Women Leaders on the Move - HerCsuite® Radio Natalie Benamou, Host and HerCsuite® Founder, C-suite leader

Have you ever heard of Reuse? Join Natalie Benamou for an inspiring episode with Jessica Gonzalez, CEO of Happen Ventures. Jessica shares her remarkable journey from facing near-bankruptcy during the COVID-19 pandemic to building a successful business dedicated to sustainability and reuse. Learn how she transformed personal and professional challenges into opportunities, pivoting from event management to waste management innovation. Jessica's innovative approach ensures no resource is wasted while minimizing costs and amplifying sustainability.

Key Takeaways
Empowering Sustainability Through Reuse
- Jessica shares her journey of turning near-bankruptcy and personal challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic into a successful business focused on sustainability and reuse.
- She discusses how she repurposed excess COVID-related waste, such as hand sanitizers and face masks, to help communities in need, leading to the founding of Happen Ventures.

Connecting Nonprofits to Surplus Resources
- Jessica explains how leveraging AI and technology can efficiently match surplus products from retailers with the needs of local nonprofits.
- The hyperlocal approach minimizes logistical costs and maximizes sustainability, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional recycling.

Balancing Growth and Personal Life
- Jessica discusses the remarkable growth of her company and how she balances professional success with personal life.
- She shares insights into managing rapid expansion, undergoing IVF, relocating to Puerto Rico, and redefining success through quality time with her family.

Inspiring Women in Business
- Jessica's story is a testament to the power of adaptability and creativity in challenging times.
- She encourages listeners to rethink recycling and consider reusing materials, aiming to inspire sustainable and proactive approaches in their own lives and businesses.


Thank you Jessica for being our featured guest today.
QUOTES
Empowering Sustainability Through Reuse
- "Reuse is helpful for all people, it’s less expensive than recycling, better for the environment and has tax benefits.  I'm proud to say that we are pushing for the new frontier of sustainability with both companies and homes, through reuse first as an option when it comes to finding homes for products that you no longer want." - Jessica Gonzalez

Connecting Nonprofits to Surplus Resources
 "We've been able to have our nonprofit partners go and pick it up. We do it hyperlocal. Our AI tech platform connects the needs with thousands of nonprofits.” Jessica Gonzalez

Expressing gratitude to our listeners. Please rate and review the show! Keep shining your light bright. The world needs you.
Thank you Jessica for being on the show!

Connect CEO & Entrepreneur Jessica Gonzalez, leads Happen Ventures as it transforms landfill-bound waste into valuable community resources. She possesses 16+ years of experience building & scaling international startups from the ground up. Jessica is a Latina woman and proud single mother to her amazing children, and she embraces that the path to building a business has never been easy for her, but she lives and works with the attitude that "nothing is impossible.”
Happen Ventures bridges the gap between companies and communities by diverting reusable products wrongly going to landfills and provide them to people in need.
LinkedIn 
www.happenventures.com
Natalie Benamou is the host of "Women Leaders on the Move '' and the Founder of HerCsuite®, a powerful women's network providing connect circles for women’s careers and businesses. She is dedicated to making it easier for women to achieve success in all aspects of their lives. Natalie is also the Founder and President of HER HEALTHX, a nonprofit focused on improving health outcomes for women.
Natalie Benamou on LinkedIn
HerCsuite® on LinkedIn
This show is sponsored by our HerCsuite® Connect Circles for individuals and business owners. Lear

How do you capture someone's attention in just three seconds? Join host Natalie Benamou as she talks with Sheila Rondeau, the visionary CEO of MOGXP and retired Army First Sergeant, who transitioned from military life to leading an experiential marketing agency.

Sheila shares her compelling journey and unveils her philosophy on balancing creativity with meticulous planning and rigorous analysis. Her experiences managing large-scale events, like the Charmin luxury restrooms in Times Square, offer a treasure trove of insights into creating memorable brand experiences through sensory immersion and genuine engagement.

In this episode, we also uncover the evolving trends in experiential marketing, from grassroots sports to the irreplaceable value of face-to-face interactions. Sheila's role as a fractional CMO provides actionable insights for small and medium-sized businesses looking to make their mark in a crowded marketplace. Whether it's the importance of a warm, inviting personality in event staffing or the power of speaking with consumers rather than at them, Sheila's wisdom is both inspiring and practical. 

Dive into an episode packed with heartfelt stories, innovative strategies, and the essence of true consumer engagement.

3 Ways to Increase Engagement:
Capture Attention Quickly: Ensure your brand makes a strong initial impact within the first three seconds to grab consumer attention.
Use Engaging Staff: Employ warm, engaging staff who can connect with customers on a personal level to significantly enhance consumer engagement.

