#WisdomOfWomen

A Force for Good Inc.
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Welcome to the #WisdomOfWomen Show, dedicated to amplifying the wisdom of women in business. A new model of leadership is emerging, and we are here to elevate the voices of women leading the way. We feature trailblazing women founders, investors, and growth experts illuminating the path of growth and prosperity for women-led enterprises. Join your host, Coco Sellman, 5x founder, impact investor, advisor to 500+ entrepreneurs, and creator of the Force for Good Business System(TM) -- the only comprehensive entrepreneureal operating system desiged for women leaders.

  1. How to Fill the Gaps for Women Founders with Melissa Wallace

    5D AGO

    How to Fill the Gaps for Women Founders with Melissa Wallace

    In today's episode of #WisdomOfWomen, I sit down with Melissa Wallace, the pioneering entrepreneur behind Fierce Foundry. What You'll Gain By Listening In: Melissa, with over 25 years in consumer, B2B, D2C, and creative agency sectors, shares invaluable insights on bridging the funding gap for women founders through a unique venture studio model. Listeners will gain practical advice and strategic insights on navigating the complex landscape of entrepreneurship and investment. Takeaways: Fierce Foundry aims to empower women entrepreneurs by addressing the funding gap they face in business.Melissa Wallace emphasizes the importance of combining capital investment with expert services for startup success.The studio model provides a supportive ecosystem, increasing the chances of success for women-led startups.Building a successful venture requires understanding the customer and tailoring products to their needs.Melissa recommends Carrie Kirpin's book 'Work It' as a significant source of inspiration for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The stages of development for startups at Fierce Foundry include ideation, product marketing, fundraising, and growth. Chapters: 04:55 Fierce Foundry: Empowering Women Founders 13:24 Focusing on Femtech:A New Era for Female Founders 19:39 Stages of Growth in Femtech 26:05 Understanding Customer Engagement 29:59 The Importance of Founding Teams in Startups 37:51 Transforming Fear into Excitement Burning Questions Answered: 1.How does Fierce Foundry differentiate itself from traditional venture accelerators? 2.What inspired the creation of Fierce Foundry? 3.What types of ventures or companies does Fierce Foundry invest in or partner with? 4.How does Fierce Foundry support founders through different stages of their business? Favorite Quotes: "Turning fear into excitement transforms the entrepreneurial journey into a thrilling adventure." - Melissa"Empowering women in business isn’t just about funding; it’s about structuring success from the ground up." - Coco Closing Thoughts: This episode of #WisdomOfWomen not only highlights the innovative approaches of Fierce Foundry but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for women entrepreneurs seeking to make significant impacts in their fields. Melissa Wallace’s expertise and the supportive ecosystem of Fierce Foundry provide a roadmap for success that many women founders will find invaluable. Offers & Contact Information: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissahudsonwallace/ LinkedIn – Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fierce-foundry/posts/?feedView=all Website: https://www.thefiercefoundry.com/ Email: info@thefiercefoundry.com Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and prosperity. YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yja3w7nh Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4tak8ajk Amazon Prime: https://tinyurl.com/366syddj Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdhananz RSS Feed: https://feeds.captivate.fm/womengetfunded/ Coco Sellman, the host of #WisdomOfWomen, believes business is a force for good, especially with visionary women at the helm. With over 25 years

    35 min
  2. Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Closing the Exit Gap with Carrie Kerpen

    FEB 17

    Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Closing the Exit Gap with Carrie Kerpen

