Lead Like a Woman: Tales From the Trenches Part 2

Julie Fry is the CEO and Founder of Your Expert Guest, a podcast booking agency specializing in connecting service providers and impact-driven leaders with top-ranked podcast shows. Before Your Expert Guest, Julie was the CEO of Business Among Moms (BAM), where she provided visibility and education for mom-owned small businesses. Prior to BAM, she spent 11 years as the National Account Manager for canine hardware company Chuckit. Passionate about the power of meaningful conversations, Julie aims to help experts and business owners leverage podcast guesting as a tool for increasing visibility, brand awareness, and lead generation.

In this episode…

Feeling stuck in your career despite having a clear vision for your future? You might be yearning to break free from the confines of corporate life and pursue your entrepreneurial dreams. But how do you navigate this transition while ensuring you gain the exposure needed to thrive in your new venture?

Podcast matchmaker Julie Fry shares her remarkable journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship. With over 2300 interviews booked for clients and a keen focus on tracking business growth through podcast appearances, Julie unveils the power of podcasting as a tool for thought leadership and audience engagement. To be an effective podcast guest, you must showcase your expertise and connect with the audience by understanding your audience and building a relationship with the host.

In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston sits down with Julie Fry, the CEO and Founder of Your Expert Guest, to discuss how to ensure your message matters as a podcast guest. Julie talks about how she created Your Expert Guest, who should consider being a podcast guest, and tracking the ROI of your podcast appearances.

Mikelann Valterra is a money coach, writer, speaker and leader in the personal finance space. Over the past 20 years, she’s worked with individuals to manage their cash flow more effectively. Mikelann has been quoted in numerous publications, appeared on dozens of radio shows, appeared on television spots, and written for Forbes and Credit.com. She is also an accredited financial counselor (AFC®).

In this episode…

Many people remain stressed about money even if they make a good income. If that sounds like you, then it might mean that you’re in a “money fog”. So how can you develop a good relationship with money?

Financial coach Mikelann Valterra explores how to effectively manage your money by improving your relationship with money. A lot of us grow up with no idea of how to handle money because it’s not openly discussed in many families. As a result, we may develop unhealthy, paranoid money personalities. However, Mikelann asserts that talking to your kids about money can help them to develop healthy financial habits that will pay off in their futures.

In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston hosts money coach Mikelann Valterra to discuss how to rise above the “money fog”. She talks about her new book and the meaning of “money fog”, how men and women differ in financial stress management, and three key questions to keep you out of a “money fog”.

Dr. Michelle Jorgensen is the Founder of Total Care Academy, which teaches dentists to provide health-based dental care, and Living Well with Dr. Michelle, where she offers guidance for healthy living and natural health care. As a Functional Integrative Dentist (DDS) and a Board Certified Traditional Naturopath (BCTN), she founded Total Care Dental and Wellness to combine dental and overall health to heal chronic diseases. Dr. Michelle started the Living Well Foundation, a nonprofit providing organic, locally grown food and teaching communities how to grow their own food.

In this episode…

Research shows that 50-60% of people haven’t reached an ideal level of happiness. They often reference guides on attaining happiness, not recognizing that it’s a subjective state of mind differing between individuals and cultures. What actionable steps can you take to achieve happiness and general well-being?

After developing mercury poisoning from exposure to metal cavity fillings, naturopathic dentist Dr. Michelle Jorgensen was ready to sell her practice. However, discovering the power of homegrown foods and holistic care led her to a life of health, wellness, and satisfaction. Dr. Michelle maintains that fear, negativity, and scarcity are harmful and limiting environments. Through self-sufficient living, you can gain the skills and abilities to care for yourself, creating security and vigor. 

Join Andrea Heuston in today’s episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as she sits down with Dr. Michelle Jorgensen, the Founder of Living Well with Dr. Michelle, to discuss the importance of maximizing your health and well-being. Dr. Michelle shares her definition of living well, her journey into entrepreneurship, and how she helps patients transform their health.

Merrie H. Reagan is a former educational tutor, small business owner, and writer. She is the author of Life Flashes, a memoir, diary, and biography recounting spiritual recovery from illness, unemployment, and broken relationships. Beyond her professional endeavors, Merrie enjoys reading, ballroom dancing, singing, homemaking, and yard work.