Create Community-Centric Events: Look for inspiration from grassroots and community-centric events like flag football and pickleball to foster a sense of fun and engagement.

Favorite Quotes
"You literally only have three seconds. Use it wisely. Put your best foot forward, put a smile on your face, and share it in your voice."-Sheila Rondeau

"Face-to-face changes habits more than anything. People still want to know the people they do business with, and nothing does that like being face-to-face."- Sheila Rondeau

Thank you Sheila for being a featured guest today!
About Our Guest
Sheila Rondeau is the founder of MOGXP, marketing operations group - Experiential. They invent and create customized experiential marketing. Think… Pop-up stores, social media and large-scale in-person events // PR stunts, VIP hospitality experiences, trade shows // unique events that’ll create conversations about our clients. Sheila started with experiential marketing at Anheuser-Busch and worked with some of the best-known brands in the world.  Sheila is also a retired Army First Sergeant.
Sheila Rondeau on LinkedIn
Website URL: https://mogxp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sheila.rondeau.steinmark
https://www.instagram.com/sheila_mogxp/

About our Host:
Natalie Benamou is the host of "Women Leaders on the Move '' and the Founder of HerCsuite®, a powerful women's network providing connect circles for women’s careers and businesses. She is dedicated to making it easier for women to achieve success in all aspects of their lives. Natalie is also the Founder and President of HER HEALTHX, a nonprofit focused on improving health outcomes for women.
Natalie Benamou on LinkedIn
HerCsuite® on LinkedIn

Featured HerCsuite® Solution
HerCsuite® Turnkey Event Services provides organizations end to end services for summits, workshops and ERG programs.
Listen, Review, Subscribe Apple Podcast

Ready for a transformative conversation on leadership? Cate Hollowitsch, Chief Marketing Officer of Nesnah Ventures, sits down with host Natalie Benamou and explores what it means to take two steps forward and one step back. Together they explore Cate’s multifaceted career journey and the unexpected pitfalls of self-preservation in corporate culture. 

Cate shares how there can be a necessity of job hopping for career advancement, particularly for women in leadership roles.  In this compelling conversation, hear details of her TEDx talk and learn about FEAR Framework for Selfless Leadership.

Discover how letting go of control can supercharge team dynamics and personal growth. Find out why self-awareness and curiosity are absolute game-changers for high achievers and leaders. 

In this engaging discussion, we explore the complexities faced by high achievers in the workplace. 

Key Takeaways:
1. Letting go of control can significantly enhance team dynamics and foster personal growth.
2. Self-awareness and curiosity are crucial for high achievers and leaders to navigate workplace complexities effectively.
3. Tailored communication and feedback are essential for managing ambitious and competitive individuals without stifling their potential.

Quotes:
1."Job hopping can be a crucial strategy for women aiming for leadership roles."
2. "Self-awareness and curiosity are absolute game-changers for high achievers and leaders."
3. "The FEAR Framework for Selfless Leadership is about transforming how we lead by prioritizing others."
4. Unexpected pitfalls of self-preservation in corporate culture can hinder true leadership growth."

About Our Featured Guest
Cate Hollowitsch is the Chief Marketing Officer for Nesnah Ventures. She is a 2024 Titans of Industry for the state of Wisconsin, and TEDx Speaker. She created the F.E.A.R. Framework™ for Selfless Leadership.  She is also the author of Confidence Counts, and Mastering the Game of Office Politics and a professor in digital marketing.
Featured Speaker: 
LinkedIn


About our Host:
Natalie Benamou is the host of "Women Leaders on the Move '' and the Founder of HerCsuite®, a powerful women's network providing mastermind programs, turnkey speaker event services and Connect Circles for Entrepreneurs to launch their coaching businesses. She is dedicated to advancing women's careers and leadership skills.
Natalie Benamou on LinkedIn
HerCsuite® on LinkedIn

Featured HerCsuite® Solution
HerCsuite® Turnkey Event Services provides organizations end to end services for summits, workshops and ERG programs.
Listen and Subscribe: Apple Podcast

Thank you Cate Hollowitsch for being a featured guest and valued member of HerCsuite®!
Keep shining your light bright. The World Needs You!

What if you could turn early childhood experiences into a four-decade career in sales? Join host Natalie Benamou as she sits down with Jean Wright, a seasoned sales professional, who began her journey at the age of 11 selling Girl Scout cookies. Jean is a Sales Confidence Builder and shares how those early lessons in persistence and persuasion laid the foundation for her successful career across various industries. From tackling the nuances of selling services versus products to penning her inspiration-filled book, "Selling Your Confidence: Forging a Successful Sales Career with Mint Cookies to Martinis," this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration.