    In this new episode our discussion revolves around the imperative to close the exit gap that women face in business, wherein they capture a mere 0.8% of exit value. I have the distinct honor of hosting Carrie Kerpen, a trailblazing entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of the Whisper Group, which specializes in exit readiness for women-owned businesses. Throughout our discussion, we delve into the transformative journey of women entrepreneurs, emphasizing the necessity of cultivating confidence alongside competence. Carrie elucidates her own experiences of building and selling her agency, highlighting the profound insights gained from her journey in navigating the complexities of business exits. As we explore the nuances of leadership and the unique challenges faced by women in the entrepreneurial sphere, we illuminate pathways for women to scale their ventures and achieve financial independence. Our Guest This Week: Today we have a SUCCESS SORCERESS in our midst! Carrie Kerpen is the Founder and CEO of The Whisper Group, the premier exit-readiness advisory firm dedicated exclusively to women-owned businesses. A trailblazing entrepreneur, Carrie built and sold one of the world's first social media agencies, turning a lifestyle business into a life-changing eight-figure asset. Through her work, her bestselling books — Work It!(which was featured in the #WisdomOfWomen Book Club) and her latest, The Whisper Way — and her podcast The Exit Whisperer, Carrie is on a mission to close the staggering exit gap, where women capture only 0.8% of exit value. Her visionary leadership empowers women founders to scale with purpose and exit with prosperity, reshaping the future of wealth for women. Carrie’s voice is bold, definitive, and rooted in a fierce belief: that women deserve to build companies that create freedom, impact, and generational wealth. Takeaways: A significant exit gap exists where women-owned businesses capture only 0.8% of total exit value, highlighting systemic inequalities.Carrie's journey illustrates how personal challenges can lead to professional growth and transformative business success.The Whisper Group aims to empower women entrepreneurs by providing resources and community support for business growth and exits.Both hosts stress the importance of confidence over mere competence in pursuing business opportunities and leadership roles.The conversation revolves around actionable strategies for women to build scalable businesses that can be sold for substantial value. Chapters: 05:06 Defining Moments: Shaping the Future 11:33 Transitioning into Leadership: From Wedding Planner to CEO 13:42 The Exit Gap and Women's Entrepreneurship 19:54 Understanding the Exit Gap for Women Entrepreneurs 30:01 Understanding Valuation: The Key Metrics for Success 31:58 Navigating the Emotional Challenges of Selling a Company 39:04 The Whisper Way: A New Chapter for Women Entrepreneurs Burning Questions Answered: Why do women capture only 0.8% of exit value—and how do we fix it?What makes a business actually sellable?Can women create life-changing wealth without building billion-dollar unicorns?li...

    41 min
  3. From Vision to Reality: Virginia Klausmeier Journey with Sylvatex

    JAN 27

    From Vision to Reality: Virginia Klausmeier Journey with Sylvatex

    This podcast episode features a profound exploration of the transformative impact of women in leadership, particularly through the lens of Virginia Klausmeier the founder and CEO of Sylvatex. Our discussion emphasizes the emergence of a new model of leadership, characterized by innovation and sustainability in the energy sector. Virginia shares her remarkable journey of developing a groundbreaking manufacturing process that significantly reduces costs and environmental impact in battery production. Throughout the episode, we delve into the importance of mentorship, the cultivation of diverse entrepreneurial ecosystems, and the intrinsic connection between care and innovation. Join us as we unpack the complexities of leadership and the imperative of harnessing women's wisdom to drive substantial change in the business landscape. Takeaways: Virginia exemplifies transformative leadership through her innovative approaches to battery manufacturing.The discussion highlights personal experiences that inform professional journeys, underscoring the significance of resilience and adaptability in entrepreneurship.The importance of community and collaboration is underscored, particularly in the context of mentorship and support among women founders.A recurring theme is that success, while commendable, is often preceded by challenges and pivotal moments of learning throughout one's career.The podcast advocates for a shift in focus from merely financial gains to creating meaningful impact, particularly in the realm of sustainable energy solutions. Chapters: 00:23 - Unlocking Opportunities for Women Led Enterprises 04:51 - Pivotal Moments in Life 13:23 - The Energy Revolution: Starting Sylvatex 21:00 - Transitioning to New Funding and Revenue Strategies 29:30 - The Future Vision: Opportunities Ahead 34:54 - The Vision for Sustainable Business Guest Offers & Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginia-klausmeier-2a34ab9/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/sylvatex/about/ https://www.sylvatex.com/ Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and prosperity. YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yja3w7nh Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4tak8ajk Amazon Prime: https://tinyurl.com/366syddj Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdhananz RSS Feed: https://feeds.captivate.fm/womengetfunded/ Coco Sellman, the host of #WisdomOfWomen, believes business is a force for good, especially