In this episode…

Are you constantly dragged down by hardships in your personal or professional life? How can you stop struggling and relinquish your victim mindset to gain spiritual freedom?

After grappling with mental illness and emotional turmoil, Merrie H. Reagan began writing to experience a spiritual journey. She maintains that viewing yourself as a victim leads to self-entitlement and a lack of confidence. Instead, accepting and embracing the conflict lets you recognize divine energy and experience gratitude for life’s beauty. Merrie also emphasizes the importance of engaging in activities you enjoy rather than living by others’ expectations.

In today’s episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston welcomes Merrie H. Reagan, the author of Life Flashes, to discuss her spiritual journey. Merrie explains the importance of writing for an audience, how she merged global events with personal reflections, and her creative inspirations.

April Roberts is the Founder of the Vixen Gathering, a coaching program and community for Gex X female entrepreneurs looking to scale to seven figures while enjoying life. As a keynote speaker, podcast host, and high-performing coach, she has helped guide hundreds of women’s transformations. April has been coaching entrepreneurs for 15 years through her financial practice and the Vixen Gathering.

In this episode…

Many Gen X women have reached a turning point where they’ve achieved their career goals and started a family. This sense of finality can cause them to lose direction and feel unfulfilled. How can you achieve personal satisfaction to reignite your passions?

Having grown tired of living for others, self-established coach April Roberts discovered how to live her best life while juggling other responsibilities. She maintains that women face burnout when exerting their masculine energies in both personal and professional endeavors. Instead, women must channel feminine attributes to identify a work-life balance and attain optimal happiness. This often requires structuring your calendar around your energy by scheduling time for relaxation and enjoyment.

In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston sits down with April Roberts, the Founder of Vixen Gathering, to talk about finding enjoyment in your personal and professional life. April gives an overview of her podcast, explains how to transition from masculine to feminine attributes, and shares the importance of defining your personal values and goals.

Danielle Cobo is a motivational keynote speaker, best-selling author, and medical sales career consultant who helps organizations lead through change. As a former Fortune 500 senior sales manager, she built a high-performing team despite company-wide downsizing, restructuring, and acquisitions. This earned Danielle several awards, including Regional Sales Manager of the Year and four Sales Excellence awards. She is also the author of Unstoppable Grit and the host of the Unstoppable Grit podcast.

In this episode…

The professional landscape is demanding, especially for women leaders. These individuals face immense pressure in all aspects of their lives. How can you cultivate sheer determination to mitigate burnout and grow exponentially?

Versatile leader Danielle Cobo was raised by a domineering mother who eventually committed suicide, nearly lost her husband in the Iraq war, and experienced a toxic work culture. Rather than surrendering to her trauma, Danielle identified and honed her propensity for resilience and grit. When facing hardships in work and life, she advises recognizing when to reprioritize and rest. Before lending yourself to others, caring for yourself, your family, and your business is vital to foster a long-term impact.

On today’s episode of The Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston speaks with Danielle Cobo about her path to resilience and determination. Danielle shares how to discover your superpowers, the origin story of her brand, and how her traumas shaped her career journey.

Hayley Painter is the Co-founder and Co-CEO of Painterland Sisters, an Icelandic-style Skyr yogurt made with USDA-certified organic milk. As a fourth-generation farmer, she strives to sustain her family’s organic regenerative farm in rural Pennsylvania. Hayley believes in nutritious, sustainable food and connects consumers to its source. In 2024, she and her sister were named in Forbes 30 Under 30 in the food and drink category.

In this episode…

Farmers are the foundation of US society, paving the way for consumers to work and live. Yet many farmers struggle to stay in business, especially those prioritizing sustainability and regeneration. One inspiring woman has revitalized the industry by empowering and connecting local farmers.

With a mission to accelerate sustainable agriculture, pioneer and connector Hayley Painter engages with and supports diverse farmers to facilitate balanced regeneration. Having grown up on her family’s dairy farm, she recognizes the value of accelerating other farm’s unique missions to strengthen and integrate like-minded communities. When advancing these beneficial relationships, Hayley recommends creating a dialogue with those inside and outside your network. 