Key Takeaways: Unique Strengths Women Bring to Sales:
Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: 
Women often excel in these areas, making them powerful tools for solving problems and building authentic client relationships.Adept Listening Skills: Effective listening helps understand client needs and fosters trust.Overcoming Negative Self-Talk: 
Confidence plays a crucial role in sales success.Practical Strategies: Jean suggests maintaining a confidence file to bolster self-assurance. Making Connections and Networking
Forming Meaningful Relationships: Building connections can make the sales process more effective and less intimidating.Empowering Ecosystem: Alliances and partnerships, such as those with HerCsuite® and Lioness Magazine, create supportive communities that empower women.Celebrating Supportive Communities: Recognizing and leveraging these networks can inspire others and enhance professional success.Tune in to celebrate the importance of recognizing and leveraging inherent strengths, building self-confidence, and forming meaningful connections in the sales profession. Discover how supportive communities can help you shine your light brightly and inspire others to do the same.
3 Quotes:
"Women have that ability to be empathetic, to be emotional, and we're nurturing and we usually have pretty good listening skills."
"Confidence in sales isn't about knowing all the answers. It's about being willing to find them."
"Your network is your net worth. The connections you build are invaluable assets."
"Listening is not just hearing words, but understanding the emotions and needs behind them."

Listen to this episode for an inspiring conversation with Jean Wright and learn how to unlock your sales confidence. 

About our Guest:
Jean Wright is a seasoned sales professional with a four-decade career in various industries including personnel agencies, sports entertainment, business office services, member organizations, and print/digital media. She has earned recognition for exceptional customer service and sales expertise, ascending to management-level positions. Her debut book, "Selling Your Confidence: Forging a Successful Sales Career from Mint Cookies to Martinis," documents her sales journey, from selling Girl Scout Cookies at age 11 through her adult sales career. Her real-life stories offer valuable insights and practical sales tips for prospecting, networking, and closing deals confidently.
Please explain your area of expertise: Confidence in sales building for women entrepreneurs
LinkedIn  
Website https://sellingyourconfidence.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jean.sells.confidence/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sellingyourconfidence

About our Host:
Natalie Benamou is the host of "Women Leaders on the Move '' and the Founder of HerCsuite®, a powerful network creating an ecosystem of limitless opportunities. She is dedicated to advancing women's careers and leadership skills.
Natalie Benamou on LinkedIn
HerCsuite® on LinkedIn

Featured HerCsuite® Entrepreneur Service:
HerCsuite® Connect Circles where women entrepreneurs are building digital courses and group coaching businesses inside HerCsuite® Network Platform and App.
Listen and Subscribe:
Keep shining your light bright. The World Needs You!

Today we are exploring a vital topic about women’s heart health. Host Natalie Benamou sits down with Patty Jassak, a nurse and expert in medical affairs, patient advocacy, and healthcare improvement. Patty has an extensive career journey in nursing and medical leadership and shares her personal experiences with hypertension. This episode offers invaluable insights and practical advice for women to take control of their heart health.

4 Ways to Make Heart Care A Priority

1. Focus on Your Self-Care:  Make time for relaxation, exercise, and proper nutrition. These foundational elements are crucial for maintaining overall well-being and heart health.  "It's more important than anything else that you take care of you, that you have some time to relax, time to spend alone, time to take a walk, time to exercise, time to eat right."-Patty Jassak

2. Recognize and Communicate Symptoms: Understand that symptoms of heart disease in women can be subtle and often misinterpreted as stress or anxiety. Patty emphasizes the importance of proactive health management. "We often dismiss those symptoms until they're flat in your face and you can't ignore them anymore, and that sometimes, unfortunately for some people, can be too late."-Patty Jassak

3. Utilize Technology and Resources: Leverage available tools like smartwatches, health apps, and blood pressure monitors to keep track of your heart health. Make use of reputable resources like the American Heart Association for guidance and support.  "A great resource is the American Heart Association. Discover and evaluate the best treatments."- Natalie Benamou

4. Communicating with Healthcare Providers: The more information you can deliver in detail the better the health outcomes.  "Speak to healthcare professionals and describe your symptoms: I've been dizzy, I'm nauseated, my arm has been tingling, I'm having tightness in my chest, I feel like I have acid reflux."-Patty Jassak

Important Resource: Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

Join us July 25th for a special event for Heart Care is the New Self-Care with Patty Jassak. Register Here.