    38 min
  4. Designing for Belonging: How Space Influences How We Lead with Rachael Grochowski

    JAN 20

    Designing for Belonging: How Space Influences How We Lead with Rachael Grochowski

    In our new episode we talk about the transformative power of design, particularly in the context of well-being and community. We are privileged to converse with Rachael H. Grochowski, the Founder and CEO of RHG Architecture and Design, who introduces us to her innovative philosophy, "Design is Spiritual." This approach emphasizes the importance of creating spaces that foster a sense of presence, belonging, and holistic wellness, transcending mere aesthetics. Throughout our dialogue, we explore Rachael's extensive experience in the field and her commitment to integrating spiritual principles into architectural practices. By amplifying the voices and wisdom of women in business, we aim to illuminate pathways for women-led enterprises towards prosperity and meaningful impact. Our Guest This Week: In this week’s episode of #WisdomofWomen we have a 🌟 Presence-Building Architect 🌟 in our midst. Rachael H. Grochowski is the Founder & CEO of RHG Architecture + Design and the creator of the “Design is Spiritual™” philosophy—an approach that treats spaces as engines of wellbeing, presence, and belonging, not just aesthetics. With 30 years of experience across residential, hospitality, wellness, and community projects, she leads her award-winning studio in crafting environments that feel grounded, inclusive, and deeply human through intentional flow, materiality, light, and connection to nature. Before launching RHG in 2004, she honed her craft inside elite New York design studios, designing luxury hotels, restaurants, and wellness-centric spaces. Today she is a sought-after public speaker and an active advocate for wellness-centered design through the Global Wellness Institute’s architecture + design ecosystem. Rachael brings the rare blend of builder + wisdom-seeker (world traveler, yoga teacher, student of history and nature) to every project and every leadership lesson. Takeaways: Rachael's Design is Spiritual™ focuses on creating spaces that foster well-being and connection.Leadership in today's world requires a commitment to social justice and equality for all.Successful businesses must create environments that reflect their purpose and values effectively. Burning Questions Answered: 1.Why beauty without reverence feels empty 2.How space shapes behavior, culture, and leadership 3.What it means to build a business that reflects your deepest values 4.Why alignment matters more than scale for long-term prosperity 5.How founders can design environments that actually support growth, not drain it Chapters: 00:08 - Amplifying Women's Leadership 05:26 - Reflections on Influential Moments 10:25 - The Spirituality of Design 16:30 - The Importance of Regenerative Practices in Business 22:32 - Designing with Purpose: The Intersection of Spirituality and Business 27:11 - Creating a Wellness Space in Business 33:56 - Transitioning to the Fast Fire Round Guest Offers & Contact Information: www.rhgdesign.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-grochowski-ra-ncarb/ https://www.instagram.com/rhgdesign/ a href="https://www.facebook.com/RHGdesign/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    37 min
  5. Practical Insights on Grief from Samina Bari's Journey

