpose! Every Thursday, I feature a new guest female entrepreneur. These episodes are here to give you insight into how to take, make, create and evaluate opportunities. So listen in, knock knock, and open the door!

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