Tune in to the Lead Like a Woman Show as Andrea Heuston sits down with Hayley Painter, the Co-founder and Co-CEO of Painterland Sisters, to discuss the brand’s mission to elevate farmers. Hayley describes how the brand became national, the farm’s early history and manufacturing process, and why she produces Icelandic-style Skyr yogurt.

Hannah Smolinski is the Founder and CEO of Clara CFO Group, a virtual CFO agency providing small businesses with financial clarity and profit maximization strategies. As a CPA, Hannah's professional experience with one of the world's largest accounting firms shaped her vision of bringing high-level financial expertise to the small business community. She founded Clara CFO Group to be a trusted resource for small businesses as they navigate key financial decisions, strive for sustainable revenue, and plan for scale.

Hannah also hosts a YouTube channel with over 50,000 subscribers, where she extends her mission of empowering small businesses. Through this platform, she shares financial strategies, best practices, and educational resources that assist companies in understanding their financial statements and achieving financial success.

In this episode…

The majority of US companies are small businesses, and women own 40% of them. Yet many of these entrepreneurs lack knowledge and awareness of how to manage their finances. Through empathy and accessible education, one leader helps women and other small business owners gain financial clarity.

For many small business entrepreneurs, finances constitute their income and life savings, which often hampers their decision-making. With many of these professionals lacking transparency and managing their companies based on money in the bank, it’s crucial to maintain emotional intelligence to guide them through their journeys. As a CPA and entrepreneur, Hannah Smolinski hires analysts and consultants who possess a keen sense of empathy. She also creates comprehensible content to educate small businesses on loans and forecasting.

In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston invites Hannah Smolinski, the Founder and CEO of Clara CFO Group, to address financial management basics for small businesses. Hannah shares common financial management mistakes, her experience working for her family’s business, and how she educates businesses through transparency.

Barbara Wichmann is the Founder and CEO of ARTEMIA, a full-service strategic communications and digital marketing agency. As a marketing and communications strategist, she prioritizes DEIA in public outreach, national advertising, and culturally relevant in-language marketing programs. Barbara has garnered media coverage for her clients in outlets, including Good Morning America, the New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal.

In this episode…

Women-owned businesses comprise 40% of all businesses in the US, amassing $2.7 trillion annually. These companies have a tremendous impact on local communities, providing support and spearheading environmental, social, and governance initiatives. How can you advance your endeavors to inspire your community?

Through empathy and reciprocation, women-owned companies promote employee, partner, and community growth. Drawing on her upbringing in the Netherlands, sustainability strategist Barbara Wichmann established a Women’s Business Enterprise certified, ESG-focused, and green business. She maintains that female-led organizations can assess and mitigate their carbon footprints, provide training and other resources for employees, and educate the community on social and environmental initiatives.

Tune in to this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as Andrea Heuston sits down with Barbara Wichmann, the Founder and CEO of ARTEMIA, to discuss her social and environmental impact. Barbara details her path to entrepreneurship, how to become ESG certified, and her experience as a member of WBEC.

Krista Bourne is a business leader and speaker who specializes in sales, service, operations, and workplace culture. As the former Chief Operating Officer of Verizon’s Consumer Group, she led five consumer channels, including 1,500 corporate stores and more than 5,000 authorized retail stores, multiple non-exclusive national retail relationships, and a globally operated customer service program. Krista focuses on challenging biases, embracing diversity and inclusion, and mentoring underrepresented groups into sales leadership roles.

In this episode…

Everyone has choices to make in their professional lives. Rather than relying on fate alone, your decisions shape your impact and how you present yourself. Learn how calculated choices can help you become a powerful leader.

After dropping out of college to raise a child at 19 years old, Black business leader Krista Bourne decided she didn’t want to become another statistic. Through self-discipline, leadership, and personal accountability, Krista became a key changemaker at a Fortune 20 company before transferring her skills to coach other rising professionals. By choosing to build a portfolio of skills, capabilities, and experiences, you can communicate and lead authentically through storytelling.

In today’s segment of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston invites Krista Bourne to speak about creating an intentional life. Krista shares how storytelling facilitates effective communication, how to silence your critics through authentic leadership, and her approach to leading professionals.