    JAN 13

    Practical Insights on Grief from Samina Bari's Journey

    The central theme of this episode is the exploration of grief and the profound impact it has on individuals, particularly in the context of losing a spouse. We are honored to host Samina Bari, a seasoned public company officer and author, who shares her deeply personal journey following the unexpected death of her husband. Through her experience, Samina has crafted her book, "Don't Call Me Widow," which serves as a practical guide for those seeking to support grieving individuals. In our dialogue, we delve into the complexities of grief, the societal discomfort surrounding it, and the vital importance of offering genuine presence and understanding. As we navigate this difficult terrain, we aim to illuminate how we can better support those in our lives who are facing unimaginable loss. Our Guest This Week: In this week’s episode of #WisdomofWomen we have a 🌟Heart-Brave Truth-Teller 🌟 in our presence. Samina Bari is a two-time author, seasoned public-company officer, and strategic advisor who has spent 30+ years helping CEOs and boards navigate high-stakes moments—from IPOs and fundraising to crisis, governance, and reputation strategy. She has orchestrated transformation and growth efforts connected to major acquisitions involving global Fortune 500 companies, including deals valued at $2.3B, $2.6B, $14.3B, and $21B. After the sudden death of her husband in 2023—her partner of 21 years—Samina found herself living the kind of loss most people fear and few know how to support, while also parenting two young daughters through the unthinkable. That experience became Don’t Call Me Widow, a raw, practical, first-hand guide that teaches us what to say, what not to say, and how to show up with real presence when grief rewrites someone’s life. With the voice of a healthcare executive and the heart of a woman who has rebuilt from trauma and tragedy, Samina’s work turns pain into clarity—and gives all of us a better way to love people when it matters most. Takeaways: Samina's journey through grief highlights the profound challenges faced by those navigating loss.Practical guidance is provided on how to support individuals experiencing grief in a meaningful manner.The discussion delineates the societal discomfort surrounding death and grief, urging more open conversations.Samina's book serves as an essential resource for understanding how to approach grief sensitively and effectively.The episode underscores the importance of community support and presence during times of profound loss. Chapters: 00:06 Amplifying Women's Voices in Business 05:50 Understanding Grief and Loss 22:17 Navigating Grief: The Impact on Parenting 26:58 The Importance of Acknowledging Children's Grief 36:33 Navigating Grief and Professional Life Burning Questions Answered: 1.Why grief can’t be fixed—and why trying to fix it causes harm 2.How “well-meaning” phrases often land painfully wrong 3.What presence actually looks like when someone’s world collapses 4.Why children are not resilient—and why they need us to ask better questions 5.How leadership, compassion, and humanity intersect in moments of loss Guest Offers & Contact Information: www.saminabari.coma href="http://www.saminabari.com"...

    44 min
  6. Empowering Women to Shape Their Financial Futures with Syama Bunten

    JAN 6

    Empowering Women to Shape Their Financial Futures with Syama Bunten

    In our new episode I am joined by Syama Bunten, a transformational wealth leader, we delve into the emerging paradigm of women stepping into their financial power. Syama's impressive background as an angel investor and community builder underscores her commitment to redefining wealth for women, particularly as they prepare to inherit a staggering $30 trillion by 2030. Throughout our dialogue, we explore the significance of closing the money confidence gap and the unique strategies women can employ to navigate their financial journeys effectively. Our conversation serves not only to inspire but also to empower women to embrace their agency and leverage their inherent capabilities to create transformative change in their lives and the broader community. Our Guest This Week: In this week’s episode of #WisdomofWomen we have a 🌟 Future-Designing Wealth Warrior 🌟 in our midst! Syama Bunten is a transformational wealth leader, angel investor, and community builder who is redefining how women step into financial power. As Co-Founder of the Wealth Catalyst Summit and Big Delta Capital and host of the top 100-ranked Getting Rich Together podcast—with over 1,000 five-star reviews—she creates spaces where women speak openly about money, build confidence, and access real deal flow. Drawing from her early career at globally renowned brands like Gucci, Barneys, and Macy’s—and her experience co-founding and exiting the award-winning fast-growth company Rendall Co.—Syama brings both corporate sophistication and entrepreneurial credibility. Her work uniquely blends education, storytelling, and peer connection to close the money-confidence gap at a moment when women are poised to inherit over $30 trillion in wealth by 2030. She is catalyzing a movement of capital-aligned leadership, empowering women to build wealth, shape culture, and create the future they want to live in. Takeaways: Syama is a transformational wealth leader focusing on empowering women financially.The movement around women and wealth aims to close the money confidence gap significantly.Syama's personal stories illustrate the profound impact of pursuing integrity in one's career path.The discussion underscores the need for women to actively participate in the upcoming wealth transfer.Wealth Catalyst aims to inspire women to invest in their communities and pursue their unique paths. Chapters: 00:08 Amplifying Women's Voices in Business 05:28 The Journey of Integrity and Empowerment 13:00 Transformative Moments in Career and Life 17:49 The Power of Partnership in Wealth Creation 23:14 Empowering Women Through Capital Agency 30:30 Building Financial Confidence and Wealth 39:32 Transitioning to Wealth Conversations Burning Questions Answered: 1.Why women have been conditioned to outsource financial confidence 2.How wealth becomes sustainable when it aligns with values 3.Why “there is no roadmap” is actually good news 4.How confidence grows through action, not perfection 5.Why women’s financial power shapes families, communities, and economies Guest Offers & Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/syamameagher/ a href="https://wealthcatalyst.com/"...