This podcast is sponsored by HER HEALTHX a nonprofit organization focused on quantifying the cost of medical gaslighting to improve health outcomes for women.
Find our more here: https://herhealthx.org/

Favorite Quotes:
1. "If we put ourselves last, then the likelihood is that we'll get drained out and we won't be able to take care of others."-Patty Jassak

2. "Health first is a major thing that women need to do. It's more important than anything else that you take care of yourself."- Patty Jassak

3. "You need time to relax, time to spend alone, time to take a walk, time to exercise, time to eat right—time to do all those really good components that make us better as a person and healthier."
-Patty Jassak

About:
Patty Jassak on LinkedIn: Patty Jassak, MS, RN, CHCP, FACEhp
HMP Education 

Host Information:
Natalie Benamou is the host of "Women Leaders on the Move '' and the Founder of HerCsuite®, a powerful network creating an ecosystem of limitless opportunities. She is dedicated to advancing women's careers and leadership skills.
Natalie Benamou on LinkedIn
HerCsuite® on LinkedIn

Listen and Subscribe:
Don't miss this enlightening episode on the transformative power of women's leadership in M&A. Subscribe to "Women Leaders on the Move" on your favorite podcast platform, and be sure to rate and review the show if you found it helpful. 

Keep shining your light bright. The World Needs You!

Today we look at the unique strengths women bring to the high-stakes world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Join host Natalie Benamou as she sits down with Jennifer Fondrevay, Chief Humanity Officer at Day One Ready and author of "Now What: A Survivor's Guide for Thriving Through M&A." Jennifer shares her career journey and the powerful roles that intuition, empathy, and emotional intelligence play in M&A success.

Jennifer recounts her eye-opening experience interviewing over 60 CEOs and discusses how women can transform the M&A landscape by leveraging their unique skills. Get inspired by real-life stories of female M&A professionals who have become trusted advisors by tapping into their foresight and emotional intelligence. 

Jennifer also offers actionable advice for women aspiring to board roles, emphasizing the importance of human capital management and the often-overlooked process of re-interviewing for jobs post-acquisition.

Whether you're an M&A professional, a board member, or simply interested in leadership and business strategy, this episode is a must-listen. Learn how to harness the transformative potential of women's leadership in M&A and elevate your career and business outcomes.

Explore how women's intuition, empathy, and foresight can reveal unseen factors, foster open communication, and anticipate future challenges in M&A. Jennifer shares a compelling story about a woman who kept a deal on track by minimizing ego conflicts and discusses the importance of having allies in the boardroom.

Discover the intricate interplay between data-driven decisions and cultural alignment in M&A. Jennifer highlights the often- under appreciated superpowers women bring to the table, such as intuition and emotional intelligence, and provides actionable advice for women seeking board roles. Jennifer also touches on the critical aspect of re-interviewing for jobs post-acquisition and its impact on employee morale.

Favorite Quotes:
1. "The emotional aspect, the compassion, empathy, intuition piece of M&A is so important to success yet often overlooked. It’s these very qualities that can foresee potential management conflicts and cultural misfits early in the deal process."

2. "You cannot be attached to your past achievements. You need to highlight what you're going to do for the company moving forward. It’s not about what your job was before. It’s about what is your skill set and expertise that's going to contribute to the future."

3. “Highlight a program you created to onboard employees so that you didn't lose talent. Leaning into that and showcasing your unique contributions to human capital management during M&As can significantly enhance your board resume."

This is a must-listen to interview if you are on a board, are creating M&A opportunities or work with human capital.
Thank you Jennifer, for being a featured speaker today!
Keep shining your light bright. The world needs you.

About Jennifer J. Fondrevay:
Jennifer J. Fondrevay is the Chief Humanity Officer at Day One Ready and the author of "Now What: A Survivor's Guide for Thriving Through M&A." With extensive experience in M&A, Jennifer focuses on the human side of business transformations, helping companies and leaders navigate the complexities of mergers and acquisitions.
Jennifer Fondrevay on LinkedIn 
Website: https://jenniferjfondrevay.com
X @jjfondrevay
Forbes Article: Women Posses Superpowers in Merger & Acquisition Success

Host Information:
Natalie Benamou is the host of "Women Leaders on the Move" and the Founder of HerCsuite®, a powerful network creating an ecosystem of limitless opportunities. She is dedicated to advancing women's careers and leadership skills.
Natalie Benamou on LinkedIn
HerCsuite® on LinkedIn

Show Sponsor:
This podcast is sponsored by HerCsuite® Boards Mastermind Circle