    44 min
  7. Building a Legacy: Financial Wisdom for Future Generations with Sherry Finkel Murphy

    12/16/2025

    Building a Legacy: Financial Wisdom for Future Generations with Sherry Finkel Murphy

    The salient point of this episode revolves around the imperative of empowering women, particularly those over the age of 50, to seize control of their financial destinies and embrace the notion that they possess more runway in life than they might perceive. In this enlightening discourse, I, engage with Sherry Finkel Murphy, the esteemed Founder and CEO of Madrina  Molly®, who ardently advocates for women's financial independence and education through innovative planning and storytelling. We delve into the experiences that have shaped Sherry's journey, illuminating the challenges and triumphs faced by women in the financial landscape. Through her initiatives, Sherry endeavors to create a safe space where women can ask critical financial questions without fear of judgment, thereby fostering a community of support and empowerment. This episode seeks to inspire our listeners to recognize their inherent strength and potential for reinvention, regardless of age or circumstance. About Madrina Molly® Madrina Molly® is a subscription-based financial and longevity education platform designed to meet women where they are — without shame, jargon, or intimidation. Through storytelling, Q&A, and mini-courses, Sherry bridges the gap between professional financial planning and real-life decision-making. It’s education rooted in dignity, clarity, and agency. Takeaways: Sherry articulates the importance of financial independence for women, particularly those aged fifty and over, advocating for proactive financial planning. A significant theme discussed is the necessity for women to embrace their own narratives and assert their influence within their industries. The episode explores the concept of leveraging one's experiences and wisdom to foster intergenerational relationships, particularly between women and their families. Chapters: 04:39 The Power of Perseverance: A Discussion on Life Lessons 12:21 The Triple Decker Club Sandwich Generation 16:11 Navigating Life's Transitions: The Opportunity for Freedom 23:25 Planning for the Future: The Importance of Exit Strategies 28:59 Building Professional Relationships 36:21 The Caregiving Crisis and Women's Empowerment 39:32 The Journey of Wisdom and Empowerment Burning Questions Answered: 1.What if the way we’ve been taught to think about money… was never designed for women? 2.What if midlife isn’t a closing chapter — but the beginning of your most powerful one? 3.And what if the real risk isn’t spending too much… but waiting too long to live fully? 4.How do you build a business, a life, and a future that honors both ambition and wellbeing? Favorite Quotes: "No one ever wishes they worked harder. We each get 168 hours a week.” “Begin with the end in mind — that’s how you know if you have a business or a labor of love.” “There are two ways to flunk retirement: running out of money… or never living.” Guest Offers & Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-c-firtle-a101511b/ https://www.instagram.com/bridgetcfirtle/?hl=en Follow the #WisdomOfWomen show for more inspiring stories and insights from trailblazing women founders, investors, and experts in growth and prosperity. YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yja3w7nh Spotify: a...

    41 min
  8. Building, Breaking, Beginning Again: The Fierce Independence of Bridget Firtle

    12/09/2025

    Building, Breaking, Beginning Again: The Fierce Independence of Bridget Firtle

    The salient point of this weeks episode is the remarkable journey of Bridget Firtlel, a dynamic entrepreneur who has successfully navigated the worlds of finance and spirits. Bridget, previously entrenched in the high-stakes environment of Wall Street, transitioned to founding Owney’s Rum, a venture that has flourished under her leadership. In a significant turn of events, Bridget shares her recent decision to repurchase Owney’s Rum from Proximo Spirits, marking a pivotal moment in her entrepreneurial narrative. Throughout the discussion, we explore the complexities of her dual role as a founder and a mother, delving into the notion of success that transcends mere financial gain to encompass personal fulfillment and family priorities. We invite our listeners to reflect on the insights shared by Bridget as she articulates her vision for the future, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and resilience in the journey of business development. Our Guest This Week: In this week’s episode of #WisdomofWomen we have a 🌟 Cocktail Capitalist🌟 in our midst!   Bridget Firtle is a powerhouse founder who left a high-flying Wall Street hedge fund career to build one of New York’s most beloved spirits brands—Owney’s Rum—long before “craft distilling” was a movement. With her rare blend of financial acumen and street-level grit, she grew Owney’s into a national success and forged a strategic partnership with Proximo Spirits before successfully exiting in 2020. Never one to stay still, Bridget went on to found Rockaway Soda, launch New York Raised Us, and establish The Cyclone Group—all while investing in and advising purpose-driven ventures. Recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30, The Financial Times, The New York Times, and CNBC, she’s known for breaking molds, building legacies, and leading with fierce independence. A native New Yorker to the core, Bridget brings both edge and empathy to the entrepreneurial game—proving that building a company of substance starts with the courage to bet it all on your vision. Takeaways: Bridget's journey showcases the transition from Wall Street to founding a successful spirits brand. The conversation highlights the challenges and triumphs of being a woman entrepreneur and mother. Bridget's repurchase of Owney’s Rum signifies her commitment to her vision and entrepreneurial roots. The episode reflects on the evolving definition of success beyond financial gain to personal fulfillment. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their unique paths and pursue authentic definitions of success. Chapters: 00:07 Amplifying Women's Voices in Leadership 00:32 Bridget's Journey: From Wall Street to Craft Distilling 13:24 Navigating Business Challenges 20:24 The Balancing Act: Entrepreneurship and Parenthood 28:33 The Evolution of Success Burning Questions Answered: 1.What does it take to walk away from a successful exit… and then choose to reclaim the company you built? 2.How do you know when it’s time to return to the work that once lit you up? 3.What does “success” actually mean after you've lived the corporate path, exited a company, and become a mother? 4.How do you build boldly while honoring your values, your family, and your independence? GUEST OFFERS & CONTACT INFORMATION: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-c-firtle-a101511b/ https://www.instagram.com/bridgetcfirtle/?hl=en Follow

    35 min
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About

Welcome to the #WisdomOfWomen Show, dedicated to amplifying the wisdom of women in business. A new model of leadership is emerging, and we are here to elevate the voices of women leading the way. We feature trailblazing women founders, investors, and growth experts illuminating the path of growth and prosperity for women-led enterprises. Join your host, Coco Sellman, 5x founder, impact investor, advisor to 500+ entrepreneurs, and creator of the Force for Good Business System(TM) -- the only comprehensive entrepreneureal operating system desiged for women leaders.

Information

  • Creator
    A Force for Good Inc.
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    88
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 A Force for Good Inc.
  • Show Website
    #WisdomOfWomen